![](https://i0.wp.com/blog.duncanmoran.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/sprung.jpg?resize=316%2C549&ssl=1)
Awaking from my winter hibernation I ventured out to find that spring was happening already. As I had not walked for a while I decided to keep to a local River Mersey – Sale Water Park loop; if it proved to be too much I could hop on a tram half way round and return home.
It was not too arduous, being mostly level, and I managed the full nine and a bit miles.
![](https://i0.wp.com/blog.duncanmoran.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/map.png?resize=705%2C420&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/blog.duncanmoran.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/elevation.png?resize=1024%2C206&ssl=1)
Good to see the graffiti along the Floop is being kept up to date:
![](https://i0.wp.com/blog.duncanmoran.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/wall.jpg?resize=908%2C645&ssl=1)
A lady interrupted my stride enquiring about a bird perched on the goal post.
![](https://i0.wp.com/blog.duncanmoran.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/bird.jpg?resize=826%2C1024&ssl=1)
“Shag?” I retorted. Which seemed to alarm her for some reason. We decided it was something akin to a cormorant – which it almost certainly was.
The heron, which is usually around the water park, was exploring the other side of the river.
![](https://i0.wp.com/blog.duncanmoran.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/heron.jpg?resize=995%2C665&ssl=1)
The river banks are littered with the debris from the recent storms and flooding.
![](https://i0.wp.com/blog.duncanmoran.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/debris.jpg?resize=470%2C565&ssl=1)
With a week of warm and sunny weather forecast. and the aged legs still functioning, I may venture further afield at some point.