General Information
During the year 2000 D J Clark built a visual record of the Lancaster &
Morecambe district using photographs and information submitted by those that
feature in the pictures. The project was conducted in association with Lancaster
Museum and has been archived for future generations to look back at the district
at the turn of the new Millennium. For more information on the project visit
the information page. If you find a caption is
wrong or there is a fault with the page please e-mail D
J Clark.
Date:
23.7.00
Location: Morecambe Bay
Photographer's Diary
Sunday 23rd July - Bay Walk
After the success of the previous morning I dragged myself out of bed at dawn,
ears still ringing. This time I took my bike, down the Lune valley to photograph
a crossing point the new Western Bypass was scheduled for. Why I asked myself
would anyone who could be here now ever support such madness - it was stunningly
beautiful and peaceful. The thought of four lanes of traffic passing overhead
seemed criminal - but how many times has this been said in the past.
It clouded over within minutes of my arrival and I abandoned
the shoot to return home. I lazed for a hour and then set off for Arnside to
meet a cross bay walk. Arriving on time, I parked my car and walked to a meeting
point where I introduced myself and paid a donation for the walk. I had opted
to wear a camera jacket to make the walk easier and was therefore instantly
recognised as the "Official Photographer". Official I was not but
I used the attention to promote the project to the 400 or so walkers.
We set off late and walked to the edge of the Bay where once again we sat and
waited. I found someone who had made the walk before and got some hints during
the preamble and with a little knowledge I approached the guide to introduce
myself and tell him about my project. As I was to discover later he was a great
publicist and enjoyed my attention. We set off across the Bay and I stayed at
the front talking to Cedric the guide. His story had been well documented by
the local & national media as the walk became more and more famous. He spoke
to me about New York film crews who had found him on the Web, and the second
edition of his award winning book, but his appearance and manner were very humble.
I was hooked and fascinated, the six mile walk seemed like a short stroll by
the time we finished, as most of the trip I had put down my camera to hear 'Cedrics
tales. One couple complained we were going too slow and mumbled about writing
to the paper. Cedric replied, "you are welcome to go ahead by yourself".
When your surrounded by some of the most dangerous quicksand in the world the
guide becomes God and Cedric seemed to enjoy this.
We arrived at Kent's bank and I said farewell. I was left with a long wait for
the train and opted in stead to call Maggie and beg a lift. She came for me
and we went for lunch in Arnside.