2013 7th July 2013 - Angela's walk


Sun Jul 7  2013                               Gret  Wether in  Summer                            HEATWAVE!
 
Angela was inspired with her title for the  walk - it was very apt.  Although 27 degrees is modest compared with  recent temperatures of 56 in the USA; by British standards, especially after  such a long, soggy spell, it was positively hot.  I had prepared well, dug  out my shorts, after 2 years, worn a long sleeve top in case of flies and  sunburn and packed more liquid than usual.  My secret weapon was my parasol  (umbrella) to protect me from the worst heat - I know I am more of a cold  weather walker.  A party of 23 started, with John from South Wales LDWA  arriving just  in time.  From Silbury Hill we set off through Avebury,  almost  blocking the vicar in her car, and set off eastwards.  We  discussed Andy Murray's prospects in the Wimbledon final, Chris Froome and the  Tour de France and how the sarsen stones had arrived on the plains - was it  through glaciers?  We walked on Grey Wethers and dropped down to Lockeridge  for a very welcome lunch stop and pint at the "Who'd 'a' Thought It."  From  here Adrian and Sheila returned to Silbury Hill and home to watch Andy  Murray.  It was getting hotter but after  lunch the walk through West Wood gave us some respite.  We climbed up and  along the Ridgeway.  Occasional clouds relieved the heat of the sun, but  any breezes were hot.  We passed a White Horse and took a long northerly  descent back, with the sight of Silbury Hill in the distance.  "It's too  hot to walk and talk", said Jenny and I agreed as we continued the long walk  back.  We arrived at 5pm after 20 and a half miles.  On the  return to Bristol, I could only think of ice cream, a pot of tea and a cool  bath.
 
Bruce Young