Christmas is a coming.....
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| Sunday December 13th. Christmas Cracker Walk. Leader: Norman Thomas. Walkers: varied, from 50 upwards plus 3 dogs. 9am on a cold frosty morning saw 48 people leave Rivington on the annual Christmas Cracker walk. Norman has said for years that he would retire when the number reached 50 but he was thwarted at the beginning of the walk in this. After a good sharp pull to warm us up, the pigeon tower was reached and the first of many far reaching views could be admired. The Welsh Hills and the high fells of the lakes were visible as well as Blackpool Tower. We contoured along the hillside and then had a splish and a splosh up to the summit of Winter Hill. Here was a welcome break with entertainment. Firstly a low flying hang glider and secondly Normans chocolates and a quiz to excerise our minds. If you see Barbara on a walk, ask her if she is wearing her prize! Shortly after leaving the summit we were joined by 2 extra people who had got lost finding the meeeting place but I think that the magic number has to be those who start. Hard luck Norman, you'll have to try again next year! We followed the boundary path down from Winter Hill and made the traditional trip to "Bolton Beach" and a minutes silence to remember those who are no longer with us. Continuing down we passed through Walker Fold Woods and Old Links golf course to reach Bob's Smithy shortly after the expected time of noon. Here, the pub did us proud with pie and peas followed by delicious home made mince pies and cake. Many thanks to Betty for that. Viv presented Norman with a T shirt for his efforts and Andy Grifin awarded the "Pain in the Arse " trophy to Bill Taylor. We were joined at the pub by some who couldn't make the walk and others who strode with us for the afternoon. It was a shock to leave the warmth and go back into the cold air but Norman kindly made us warm by going straight up again and along to Two Lads. From here we visited Rivington Pike, still with good views and then plunged downwards to Liverpool Castle. The setting sun glowed on the water and the children had a good game of hide and seek. It was a quick return to the cars and the end of another Cracker. Thank you Norman. Ghyll Head Christmas Bash. Weds Dec 16th. 13 walkers This is an annual event where we stay 2 nights in the bungalow at Ghyll Head and walk for the day on Wednesday. Tuesday afternoon saw most people arrive for a touch of R and R. The evening meal was followed by quizzes and games with a small brewery being consumed. Breakfast was served bright and early on Wednesday morning and we set off on our way to walk in the area. I've no idea where we went but it was very pleasant with not too much mud and some lovely views. Lunch was on a hillside looking towards the high fells, the RAF paid us a visit and we were back well before dark. The evening meal was again followed by quizzes and games with another small brewery being consumed. You will have to ask those who stayed the answers to the following questions; Who won the competition for the best snorer? Who was the best fisherman? Who fired the meanest torpedo? Will Bill retain the PITA Trophy? All in all it was a jolly good do, thanks to Reg for his organisation. |
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