And, it all looked so promising, for quite a few days, the promise was, that Wednesday morning, it would be absolutely tipping it down, and blowing a gale, so exactly, the right weather, to go to Lane End.
But, no, on arrival, it was not raining and merely windy, still, better get out there, so up and round the busy leat, no doubt, turning the turbines, at Mary Tavy, to power all those Christmas lights. Round Wilsworthy to marvel at the technology of a firing range, then the long plodge up to Hare for a warming drink.
Then down, into the Cleave, where the Tavy, was just gently, bubbling along, and then back along the rising leat, to the cars, and on to the Ele's nest.
Which was quite quiet, with a nice warm fire, other people started to turn up, so we left.
A cold and starry night and we did follow the leader south over the
frozen ground, across the little stream and up to the railway line
before going into the sheltered quarry. To the remains of a little hut
and we sat on what was left of the walls. A great feast then took place
with mulled wine, cheeses, sausage rolls and mince pies. The voices
did then sing, accompanied by the man with the organ. Eventually, we all
got cold and the singing came to an end. We left the quarry and
wandered over to King Tor before returning across the stream and the
frozen ground.
Here's Ho Ho to the strivers, shirkers and smirkers. Out the gallant team went from the Fox and Hounds on a starry, starry night. Up to Arms Tor and into the snow. On to Great Links for a warming drink. Then a tussocky trail out and round and back again not down not up but just sort of round. To the Dunna Goats which loomed large. Down the muddy track past Dick's Well to the Lyd and back to the frosty cars. The very quiet Fox and Hounds was open, bedecked in its Christmas finery. A cooling drink with lobster crisps before a frosty drive homewards.
A fine walk on a fine day. Always nice to meet up with old friends - not that he is old, in an old sort of way, just someone, you know, who has been around a bit, not in that way, just you know. Anyway nice. So out from Two Bridges in the sunshine with a cool north wind. And on past Wistman's Wood to Longaford Tor. Then down towards Powdermills where we met a most beautiful patch of lovely green grass. And it did not disappoint. Some tried to walk over it and others walk under it. Safely across to explore Powdermills and have a cuppa. Then back via Crockern Tor to the cars where most all retired to the PoW. When I say retired I don't mean retired like with nothing to do I just mean went on to the PoW although now I think of it all are retired and obviously have nothing at all to do except enjoy a lovely walk in one of the very best parts of the World.
You really do have to be there ...
