A very heavy storm between 5.00 and 6.30 caused flash floods and limited the number of people attending the annual carol singing event. The road out from Yelverton was awash with water and a flood just before the Walkhampton turn. There were just five who made to Norsworthy Bridge where surprisingly the stong wind and rain had stopped. It was decided we would have a gentle bimble into the woods. We took the track up to Leather Tor Bridge by the side of the fast flowing river. Then up to the leat and out to a clearing for some Christmas goodies. Mulled wine, hot glazed sausages, crisps and stollen cake - we know how to celebrate! Back under the moon and on to the Devon Tors.
Now that certainly sorted out the goldfish from the turkeys! To Scorriton on a very mild December day. It was rather windy and a wee bit wet and all the better for that. So, out we strode on the Two Moors Way and on through the deer gate. And there they were, resplendent red deer - weren't we lucky. Out to the open moor. The plan was to cross the wee Mardle Brook but it did look a bit too frightening. So, up, nearly to Hapsteads, before finding shelter in the old workings for a nice cuppa. Then back on the Sandy Way and through Michelcombe to the Tradesman's Arms. A pleasant lunch was taken and some even had coffee in front of the roaring woodburner.
We could mention that someone forgot to pay for their lunch, but that would just be ungentlemanly.
Well, a very pleasant morning for a walk indeed. Sunshine, a few clouds and a gentle breeze from the East. So, out we strode from Long Ash over the down to the cycle track. And along, admiring the new bridges and the Sustrans volunteers clearing the scrub. Over Magpie to the delightful Gem Bridge. Through the tunnel where the new access is being built to the Halfway house. And back down to Grenofen Bridge before heading back up the rocky lane to the cars. To the London Inn where we were intrigued by the Atbara porpoise laces.
7.30 p.m. Princetown 0.0⁰C where else would you be?
To Two Bridges which was very busy indeed
Up and out under a starry, starry sky
Frost just starting to crunch
Hang about searching for satellites, again and again, ...
Up to Littaford
On and over Longaford, of course, where coughing was heard
To Higher White
Down the wall to the leat take off
Which has had a make over
A nice cuppa under the Milky Way
To Beardown and on to the muddy track
Back to the ever reliable PoW
So, how do you get Bill to talk to the talking dog?
You really do have to be there ...
