10/2/2023 Snowdrops at Newton Harcourt.

 It was a lovely bright, dry day for our walk to see the snowdrops at St Luke's Church, Newton Harcourt. 

There was a surprise announcement of two birthdays. Also a invitation to join in with cake at the end of the walk.

Three cheers, hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray, hip hip hooray.

Then on with the walk.

This new house built in the country divides opinion.

Now this is what we really went to see, carpets of snowdrops.

                               

Well worth the visit, never disappoints.

        

On with the walk, over the bridge then down to the canal side.

Perhaps by design or found a short cut - one of our walkers on the other side of the canal.

                   

The towpaths, because we had gone a few days without rain, were quite walkable.

Some repairs necessary.

Our customary group photo.

The photographer.

 On our way to St Wistan's and The Wistow Rural Centre                                      

Recreation at The Wistow Rural Centre cafe. 

Coffee, tea etc finished, now back to the cars and birthday cake.

                                       

Enjoyed by all

Not much left. Well done the birthday girl.

Looking forward to next week, see you all then.

27/1/2023 walking from Willoughby Waterleys to the Shires at Peatling Parva

 A couple of photos taken on the pre walk,  two days earlier. Cold, foggy, icy and damp.

Friday is a better day as we all met at the Village Hall in Willoughby.

All pre warned and well wrapped up we set off. Out of Willoughby then along Gilmorton Lane.

Everyone delighted to see the first lambs of the season.

Through a wood with a creepy fungus attached to everything.

On to the muddy bits where budding Sir Walter Raleigh's try to be helpful. 

Now a couple of fields to cross including stiles.

Horses sporting their winter gear.

Then down through St Andrew's Church yard where we were to have our first glimpse of snowdrops.

 Snowdrops, a good sign that spring will not be far behind.

Out on to Main Street passing some street creatures and on to the Shires for coffee/tea etc.

The Shires, where we normally sit outside to enjoy the view - much too cold today though.

After a surprise birthday rendition for one of our walkers we all ate cake to celebrate.

Then we said our good byes and thanks to the staff of the Shires.  Also to our walkers who had joined us for coffee.

Extra food for the ewes so that they can nourish their lambs. 

A lovely early spring feel-good experience.