Jan 4th
The first weekend in the New Year means that some of us go out and test the mud between Stockwood and Queen Charlton. This year we had four Cubs; Ryan C, Shaun, Paris and Breiz. They did bring along some family and friends so it was about twenty people who set out from the Scutt at mid-day. It was bright and calm, within a few hundred metres the sun could be seen trying to burn through the clouds. By the time we left Stockwood we were in watery sunshine.
Past the Horse World attraction and off road, The first few fields must be owned or leased by Horse World as they had a few horses in them. They also had quite a range of mud and water, well some liquid that we will call water anyway. Horses being fairly inquisitive came over to see if were carrying anything that they might be able to scrounge, sadly we were not. This year the Cubs and Leaders were well equipped with proper hiking boots or wellies. Only one or two people wore their school trainers.
The sun was shining brightly as we traversed the valley just out side Queen Charlton, not a trace of frost and the fields were a lot greener than they had been this time last year, some of the willows actually had catkins on them. We stopped in Queen Charlton to let the stragglers catch up. Getting China, the short haired Old English Sheepdog around over or under the stiles was proving to be an occasional small problem.
After Queen Charlton, still without a pub, more fields were crossed. down one side of another valley and up and along the other side. The sheep that had welcomed Akela and Rich (Scout Leader) last year were in another field and were not as friendly this year, perhaps the dogs (on leads) were the reason or perhaps it was because Akela and Rich hadn't written since last year.
The bridge at the half way point was reached, a short break taken and onwards. This was where we had an 'out of boot' experience. The mud was sticky and deep and on a steep incline so it was not easy. A scramble up onto the old metalised road took us back, eventually, to our resting place at Queen Charlton. This is where the fun and joy go out of the walk for the smaller walkers. It is a stiff climb along a narrow road with large deep cold puddles that must be jumped in. The road surface was uneven and the rocks loose enough to make it hard going.
The walk back to the Scutt was continued along the same route as our outward journey only in reverse.(?) This was now a real trial for some of the youngsters and also for one of the older Leaders. The only thing to keep the Leader going was the knowledge that Martin would have the pub open and we could enjoy a lemonade before going home. We got back to the Scutt and signed Akela's Certificate. Certificates were given out to all who wanted one.
Imagine our disappointment when it appeared that the pub was shut, Hathi had to leave as it was his eldest son's birthday, he had barely got a quarter of a mile down the road when the phone rang; "Pub's open, fancy a beer?"
Thanks to Akela for organising the walk and the sunshine, to Shaun and Hannah for the map-reading and leading. Thanks to all that took part it was a fun couple of hours. China the dog went from a pristine white to a muddy 'booted' creature. I hope he enjoyed the wash down as much as the walk. Thanks to Aimee's Mum, Kim, we have names for the next five years, perhaps she would like to come on another walk in those years.
Perhaps I'm getting old but we used to get much better mud when I was younger.
