No we didn’t all become "Fast & Furious" overnight, but the tale of the title will have to wait a bit!
As the self designated event and route planner there are a lot of things to consider before sending out detailed instructions to the many men ready for a Saturday morning walk. Skills I learnt serving 22 Years in the British Army and also gleaned from pouring over maps, like others read a novel.
But is was orienteering - 'The Thought Sport' , that gave me the experience. All those years running around the woods and moors of England and Europe are behind me now but the effort put into planning events for over 600 competitors in the New Forest, or a 2 day event in the hills of Cyprus day 1 and then on the UN Airfield in Nicosia for over 100 men from my Regiment and International guest competitors on day 2, SHOULD make organising a group of 6 middle aged men pretty simple. Or so you would think!
Weather, prominent meeting location, parking, time to travel, sharing of transport, length of walk, breakfast location. The list goes on.
0900hrs Meet at Church. (Sounds like I’m back in the Army on a Sunday morning in basic training). Roll Call, All present and correct, off we go! "Bill meet Scrumpy, Scrumpy meet Bill"
Todays walk was an anti clockwise loop taking us towards the foothills of Creech Hill with views up to Milton Clevedon, there was surprise in store as soon as we reached the farm track. A Purple and white cow, standing guard outside of a "Buy your own" milk station. Despite some hopes we would be stopping for refreshments, we pushed south with Scrumpy trying everything possible to get as close to Sully as possible, whilst keeping a keen eye on Bill's whereabouts.
Once off the main track Scrumpy was given a bit more length on the multi knotted lead and apart from the occasional diving between legs causing an alarming trip hazard, she settled into the walk very well. Clear of farm animals and knowing that she couldn't run too fast (could she?) after much deliberation, she was free! Free to chase Sully even more, jump up at him as if on springs, as she tried to ensure she fitted in with the dog protocols. All the time Bill minded his own business, keeping close to the Boss.
The walking pace was generally good and Scrumpy showed no signs of tiring. The route took us by St James church, rebuilt in 1790 on the site of an original 12th Century church, now a grade 2 listed building with a the three stage tower supported by diagonal buttresses and containing five bells, the oldest of which was cast in Bristol around 1380.
The route then headed back north along a lovely sunken lane into the village of Stratton before heading back to the church. Having dismissed the weary walkers, it was back into the cars for the short drive round the bottom of the Bath & West show ground site to the Thorner's Farm shop area on the A37, more precisely The Den,
We had previously had a cracking breakfast at this very welcoming café where our outside tables were booked in the patio area. Unfortunately for us, this area was not only in the shade but is right next to a vehicle servicing area where on this morning, someone was doing some remedial work on what must have been the oldest, smelliest and noisiest vehicle going. After much coughing and protesting, as our breakfasts were served we were allowed to move around to the front area, into the sunshine and away from the stench of diesel. Another cracking breakfast in the end, followed by a quick pop into the shop to stock up on the legendary Steak & Stilton pies.
Apologies for the lack of selfie this week and incorrect distance on the route map. (I’m still learning how the app works)!
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