Contrasting winter walks

OFS at HENLEY!!

A very disappointing turnout for this new venue. Sue Matthew, Dave and Eileen Mace were the only members who turned up for this glorious day at Henley on January 27th 2011. It would have only taken a little effort to support this venue, as there were plenty of car parking spaces. Or maybe because it was not Henley on Thames but Henley Beach, Adelaide, Australia that put you off – Ha ha!

Henley, Australia Henley, Australia Photo: Robert Yates

While you were all out enjoying yourselves making snowmen, we were struggling along the beach in hot sunshine and having to put more suntan lotion on – what a drag – and then having to force a cold beer or gin and tonic down us. It was all hard work. If you want more information on this venue don't hesitate to contact me, I'll be pleased to tell you all about it.

Eileen Mace

 

MINCE PIES and MULLED WINE

In contrast to the walk above, the pre-Christmas mulled wine and mince pie walk was walked in a snowstorm. Having made the start point in a gentle snow fall, the situation rapidly changed and two of the seven intrepid walkers turned back after about half an hour and had a treacherous journey back to Oxford and Abingdon. The remaining five ploughed on, literally, as paths became obscured by the falling snow. At the Combe steps we stopped for mince pies and mulled wine – there was plenty left over as the leader was expecting more walkers and the leader was bringing mince pies, but not mulled wine, for the coffee break on walks till Easter!

Combe Steps Combe Steps Photo: Liz Adams

The walk through the Blenheim estate was magical, not a footprint to be seen and the trees covered with snow, if we lost our footing it was a soft landing. As we approached the Wootton door, local residents were starting to come into the grounds with sledges, despite the notices, children were determined to make the most of this early Christmas present. A slightly hazardous trip home through Woodstock and back to Oxford, but a walk I would not have missed for anything, having spent so many years in Australia where mulled wine and mince pies are so inappropriate.

Liz Adams