Meet up at Middleton Top
Thursday 8th April 2021
Once we had established which bit of Middleton we were meeting up at, the timing of the day was set in motion. The pandemic rules have changed so much since we last met, that some of us weren't quite sure that we were allowed out this far, but we were all within the county boundary, so that seemed to be ok. Our first group photo since forever!
Helen's lost Betty already.
And, not far behind for our second group photo. An admirable effort from Julia whose uphill walk from her house put the rest of us to shame; although to be fair, it is quite a hike, nay, even a drive, for some of us!
Maggie appears to have grown a maroon extension to her coat!
Whilst grabbing our first coffee, we made our plans for the walk but it took a bit of a time deciding how many hours to fill the car park machine with and which route to take. Up the track, or down? And, having forgotten how to speak in a group and not having had to make decisions for such a long time, it took a bit of time. Authorship of the blog however was made in an instant!!
So, it was decided: down the track, but up some steps first. Even though we can all count beyond six plus, we very quickly split into two groups.
Jo has now lost Bob!
Looking up the track.
Looking down the track, which is actually uphill.
Initially, Pam led the way and provided much needed information of where we were in relationship to our landscape. Walking poles are marvellous as pointing sticks so we all knew exactly what she was talking about.
But will Julia's two poles help add to any other information? .
Jo has now gone missing with Bob. See, the Rule of six works brilliantly even in a group of seven plus dogs. Would this have worked with the ever intrepid Lynn and Charlotte? Missed you both.. and your four-legged friends too.
I've attached Jo to my lead, now so she can't go missing.
A bit of concentration is occasionally needed, as yet another decision has to be made: over the stile or through the trough? It's so easy, Helen M can do it
With her eyes closed.
We admire long distance views and try to work out what's on the horizon. A pity Helen J hasn't lugged her telescope along, but luckily there's a helpful map
But slightly mis- aligned
So we still couldn't work out what the dark patch of trees miles and miles away was.
Can't even see it on the photo!
However, views over Middleton provided ample fun for working out where Pam once lived . Easy to spot: by the church, it has three windows, a skylight and a small garden.
But was very, very cold.
If only Pam had been into sheep-rustling, she could have kept a small flock downstairs, thereby benefitting from their natural heat plus making good use of their lovely warm wool!
Spot the sheep.
We've now lost Alison and Maggie, just as we learn that since Pam moved out, Middleton has become a bit more middle- market.
I'm not sure I agree
But, it is building on its capacity to create self-made nature programmes.
Well, it's a start.
But, we finally all meet up in a wide space to soak up a few rays where we have a quick catch up on 'must-see' TV. 'Line of Duty' and 'The Terror' are clear winners.
Blue sky!
Gauging how far we've come
We are now over half way through our walk, with a short wiggly route through someone's back yard to gain more views but are bit disappointed that the new technology hasn't moved the clouds along a bit further, although we are quite warm by now, so layers start to be removed!
Who doesn't love an old farm
And so we came to the end of a fabulous walk, always in small groups of up to six, but often less! With a final coffee and a snack we planned our next trip and hope to recognise each other with our new hairstyles, hopefully, fifty shades less grey!
Our bird count for the walk is at least in double figures:
blackbird
blue tit
buzzard
coal tit
crow
a charm of at least 7 goldfinch
great tit
jackdaw
magpie
pheasant
pied wagtail
skylark, heard but not seen
Wood anenome, not quite awake.
