Leader: Donald the Reindeer

Merrian's photos and map of the route https://www.flickr.com/gp/60620372@N07/o04mA219b8

Steve Clark:
Well, what a day. 11 intrepid walkers put their little presents in Santa’s sack then left the Parson's car park in Irchester in dry weather, but that was to change. We headed out across the countryside heading for Wymington where we sang our first carol of the day, then on to Podington for our second carol and tea break. It was there that the first signs of rain arrived. Conditions underfoot got very muddy in places; it was like trying to walk with moon boots on at times.

Donald the Reindeer (our leader) did tell us at the start that there was no stiles, but not long after we left the car park we came across our first stile, then the second, then the third and so on, (It just goes to prove you can’t trust a reindeer.)

We arrived at Farndish where we had our third carol. As the church was empty we went inside to sing and, as it was raining, it was a relief. Then it was on to Wollaston for our next carol and mince pies and hot mulled wine. The hot mulled wine was a relief as it had been raining for a while and we were wet and cold. But that did not dampen our spirits. We left Wollaston and headed back to Irchester for our last carol of the day.

The route we took back was the reverse of my walk  “The Nene and Summerleys” between Irchester and Wollaston, but a lot wetter. It had been raining for quite some time and I was wet through.

At the church in Irchester I videoed the last song (the video is on FB)  and then it was back to the cars for Xmas cake and log cake all made by master chef Donald the Reindeer and of course Santa’s presents. The Xmas cake was cut by our newly elected Chair, Sarah.

It was another great walk but it did get cold and wet (in fact it rained for most of the day) and at times it was very muddy underfoot. Sarah played carols on her I-phone as we walked in the rain and we had a sing a along to keep up the spirits as we walked. Nice one Cyril, sorry Sara, or is it Sarah.

After Xmas cake and log cake some headed for The Hill pub in Wollaston for a well needed beer. Sitting in the pub I couldn’t stop shivering. That boozer definitely needs a log fire!.

Photos - most from Steve, but a few from Gill and Liz at the end