21.1.07              A JAUNT WITH JIM

 17 miles was the target but leader Jim neglected to tell us until we finished as night fell that these were Irish miles, which equated to 22 of our ‘normal’ ones. This came as something of a shock to, Anne, our unsuspecting guest though she took it - and the acres of slippery mud in her stride.
Six more of us accompanied her and Jim as we left his house bright and early. After slithering South along the River Petteril past the village of Wreay, coffee was taken adjoining Barrock Park Care Home. Carefully avoiding admission we proceeded, via a sharp hail shower, to join the majestic River Eden after Armathwaite.
The fine riverbank was followed for the next 6 or so miles as we admired its stately progression seaward. Leaving the Eden near Wetheral we made a dash westward via further sodden fields in a vain attempt to finish in daylight. All agreed, over welcome tea and scones, that it had been an excellent day out. Many thanks to both Anne for her kind hospitality and Jim for devising an interesting route.