We met in the Saxilby Village Hall car park, fifteen walkers including two guests and one new member. Our leader was Esther. The morning was cool but bright and we soon warmed up as the sun became stronger. On our outwood journey we met more cyclists than cars on the quiet lanes and tracks and above us we enjoyed the sight of a hot air balloon which passed over us. Breakfast stop was enjoyed then it was onto the Trent bank heading south for an interesting few miles. Its surprising how winding the course of the river is at that point. The tide must have been out because we didnt see any boats, just lots of mud. At Laughterton we headed southeast and left the river. Wooded tracks and quiet lanes took us to the lunch stop near the church in Thorney, where most of us made use of the seating in the childrens play park. The weather was beginning to change, becoming blustery with building cloud. As we started back towards Saxilby we felt the first spots of rain. We thought we'd missed the worst of the rainshowers but no, within a mile or so of the finish we got pretty soaked by a short sharp shower which hit us in the middle of an open field. It soon passed over and the sun returned for us to make the car park and finish in bright sunshine. A good autumn walk with lots of interest. Thanks to Esther for devising and leading the walk, to Lorna for the photos and to everyone who came along.