Prepare for Take Off.

Our walk 'took off' or rather started from the York Gate Quarry car park on Otley Chevin and, after a short loop, headed eastwards through mainly woodland to the trig point on East Chevin. It was a glorious Spring morning of the kind you dream about all Winter when you're turning out on chilly wet days. It wasn't long, therefore, before we had to have a short break as the ladies stripped down to sun tops and tee shirts (the second 'take off' of the day). Our morning coffee break was taken in Bramhope, to the rear of The Fox and Hounds. Duly refreshed we made our way towards Arthington Bank where we were entertained by the spectacular flight of red kites, still a rare sight in this country. Was this the 'take off' we were asked to prepare for? A mile or so beyond there we changed direction and headed southwards, passing close by Eccup and on to the beautiful Golden Acre Park for lunch.

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Continuing on through the park we took time to admire the colourful banks of azaleas, then heading westwards we were met by the contrasting sight and noise of aircraft, taking off from Leeds and Bradford Airport. Surely this must be the take off we were meant to prepare for. Unfortunately with neither tickets nor passports, we were forced to continue our walk through East and West Carlton, then along the bridlepath on Guiseley Moor and back to our cars. There were 10 of us on the walk, which was just short of 17 miles. Ten is a nice number for this sort of walk, with plenty of banter and good humour all round, a chance to chat to everyone and no one either getting too far in front or behind the leader. Well led by Glenn, who at the end got out his usual 'bath tub' and stripped down to his waist to wash. Was this the 'Take off' we were meant to prepare for? For those who could bear the sight that is!!!!

Stan.