Walk Report

Henley Figure of Eight, Sunday 4th March 2012
12 walkers, 20 miles - leader Lonica Vanclay
12 people ignored the weather forecast and met at Henley station. We were soon reminded of how torrential rain feels, a sensation that has faded with recent talk of drought. Some of us had clearly been lulled into a false sense of security by last week's springlike weather & were inadequately clothed when the rain turned to sleet & then snow. The fine Chiltern views were obscured. The pace quickened in a vain attempt to keep warm....
The midway point found us back in Henley after 11 miles: 7 of the group withdrew at this point but 5, determined to gain the accolade of "well 'ard", refuelled in a charming Italian bistro and continued. The leader tinkered effectively with the route plan and the sleet turned to rain then stopped and we concluded at Shiplake in time for a pint before catching the train from a platform lit by the westering sun.

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