January 2016

December walk

Just 19 members braved the the overcast conditions that threatened rain at any moment, but remarkably apart from a few drops of drizzle lasting 3 minutes, it stayed dry throughout and at times actually brightened a little.

However, a relative level stroll on firm grassy paths (with two or three squelchy muddy patches in a very wet New Forest), gravel tracks and well sheltered from the winds in the woods all the time. Shame to see that the trees have lost their autumn colours already.

We welcomed new members Linda and Martin on their first walk with the group, not at all discouraged by the weather, I hope!

Dave W climbed a tree to take another aerial shot of the group!

Dave B

Pleasant walk today, no Sun but very little rain. It did have a half hearted go for a minute or two but gave up when it realised it was the u3a it was raining on. Found it was ignored and left! If you wish to know how many walked you will have to count 'em. The going was firm if a tadge muddy in places.

Dave W

December walk

November Walk

This walk was cancelled due to the rain and the mud.

In case we have photos

September walk

Surprisingly only 13 members arrived to set off in hazy sunshine, I do hope not too many were deterred by my missive about the muddy conditions in places. That was sent several days ago and since then it han't rained! Subsequently the underfoot conditions were remarkably mud free. Mostly in remote and heavily wooded areas on the banks of the river Highland Water for a good stretch, having not met one other person until within about 200 yards of the car park on our return, (tranquility) ! The walking conditions were ideal, no wind, perfect temperature and no inclines to climb. A very enjoyable walk. Dave

August walk

Just 20 members (holiday time?) and Dylan arrived in the car park (busy with a dog training group) with grey clouds hovering, things did not look too bright. Just as we set off light rain pattered down for about 10 minutes,under darker skies. It looked as if the group's good weather luck was running out. But after a couple of minutes under the trees, the rain stopped, the sky brightened even with glimpses of sunshine and remained so for the remaining 1 hour 45 minutes of the walk. Our luck returned. We avoided gravel tracks today taking advantage of the dry underfoot conditions, in woodlands and open heaths on grassy firm paths with fine distant views. Very little climbing involved today, a leisurely pace throughout. Dave B.


 

August walk

July Walk

18 members (too warm for our 2 regular dogs to come - a wise decision) started out from the Bartley cricket club in warm sunshine with a very pleasant breeze at times. Even shorts and open sandals were worn, encouraged by the complete lack of mud and puddles! For the first time probably this year, completely avoiding the gravel tracks forced on us during the winter months, but in shaded wooded glades with trees in full leaf on grassy tracks and paths and across open heaths. 2 small deer ran directly across the open expanse of Gutter Heath into woods directly in front of us, but 3 minutes later emerged again and ran back to their original cover in the trees. A host of butterflies of various species were all around us in Little Stubby Hat woods, ably idendified by Sandra and Stewart, and confirmed by Stewart's excellent wildlife book. Extensive Forestry operations in Buskett's Lawn enclosure meant a slight detour through the woods out to Yew Tree Hill back onto the original route. A Common Lizard crossed our path and froze in the grass at our presence. At noon in the shade of a large oak tree about a quarter mile of the finish, the group paused for a minute's silence in respect of the Tunisia massacre. An enjoyable, level walk at a very leisurely pace. Dave B


 

 A Small Skipper butterfly, a common lizard and members of U3A all enjoying the sunshine . Sandra

U3A Walking Holiday 2015 Poem by Pam

The Gower Pennisular

John has found the perfect place

For the U3A to stay

Surrounded by Palm trees

Overlooking Oxwich Bay.

From a rock under Arthur's Stone

Was it a dragon or Welsh troll?

No it was our Christine calling out

From deep within a hole.

Three riders on horseback

Silhouetted on the horizon,

A heron comes from the red pool

Slowly, slowly gliding.

I think Jim needs a sheepdog

To round us up at times,

As we stretch out over quite a distance

But nobody gets left behind.

For a brief moment the sun appeared

On walkers, before disappearing again,

Who stood like gorillas in the mist

On the peak of Cefyn Bryn.

In a field of sheep, Elaine phoned the police

When we encountered an upturned ewe.

The farmer stood it up got it balanced

And after a wee, it was as good as new.

There was coffee confusion in the cafe,

Some people had too many,

Whilst others, even after a long wait,

Still hadn't received any.

With fields of sheep on one side,

On the other, beach and Rossili. Bay.

Wild garlic,wood anemone and celandine

Line the path on the woodland way.

On the beautiful beach of Rossili,

The walkers of the U3A

Stood on a chevron drawn in the sand

For a photograph of the day.

We were told it would hardly tire us,

Sherpa Jim's challenging climb,

His idea was climbing a five bar gate,

A gradual gradient and slight incline.

A red dragon on Mumbles pier

Looks out across the bay,

Giving us our final memory

Of our Welsh holiday.

June walk

Just 17 members and Dylan started out in splendid sunshine for a fairly level stroll, with a couple of gentle slopes, across heath and in mixed ancient woodlands. The air seemed to be alive with birdsong and several sightings were made, particularly a kestrel riding on the thermals. Good job we had Stewart and Brigid with us. One small ford crossing had to made which was surprisingly shallow following the rain recently, one or two members using the plastic bags. The temperature was ideal for walking, reflected by the number of other people out and about we encountered over the last quarter of a mile across the open heath. Thoroughly enjoyable.

 DB.