ONCE MORE ROUND LOCH MORLICH

For the May walk Hugh and Pam decided that we should do the walk around Loch Morlich, but following the correct directions this time. So it was with some considerable trepidation that we all assembled in a layby next to the Loch. This merely added to our worries as we were supposed to meet in a car park, but luckily we were all in the same place!

And this was the view at the start of the walk - as you can see it was a fabulous, warm and sunny day.

Soon we were on our way - all dressed for the good weather. Even Sandra wasn't wearing a jacket!

It wasn't long before we came to the first junction in the track - time for a bit of confusion.

Dave and Hugh soon found out which way the map was supposed to be held.

But then, there was another bit of paper to add to the difficulties.

Looking at the map more closely was bound to result in better direction finding. Yeah right!

Sharon and Sandra decided that the only way to go was to forge ahead and then point at the ground.

Dave thought we should go back, probably because Hugh wanted us to go in the opposite direction.

Suffice to say there was eventually a general agreement and we all got going again.

We arrived at a small lochan where Jim began his search for water. He had come out without anything to drink, but don't let Jacque know. She wasn't with us, but had instructed Jim to make sure he had everything he needed for a walk on a hot day - of course, he had listened to her instructions with his usual diligence.

Another quick look at the map - just to be sure.

Notwithstanding any lingering doubts about where we were or where we were going, the views were pretty good.

Of course, we found a bridge and we had to have the usual photo.

The view from the bridge.

Just about right on time we found a nice spot by the river for lunch. Sandra had a nice cold drink of water with her lunch watching.........

.........Hugh who was surreptitiously watching Dave out of the corner of his eye in case he made a grab for Hugh's nuts.

Pam made sure her crisps were safe by eating them away from everyone else.

Finally Jim found some water that he could drink - probably safe enough - and I have seen him since, so I assume it was OK. He hasn't given me back my bottle, though.

Sharon, posing by the water.

Me, posing on a bridge.

All of us posing after lunch.

After lunch we soon came to what looked like Blackpool Pleasure Beach, so it seemed we had got lost following Hugh's directions after all.

But it wasn't really Blackpool, it was Loch Morlich and it was thronged with tourists and sun lovers. Sharon was the only one brave enough to get into the water - well at least up to her ankles .

A really good walk in the right direction this time. Thanks to Hugh and Pam for being brave enough to attempt it a second time. I would suggest that Hugh gets a compass from the Secret Santa this year.

Congratulations to Dave and Sandra on becoming grandparents to baby Ben just before the walk and here he is. Aaaaawwww.