CHRISTMAS AT KINKELL

For our 2012 Christmas walk we went for a short stroll along the banks of the Blackwater at Little Garve. The river was a bit wrongly named as it was actually pretty brown and quite spectacular in places.

As you can see it was a little wet at the start. Sandra wasn't actually listening to what Pam was saying, she just wanted to get a bit of shelter.

Just before we started walking, I managed to get this shot of a salmon leaping in the river. It was just luck that it popped up as we were passing the information board.

Soon we were on the way through the trees.....

......passing the raging torrent.

There had been a bit of snow earlier in the week and here is a little virginal patch. Its not often you can say something like that with three witches about.

Before long we stopped to have some punch that Susan and Robin had brought along to fortify us with.

The river was, by now, working itself into a froth.

Before too long we arrived at Silver Bridge.

Where we all crowded under the road bridge for a bit of shelter. Some of the party seemed to be too busy watching the river rather than the camera. 

Then they all abandoned me to go and stand on the top of the Silver Bridge. Luckily it had been reinforced by tie-bars to carry the weight.

By now it was so wet that Jimmy was wearing a tent.

Then the sun came out to allow a photo back through the bridge to the water.

And so, we started back down the other side of the river.

It still looked much the same, though.

Finally we got back to Little Garve and crossed another bridge, which was pretty icy.

The sun had come out and sparkled on the water.

After we got into the cars and went to the Kinkell House Hotel for our Christmas lunch. As you can see Pam and Robin were not happy with the presents they got in their crackers.

Pam and Charlie wouldn't wear their hats in case it messed up their hair.

After the meal was over, Jacque tried to lead us all in some communal carol singing - all the other guests left then.

That brought us to the end of another great year's walking. 

Thanks to Susan and Robin for organising the walk and the lunch - and for the drinks and games at their house afterwards.

Bring on 2013.