DEE-CIDERS WALKING GROUP
THE Dee-ciders Walking Group wish you all a very happy New Year -although it seems far away by now.
It's great to start a
new year especially when
there is frost on the ground, glorious sunshine above and not a cloud in the sky. Yes! We are here in and around
It was on such a day that we added an extra walk to our calendar - it wasn't going to be too exacting - we had just got over the festivities. (Well some were still a bit shaky round the knees. I won't mention names as we are a very loyal club!) Hence it was just a walk along the old railway line from Crathes to Banchory. All your leaders have probably done it a thousand times. Try it when it is frosty, but watch your feet. It's wonderful.
Was it cold on that Tuesday? -18 degrees at Aviemore and at Crathes? Good heavens it was -7 degrees. It was freezing! We all wondered how long it would take for that sun to bring a bit of warmth.
We set off from Crathes Hall, round the back, pass the Railway Carriages all painted bonny and only waiting for the rails and a driver, and out onto the path. Fingers and toes not thawed out yet but on we strode, avoiding icy puddles,
while admiring the hedgerows bedecked with frost just like Christmas trees on Christmas day. Kiddiewinks from the nursery were out in the garden having fun in the thick frost but we didn't spy someone's grandson as expected. Under the bridge we went and soon arrived in the Car Park.
On our way we met folk with dogs and a couple who must have been railway enthusiasts - clipboards with details being jotted down. After a stop in Banchory for hot drinks (and some bacon butties), we set off back down the line again. By this time, the sun was warm on our backs so off came the gloves, hats etc. What a great day!
Our faithful leader, lan (Spence) has decided to give up the reins of leadership although he is not giving up walking with us. He has led us (astray? - no, only joking!) but he has led us up hill and down dale and on many adventures giving us a tremendous amount of pleasure. This has been the mainstay of our group and we are all as enthusiastic as the day we decided to join the Dee-ciders.
To lan - and Norma, his wife, who has helped so much in the background, we send thanks from us all.
(Fellow walkers, no more swotting up before a walk! Is that Morven or is it Morrone? Well who knows, maybe Ron, our new leader, has something equally tasking up his sleeve. We'll just have to wait and see.)
Jean Duff