Leighton - Linslade

Ashridge Assignation

jccurd — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 09:31:45 +0000

I’m afraid I’ve been out of touch for a while so I don’t know the date of Pat and Geoff’s walk around Ashridge. However, my suggestive comments approach seems to be catching on. Not only did the saucy Mr. Chandler send me a photo, he also sent a suggested comment which I think I’ll share with you unedited. There was only one picture so I’ll add it twice, once full frame and again zooming in on the relevant action with Mick’s caption suggestion.

Pat looks as though she's had enough of this motley crew and is making a bid for freedom.

Go on Sid, give him a kiss!

I wonder if this habit is going to catch on?

Go Like the Clappers

jccurd — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:22:54 +0000

As yours truly tries desperately to catch up on missed events and blackmail material, apparently Trevor and Leslie led this motley crew round the ~~Slappers~~ Clappers (whatever they are).

Having been led high enough, the U3A Flat Earth Society studiously ignores the clearly curved horizon.

In a moment of relaxation, Pat's paper loses to Mick's scissors.

Looks as though everyone had a good time, even if they did lose rock, paper scissors. In weather like that, is it any wonder? Where’s it all gone?

The Wild Bunch

jccurd — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:38:04 +0000

Ken and Rita took their lives in their hands – well, more accurately they took our lives in their hands – as they led us on an intriguing route that I didn’t know existed for a ramble through Woburn game park.

The U3A Remedial Readers Walking Group gets off to a bad start.

Elephant: "I could destroy that fence and let you out if you want."

"Well, it cleared the elephant but then landed right on top of Joan."

Our thanks to Ken and Rita for an educational wildlife wander.

The Milton Keynes Effect

jccurd — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:04:41 +0000

Another one that your roving reporter missed attending. This time, I think decorating was my excuse. So briefly, in absentia:

Jean and Ann led a walk from Windmill Carpark round Caldecotte lake and along the canal at Fenny Stratford. The weather doesn’t look terrific but the walk looks v. pleasant. Canal tow paths are winter-friendly places, after all.

"Milton Keynes, captain? Under the bridge and keep going - you can't miss it."

What happened next?The lock gate suddenly swung opened and the dog flew off into the distance.

"I don't know - he suddenly shouted 'Geronimo! and jumped. Must be the Milton Keynes effect."

Our thanks to Jean and Ann for organizing.

Redborn and the River Ver

jccurd — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:57:30 +0000

Prior to writing this, I hadn’t been aware that there was a river Ver. Had I attended the walk from Redborn led by Mary, Denise and Bobby (the Cheddington Three), I would have known about it sooner. Come to think about it, if I’d written this in a more timely fashion, I’d have known about it sooner, too. Still, better late than never, I say.

Given the river’s route through St. Albans, it must be related to Verulamium and the Romans. Anyway, it looks like the kind of walk I would have enjoyed very much, particularly given the apparent weather conditions evident in the pictures.

Copy the Romans and break stride across the bridge, gang, we don't want it collapsing.

Morcambe and Wise try to study a handy pocket map to figure out where they are.

Disconcerting to lead a bunch of aging walkers past a hearse, really. Fortunately, it wasn't needed.

Midsomer at The Lee

jccurd — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:27:11 +0000

Mick and Jackie led us on an informative walk based in The Lee, a village that has been known to disguise itself for TV as Midsomer Whotsit to host a murder or three with Mr. Nettles presiding. (There’s a signed photo of the eminent actor in the pub.)

On this occasion it became Midsomer Wrinkly as our hardy gang of U3A walkers sallied forth into the surrounding countryside.

"Well, if nobody knows where we're supposed to be going, I'm off to do something useful."

"She should have waited and come with us, you know, she'd have enjoyed this."

"You'll need a run at them - and be careful you don't land on that gravestone over there."

Our thanks to Mick and Jacky for organizing and to all who attended for completely filling the pub’s car park.

The New Rushmere

jccurd — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:19:12 +0000

With little time for thought after returning from holiday, major developments at Rushmere enabled us to plan a walk on our own doorstep exploring newly opened areas. When I say, “plan” and “us”, actually Carol planned it and promptly did a runner to the dentist – by far the lesser of two evils – leaving yours truly to lead it.

The weather was great but the going was soft, undulating and humid. I sensed mutiny in the ranks

"Come by, Shep, come by!"

"Oh Lord, we haven't got to walk right over there in this heat, have we?"

"Any more barracking from the back about the temperature and you're going straight to the headmaster!"

Ever sensitive to public opinion we negotiated a crowd-pleasing short cut – straight to the pub in Great Brickhill. The day was saved.

The Thames Path

jccurd — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:36:24 +0000

It seems to have become our annual tradition to wander the eight miles along the Thames Path from Marlowe to Henley going “ooh, ah” at the rich folks’ houses. After suitable refreshment at Henley, which is considerate enough to be home of the wonderful Brakspeare’s Brewery, the return journey features a boat trip.

"One more wise crack from you and I'm throwing you in that darn river!"

"Oh Lord, Ken hasn't got the dosh - it's eight miles back!"

After a whip round of various Henley banking establishments, all was well and countless tired feet got a pleasant ride back.

Don't panic, we're not lost, that's just the name of the boat.

This year, yours truly was actually in the country and able to participate. Aided by some very pleasant weather, this was a wonderful day out. Our thanks to Ken and Rita for organizing but, next time, try and remember the money.

Eaton Bray Excursion

jccurd — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 07:05:24 +0000

The first July outing was from Eaton Bray and was organized by Maggie and Syd, so thanks to them. (I seem to have missed better weather while I was away, darn it!)

"And whosoever can draw this walking stick from the ground is the true King of England and must repair to Camelot forthwith."

"It's not funny, the damn dog's chewing my walking pole again!"

"Well, it wasn't me - smells like one of those carthorses."

A Redbourn Ramble

jccurd — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:52:25 +0000

Judi and Martin were responsible for a ramble around Redbourn in early June, so our thanks to them.

"Stickleback?" "No, it was a Minnow - pity the girls didn't avoid it."

"No, look, we came up there, round there, so we must be just here."