On this hottest day of the year I finally get a chance to write a few words, after two little people and their parents took over my normally tranquil life, for a few days.

A big thank you to those who turned up for the run, which had a few questions to contemplate on route. A few eager runners made it to the ON INN a bit to quickly, so gallantly decided to retrace their steps, or all the questions could not be answered. Short cutters strolled through the wheat field, stopped at the View Check and amazed themselves how much wheat and barley we grow.

The rest of the pack, bar a few Hashers; Lost Cause, Forking and Nik Nak I believe, managed to meet up with Clap trap by Cow Bridge, where some Jelly babies and sips of water were had. Brave runners crossed the bridge, where supposedly Dragons hide in the old tree and headed up towards Upper Gravenhurst. The remainders took the hill to the right and headed back to Chez Clap Trap and Catch It.

We ate, grilled, drank, accepted awards and ate some more when the desserts appeared. Awards were handed out as never before. Subby has a new rucksack, Shuffle a new shirt, Nicey an new hat, Catch It finally made her 150 runs and was also given a big bunch of flowers to mark the significant birthday. She is ears behind Bangers, who celebrated his birthday the following day. Did I miss any awards?

The quiz results were quite close, but two clear winners shared some beers and a box of mini chocolate bars. Catch It's friend Anne, a farmer, helped with the identification of wheat and barley.

Bread eaters, porridge eaters and beer drinkers now know the look of the grains used. Wheat, barley and oats are the usual grains grown around here, with rye grown much further north. A healthy Ash tree was seen too. I hope more Ash trees survive.

On On back to a Monday at The Plume of Feathers, Ickleford

Catch It and Clap Trap