Snailwalk (Giant African Land Snails required)

2nd May 2012 - Ash Ranges and Basingstoke Canal

We thought it would be fun to give our friends and supporters a taste of what we are facing in July by holding a couple of 10km walks ending up at our local, The Swan in Ash Vale, and asking them to pay a fiver for the privilege! Surprisingly several people agreed and on Wednesday evening we met at 7pm ready for a leisurely evening stroll (that's what they thought anyway!).

Becky and Sandra arrived early and waited by the side of the road. Sandra was keen to look a bit less conspicuous but Becky pointed out that kerb crawlers were probably not going to approach two ladies dressed like ramblers! We were soon joined by 7 friends, (and a dog), one of whom expressed surprise and a little dismay that Becky would be in charge of the route! It's not just us who are dubious about her navigational skills (sorry Becky!!!). On this occasion we did not get lost!

We were all chatting and walking along happily enough as the evening's weather looked promising. Sandra confidently declared that it wasn't going to rain...well it didn't for the first twenty minutes or so! We discovered that this was a great way to catch up with friends who we normally just shout hello to on the school run. We had two whole hours to share news and anaesthetic stories (oh yes!). At "The Top of the World" we decided it was time for cake. Sue's fruit and ginger cakes and Sandra's brownies were on offer as well as some cans of Tropical Sun's yummy Coconut Water!

Becky and Sandra "model" the coconut water!

We set off again along the Ranges' road and encountered a pheasant, a deer and a bird of prey.  The darkness was beginning to draw in and soon the head torches made an appearance! Great for avoiding all the mud! After promising no "killer" hills we manged to squeeze a small one in before descending to the canal and the final stretch to the pub!

We managed to avoid falling in despite the rather uneven towpath and arrived back at The Swan in time for a most welcome drink. Over 7 miles walked (we lied about the 10km!) and £35 raised! Thanks to all who came and enjoyed. Where were the men? We'll have to do another to get the blokes out!