A Boxing Day hike...

I thought today was ideal for walking off yesterday's excesses.  Liz maintained it was far too cold to be out, but what better day to check out how my new coat, and thermals performed?





I was like toast, despite temperatures of around -8 degrees.  The coat is fabulous, and the snoods really do the job.  Actually, it was a fantastic day, although cold, it was beautifully bright, and the snow was definitely deep and crisp and even...The dogs had a field day.  Chasing around, burying their noses in the snow, and fighting over ever larger sticks.  We walked about 7 miles round the Jurrasic Way, from our house, up to Charwelton, where we stopped for a welcome lunch.  The dogs, after a bit of persuasion got themselves a sausage each, before we headed for home.

There was plenty of virgin snow on our walk, and it looked like for much of the route, only the farmer may have been out and about.  It's a route we've done many times, and Charwelton Church looked magnificent today, isolated as it is. 

Northamptonshire has a great history, and this church, and the village that was around it have been deserted since the mid 15th century, after the War of the Roses.  Right now, all that surrounds it are sheep.  

Meanwhile Christmas was an unusual one this year.  I don't suppose too many people would be delighted if they received gifts of water purification tablets, anti diahorrea salts, and mosquitto repellant sprays, and cuffs?   My Kilimanjaro war-chest if almost complete, just a small matter of selecting a decent 4-season sleeping bag, and I'll have all the kit sorted. 

Just 81 days to go!!!   I can hardly wait :-)  

Visa to apply for....Yellow fever vaccination to arrange, and half a stone to lose....easy.