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Photos 31st January 2010

Michael Freeman first attempted to lead this walk on 1st November but the weather was very wet and windy that day, and it had to be cancelled when nobody turned up. So was it second time lucky? Yes it was! It was another cold day today, not much above freezing, and plenty of ice on the ground after a very cold night. On the plus side, much of the mud was frozen solid which made those stretches easier. Sheet ice, on the other hand, led to a number of slips by some JWalkers. Despite that about 8 people plus 1 dog called Lola enjoyed the crisp sunny weather. 5 miles seemed about right at this time of year. I was tired at the end, although I had already had a heavy day the day before to provide a good excuse. ;) A very pleasant winter walk.

We started quite early as South Mimms is only 10 minutes from Mill Hill and set off across an ice covered road into the woods. A fairly gentle woodland and field walk for the most part, along well made paths. Lola the dog particularly enjoyed herself after a shy start, running around like crazy, exploring, and her belly and legs steadily turning from white to dark brown! At one point Michael did appear to briefly be lost, but he recovered well. After a short stiny alongside the A1(M) we soon got back to the countryside. As we followed a partially snow and ice covered concrete path back from there the first light snow shower arrived. The light showers were pleasant and didn't detract from the day at all. On the way back Lola bumped into another almost identical small white dog also named Lola to provide some mild amusement.

We finished by about 1:30PM. We had started at the White Hart pub in South Mimms. After the finish we stopped there for a late lunch before returning to Mill Hill. It was busy in there and there were a few problems with delayed food. But everybody was OK in the end, and happy to warm up after being in the fridge for a few hours.

Now feel free to enjoy the photos I took below. If anyone else wants to submit pictures then please do send them to me and I will add them and credit you accordingly.

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Walking through frozen woodland.			Lola the dog having a great time.	Our fearless leader Michael testing the ice.	Snow drift in an adjacent field.

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This sign proved not to be very useful!	Wooded narrow path.	Frozen pond.	Approaching more woodland.	More frozen ground with a dusting of snow.

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Enjoying the view? A brief stint alongside the A1(M). Until an old ice covered concrete path takes us back South again.		Back into the woods. These paths would be a quagmire if they weren't frozen.		Crossing a slightly squidgy field.

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Light reflecting on a sheet ice covered path.	This path had turned into a partially frozen but running stream.		Jenny showing 'the way forward' with JWalking footwear.	Logs covered with a pretty dusting of snow.	Lola getting cosy in the pub after the walk.