2/4/06 - A group of 19 met at Shanklin station on a sunny but blustery day, and made our enforced car park donation to the upkeep of the few remaining island trains. We headed west along the old track before turning up hill to pick up the overworked Tracey bringing our numbers to a round 20. Entering America woods (allegedly named during the American Wars of Independence when oaks were felled to provide ship's timbers for the navy) we were impressed by the carpets of bluebells (not in flower). Romance was certainly in the air for the dogs as Doug tried to get a little too friendly with Archie! Continuing west across the fields, we were able to compare mud gathering skills with Dave and Alf the clear losers for keeping clean boots. Martin finally found us some spring flowers with an impressive display of daffodils at Bobberstone Farm. Stopping for lunch at The Old Smithy in Godshill we sampled the drinks and cakes. Continuing south out of Godshill into the Appuldurcombe Manor estate, we continued down to view the house before heading across the valley back to the old railway tracks which we then followed back to the station, pausing only briefly to wish Tracey luck with the Area Newsletter (and dock her a walking credit for not completing the full distance!).

Leader - Martin & Tracey

Total Distance - 10.2 Miles