25/6/06 - A cloudy but warm day for a varied walk starting at Shalfleet, with 17 of us including some new people and a mainland guest. After the usual greetings, the planned route was explained, along with assurances that we would be back in time to get home for the England match. Setting off south along the Caul Bourne river towards Newbridge we were quickly into stile country, passing meadows and cows before climbing up to Dodpits Lane. Despite the rush hour, we made it off the road to Churchill's Farm where we paused for a quick drink and look at the view across to the mainland while Spencer took the mysterious antenna apart. On top of the hill the poppies put on a magnificent display, outshining the farmers preferred broad bean crop. Turning north we crossed through the fields down to Wellow, on the way collecting two more crops for our spotters guide. Passing through the vineyard (which was sadly closed) we continued on though the woods to cross the road into Hamstead. Making our way though the tracks and fields we eventually found our way to the coast for a spot of lunch with entertainment provided by Martin with his orange peel and Alf and his new friend Robbie. Continuing down to the beach (accompanied by impressive sneezing from the back), we paused only briefly to skim some stones before picking up the pace as the football kick off approached. Weaving though the inlets and along the duck boards we reached the Quay which by this time no-one wanted to see. The final sprint back along the tracks and finally the road was achieved at record pace and the car park emptied with patriotic speed as we all rushed home to the game.

Leader - Dave

Total Distance - 10.7 Miles