A Winter Wonderland Walk

By Julie Goldthorpe

On Sunday 9 December, Ed, Ulla, Gruber and I set off for the home of Gwyn and Jim Hague, our hosts for the Walk.

On arrival at their beautiful home, a sign asked us to go to the Grotto for mulled wine and mince pies. What a wonderful way to start! As other guests arrived and chatted , the time to begin the walk arrived.

We set off down the long drive, across the road and into the woods. Dogs began to run free and enjoy themselves and we all chatted. After a short stroll, Gwyn took Belinda and Karen on a shorter version of the walk, (so they could get back earlier to prepare the hot food for our arrival - poor them!), whilst Jim took the rest of us on a longer walk.

Ulla was introduced to her litter brother. It is nice to see members of her family out enjoying the day. Gruber, my six month old GSD did not seem to mind all these white dogs on the walk. He was easy to spot in the crowd! For a short distance on the walk, a light shower fell, but it only lasted a few minutes.

We walked for about an hour and then returned to the house. After settling the dogs in the cars and changing our boots we entered the house to be greeted with hot soup followed by jacket potatoes, mince pies and cakes. Sitting chatting, drinking and eating, what a nice way to spend a Sunday! Then the quiz. Well, I think it was fixed! Gwyn and Jim with the help of Janet had the highest score!!! Prizes were given to the winners, they were well deserved.

I did not know it was Gwyn’s birthday until the cake arrived. We all sang "Happy Birthday to you!" - (if you can call my voice singing). Who is that knocking on the door?.. Santa Paws. He had sacks full of doggie goodies.. But wait...where is Jim? Unfortunately he had just popped out and missed him!

Christmas cake was given to all guests to take home as a reminder of the day. Our hosts were presented with a thank you gift and card , then it was time for the kettle to go on again and enjoy each other’s company a little longer. It was at this point that my party had to leave to set off for home.

Dogs sleeping in the car after the long walk, Ed and I with our tummies full - a Wonderful Winter Wonderland Walk. Thank you once again to our hosts. Enjoy the photos!