Thanks for the Outing

The minute I wrote that I wondered about the terminology 'outing' these days having a range of connotations. In this context the 'outing' was a jolly pleasant trot out to the Two Lads, Winter Hill, Noon Hill and return to the Usual Place, setting off of course at the Usual Time. The opportunity to join the regulars came about as a result of disruption to the usual weekly schedule due to a combination of sister on holiday and dog walking responsibilities - don't ask!

Having requested the details of the run I felt I had to turn up, but at 5 o'clock on the A6 at Westhoughton and looking across to Winter Hill, all that could be seen was a complete wall of blackness. The evidence of this torrent was everywhere to be seen a couple of hours later. Even in winter conditions I can't remember seeing so much running water, with much of the ground having been washed away in lots of places. Joining Georges Road from the descent of WH was like running through a river - in over ankles for long stretches. So much so, that having summitted Noon Hill, we decided to look for the path above the track (big mistake - suggested by EtU and foolishly adopted by our senior man!). A desparate clambering to eventually get back on track ensued, with a final sprint through Walsuches and the perennial little sting in the tail at the end of Gingham Brow. Thanks lads most enjoyable.

By the way, a very good picture of JTE's brother captured with FSS at Borrowdale - which one's having the better time of it?

http://www.fss55at55.blogspot.com

Well done TF sounds like you had a good run.

See you Saturday

NLN