December

Michelle

Ovington – Bywell – Stocksfield Station – Ovingham – Ovingham Dene – Ovington

Very bright, sunny, and cold. Some snow on the ground. Warm in the sun. The going was hard to crisp.

Michelle, Michael, Diane, Ken, George, Ron, Sandy.

Bernie - having her boiler replaced

Ashley - in Thailand

Comments

It was hard walking in the fields where there were cattle or sheep. At first we were followed by another party of walkers. We met a friendly cart horse with big feet in the field out of Ovington.There were several dodgy stiles.

We found a lunch spot by the river with seating for four and a tree trunk for some more. We were observed by two friendly robins.

We crossed the railway line a couple of times. The line was very busy with almost empty trains. Nobody waved back at us. We sat on the seats at Stocksfield Station. Diane made friends with a nice large bull with a ring through its nose and long eyelashes.

There were good views of the villages on the north of the Tyne as we walked along the south side. We saw a group of ice pancakes under the bridge at Prudhoe, formed by small ice floes rotating in the swirling river current.

At Sandy’s request, we returned to Ovington via Ovingham Dene.

Wildlife: A plethora of robins, drumlins, two dippers, loads of geese, two groups of gosanders, mallard ducks, thrush, blackbirds, hare, mouse, and a couple of pheasants raised by Ruby.

Robin Hood Inn. A return after several years' absence. Joined by Dorothy and Evelyn. Ron and Sandy were late due to a family Zoom present-giving. Sandy arrived wearing hers - a dog jumper with Ruby on it. It was a good meal with excellent service. England were being beaten by France (World Cup) on television in the background. Michael had Jaffa Cake cake -interesting but pleasant.

December walkers

Ovington Millenium Gardens

View across Tyne River

Walking frozen fields

River

Frozen river

Ice pancakes in the river

Cheery robin