LOWDOWN Winter 2013
MIDSUMMER WALK & PICNIC
GILL’S LAP ASHDOWN FOREST
22nd June 2013 by Jean Miller
It wasn’t too promising a start to the day as it rained in the morning. It improved a great deal early afternoon on the journey to Ashdown, but upon arriving, the clouds had gathered and the wind was blowing. But at least it was dry.
We had a grand total of thirty-eight Basset Hounds, plus two honorary hounds, and were very pleased to say this is our best total yet.
It was quite a crowd gathered in the car park, and the powers that be had also provided two portaloos, which again was a first.
We were pleased to welcome some new members and hope they enjoyed their evening. We would mention we don’t always have as bad weather as it turned out to be, in fact, sometimes we even have sun!
We set off across quite a varied landscape with several hills and dales, and with Tony leading the way. He got to one point when a young fox crossed almost in front of him. Luckily none of the Bassets noticed.
We arrived at where sheep were behind some electric fences, and Bella and Pablo were playing around, chasing each other, but unfortunately Pablo got too near the fence and received not one, but two, slight shocks. He was a little subdued for a while, but Frankie put him on the lead and he soon recovered.
Very well done to Phoebe’s Hollie, who at the age of fourteen and a half years, completed quite a difficult walk. Phoebe keeps pigs and sometimes has sausages for sale from her own stock.
After about an hour or so we arrived back at the car park, though not before Krishna and Bo had their own private walkabout. They both quite happily rushed back to everyone after Chris had been calling for a while.
We were surprised to find back at the car park that the portaloos had disappeared without trace - never to be seen again.
Then, of course, the picnic began.
As it was getting very cold and windy (memories of last year), we put the tables and food and drink under the trees. We would thank everyone for their generous contributions. We had a very varied and delicious spread and although it wasn’t very warm, no-one seemed to be in a hurry to leave.
It wasn’t too promising a start to the day as it rained in the morning. It improved a great deal early afternoon on the journey to Ashdown, but upon arriving, the clouds had gathered and the wind was blowing. But at least it was dry.
We had a grand total of thirty-eight Basset Hounds, plus two honorary hounds, and were very pleased to say this is our best total yet.
It was quite a crowd gathered in the car park, and the powers that be had also provided two portaloos, which again was a first.
We were pleased to welcome some new members and hope they enjoyed their evening. We would mention we don’t always have as bad weather as it turned out to be, in fact, sometimes we even have sun!
We set off across quite a varied landscape with several hills and dales, and with Tony leading the way. He got to one point when a young fox crossed almost in front of him. Luckily none of the Bassets noticed.
We arrived at where sheep were behind some electric fences, and Bella and Pablo were playing around, chasing each other, but unfortunately Pablo got too near the fence and received not one, but two, slight shocks. He was a little subdued for a while, but Frankie put him on the lead and he soon recovered.
Very well done to Phoebe’s Hollie, who at the age of fourteen and a half years, completed quite a difficult walk. Phoebe keeps pigs and sometimes has sausages for sale from her own stock.
After about an hour or so we arrived back at the car park, though not before Krishna and Bo had their own private walkabout. They both quite happily rushed back to everyone after Chris had been calling for a while.
We were surprised to find back at the car park that the portaloos had disappeared without trace - never to be seen again.
Then, of course, the picnic began.
As it was getting very cold and windy (memories of last year), we put the tables and food and drink under the trees. We would thank everyone for their generous contributions. We had a very varied and delicious spread and although it wasn’t very warm, no-one seemed to be in a hurry to leave.