It wasn’t a very promising day, for one thing the roads
were snow-covered and we took great care. However, we had
a reasonable turnout: three stalwart regular explorers, Fern,
Robbie L. and Rowan, with Irene, John Dove, Nikki, Richard,
Sharon and Thomas, plus Ellie to find the path.
We took a bit of time to get to Strontian, which was just
as well since our arrival at Ariundle coincided with that
of Thomas and Irene, who were able to join us. The expedition
was much enlivened by the thick snow, possibly the most snow
of any expedition, and we took full advantage of it with the
use of a sledge, not to mention a great deal of snowball-throwing
by explorers and parents.
We followed the river walk route and at one point found a
place where a certain amount of toboganning was possible.
In spite of the enthusiastic snowballing, there was also a
keen interest in animal tracks and we saw those of roe deer
and red deer, a small dog walking on its own, a mouse crossing
the path and a strange tiny tunnel which I think could have
been made by a pygmy shrew.
All of which paled into insignificance when we got back to
the main path and started building snowmen. We were all amazed
to find that Richard is a champion snowman-constructor, turning
out two fantastic snowmen, complete with leafy hair and upraised
arms.
After the expedition we all retired to the Ariundle Centre
for a warm-up with soup and rolls. The explorers managed a
few drawings, I picked out Rowan’s view of the sledge
and a passenger.
John
Dye
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