On Ebor Way 2009
After an uneventful coach trip we arrived at our Youth Hostel close to the centre of York. Keys collected, rooms found, bunks selected and beds made, we were soon ready to explore York.
Walking alongside the river Ouse into the centre of York, we tried to avoid the ever increasing puddles along the towpath. What an amazing place.historically exciting, buzzing with tourists and a shoppers. paradise. Like a magnet, it was to draw many of us back again and again. By the time we walked back to the hostel, the accelerating waters of the river Ouse burst the banks creating rivulets and lakes over the paths and fields. Were we going to have to swim back ?
On the first day walking, Roger our leader felt unwell.a silent question went through all our minds.was it swine .flu ? Roger stayed behind in the capable hands of .nurse. Ron and Ivan took over the leadership of the walk.taking us across open countryside, over bridges, along riverbanks, through farms and fields. The eagerly anticipated pub stop (or cream tea shop) awaited us at the picturesque village of Hovingham. Ivan and Eileen did us proud.
Thankfully Roger did not have swine .flu and was well enough to resume his leadership duties the next day and what an efficient job he did. Above us, the constantly changing sky became an artist.s delight.dark, brooding and threatening clouds interspersed with rays of sunlight and slithers of light blue. A light breeze and occasional warm rays of sunshine made it perfect weather for walking.
The next four days saw us walking through golden cornfields intermingled with purple and white wild flowers and blood red poppies. Beneath our feet, the distinctive smell of camomile flowers wafted towards our nostrils. We saw the remains of a dilapidated castle (at Sheriff Hutton), a fast flowing weir at Wetherby (with salmon at certain times of year). At Strensall a local publican opened up on our behalf. A hair-raising moment on our walk was trying to cross the very busy and very fast A64. Has anyone told them that they have built right over the Ebor way ?
On several evenings we were occupied playing 99 ( a new game for some of us) Jean (Smith) a novice (!)became the reigning champion of 99 .09 by winning the most consecutive games.
With York so near, many of us were tempted with ghost walks, river trips, guided city tours - even after a hard days walking. So typical of ramblers ! Those who took time off were able to visit several National Trust properties, to eat in the fashionable (and expensive) Betty.s tearooms, or even, for some, witness a regimental parade of troops returning from duty in Iraq. For the shopaholics amongst us walking around beautiful 13th c buildings (eg the Shambles), having some wonderful shops, proved a temptation too difficult to resist.
Finally, as a tribute to Roger.s hard work and organisation we .sang. ( I use the word loosely) to him, courtesy of Naomi.s creative song-writing skills and with a little help from some friends.a fitting tribute to a great week organised by Roger.
Thank you Roger and everyone for making it such a memorable experience.
Christina Spencer