The Search for Bluebells

Bluebells are some of my favourite flowers so I was hoping as April's walk was being planned that we could include these beautiful flowers. There are loads of great Bluebell walks although none were advertised close to me but I did know that in Wanstead Park there is a lovely section which is a bluebell wood. So we set off.

Meeting place was once again S Woodford station and what a turn out - 13 women, more the normal number for January. Once again a new member along, it was great to welcome Jo.

Down the River Rodding and another section of it this month. Again this is a familiar walk for the regulars but one we hadn't tackled for a while. Not wanting to get into a rut and to make sure we tackled the bluebell wood side, we decided on an earlier coffee stop at the tea hut. It's one of the things I love in this area and they do great cakes, all home made.

Then it was a circle of the park spotting bluebells, white bells - is this what they're called, grape hyacynth, harebells and red campion but sadly the bluebell woods was only coming into bloom. Note to go back there in a week or two although her's a sneak preview from last year.

Hunger was starting to bite - no pun intended and as this is another favourite passtime of the East End Girls we made our way to Belgique where once again we could sit outside. Great food and very accommodating staff who allowed us to pay separately.

Then after bidding farewell to Teresa and Maggie who had to leave us, we started on the last section. Wanstead Flats and then into forest where I was delighted when a beautiful adult fox passed across our path. I was also delighted when we came across an area which is usually very muddy only to find that it was totally dry. Sad in a way though as it just shows how little rain we've had. The ground was parched and cracked, no wonder the hose pipe ban comes in on the 5th.

Anyhow, another great walk and time to go and spend in the garden dozing in the sun.