Laying down the gauntlet for the year ahead.

It's a bit of pressure organising the new year's walks. Setting the dates is easy but then the routes need to be decided......and weather and engineering works on the tube get in the way. So much so at times that hours of planning can go to pot in a moment.

A couple of years ago I did a short survey with the girls to see what their favourite walks were and as a result we've used those quite a lot. Two of the favourites are the route of the Big Fun walk and the walk along the canal from Mile End to Paddington. This time I was determined not to fall into that trap so I had to get more creative.

having been in the forest recently I knew that things had got rather muddy so that wasn't going to be a good choice especially as the January walk is usually well supported, I didn't want to go for the favourites but I did want some good paths. The Thames Path came to my rescue.

Meeting up at Waterloo, outside Costa of course, we headed towards the mouth walking along the South Bank which at this time of day wasn't too busy. Group shot, of an unusually small Jan group, was taken near to HMS Belfast with Chris, Cajsa, Geraldine who has bought a waterproof after how many years, Lindsey, Kathy and Teresa. A real core of the longest serving East End Girls.

We've walked to and over Tower Bridhe quite a lot over the past year but to go beyond this on the south Bank hasn't happened in a long time. In fact I think the last time when we were actually training for our Breakthrough Walk in 2006. Wondering how it's changed? Last time we got a little lost due to the lack of signs etc.

You were wondering when coffee would come weren't you? Well we made it as far as Starbucks just past Tower Bridge and then in fear of there being nowhere else, we stopped.

The East End Girls in relaxed mode having discussed Kindles and the Dukan Diet, getting ready to head off...into the unknown somewhat.


Once we got going again we were soon in Shad Thames and looking along at the iron bridges between the buildings which always make me think of Dickens time and of the film Oliver. Rather than walk along and under those though, the path takes you along the passage called Maggie Blakes Cause onto the Riverside and not far along you look back and see this wonderful view of Tower Bridge.

The next stop wasn't far on, just a little detour to the Design Museum and once back a glimpse of Victorian Dockland where there's an inlet and in some parts it feels as if the sun hardly ever shines.

Not much further is an area known as Jacob's Island, which in early Victorian times was a notorious slum area. Now, with much development, there is a real mix of the old and the new, the pubs, squares and new housing establishing, once again, communities. It was really good to be on this side for a change looking over and piecing together the places that we've walked past on numerous occasions on the opposite bank. It was much quieter here too.

One of the things I love along this part of the river are the many sculptures even if some are missing. This one, known as Sunbeam Weekly and the Pilgrim's Pocket is of a 1930's lad reading the story of the Mayflower, of the journey and what happens after and he seems unaware of the astonished pilgrim looking over his shoulder!

Along this part there are a number of ins and outs as you have to leave the river and return again, probably doing even more mileage! So much history here that seem more real than that on the other bank that's been refurbished for longer.

We did get a little lost when we got into a private housing development near to the Hilton Hotel. Easy to get into, not as easy to get out of so a bit of back tracking after funny looks from car drivers.

This time we're in luck and the Surrey Docks Farm is open so we go to visit. Many goats, wonderful small, small donkeys and pigs. A good cafe by the looks of things too but we're heading to Greenwich for lunch. Loved the bronze sculptures of the animals as well at the entrance. Will have to come back here again.

We got to Greenwich only about 4 hours after setting out and it's lovely to see the development of the Cutty Sark again after it's fire, things are coming on well. Not so good is the disruption around the foot tunnel, pier and station as so much work happens, all probably to get sorted for the Olympics.

We were heading for the Trafalgar Tavern and lunch but it was mobbed and a quick walk through showed no tables at all and no chance of one for a while so we left and took a path through the Naval College back into the centre of Greenwich and lunch in a restaurant whose name I cannt remember, where the food was good but where my chick kebab without the trinnings was really expensive and the manager was not willing to offer any discount!

Never mind, none of us will go back but we did have a great walk and it was so good to explore, to chat and to share.

Now where shall we walk in Feb?

December walking...and cocktails?

It's always the hardest walk to fill even when the date is set well in advance but then I guess it's because there is so much to do in December. I sent out the email, crossed my fingers and the response wasn't bad at all - 9 including me but hints that some might not have the time to make it to the end.

As the days are short, I opted for a slightly shorter walk and one that offered a number of opt out points for those needing to escape. It was also likely that a number of new members introduced by Marie may join us and I knew that they were concerned that they may not be able to do 10 miles.

The Big Fun Walk route is a favourite of the East End Girls and it's such a pretty walk in all seasons, taking us through a number of local and more well known parks. It can also be adapted, always a useful thing. This one ended up with a Christmas twist and ideas for building that in years to come, it might just turn into the Cocktail trail!!

Due to a mix up at the station because of two exits or entrances, we lost two potential new members straight away but thankfully they haven't written us off and hope to try out with us in 2012. Everythng else went smoothly and it was 7 who then gathered at East Finchley.

In shades of blue but very happy, the EEG in Highgate Wood

Once through the wood, we stopped in Costa in Highgate Village for coffee and Maggie remarked how lovely it was to be out with a group who enjoyed their coffee stops and didn't rush through them. I did have to say that it depended on how long the walk was and how much time we had. Today we had time to relax.

After coffee, we lost Marie and Paula who needed to head back for a number of events so then there were 5.

The weather was amazingly warm and also dry so walking through Hampstead Heath was wonderful, so many people around with dogs and  children - some in groups, other couples or families.  Out onto pavements again and up by the Royal Free and onto Belsize Park and it was here by another Costa that we parted from Geraldine and Maggie.

Lindsey, Cajsa and I picked up the pace and headed up Primrose Hill only to find that our usual route down the grassy slope was barricaded off and might even be permanently, a new view point is being developed and hopefully a new board as well which is updated to take in all the new sites. The latest one is gathering momentum very quickly and although I cannot remember when the shard will be completed, it can't be long. I love the way the skyline changes, what a sign of growth and progress.

While walking through Regent's Park, our thoughts turned to cocktails and a repeat of last year. It was at this point that we also decided on a variation to our route so we headed off down Marylebone High Street and kept going as straight as we could crossing a pedestrianised Oxford Street, down Bond Street and New Bond Street enjoying window shopping. We passed a number of very possible places to drink if we'd been in something other then fleeces and muddy walking boots, something to think about for the future and found ourselves passing through beautifully decorated arcades, some of which we knew but others we'd never explored before. Well, that's all part of the fun of discovering your own city and walking makes it so much easier.

Food was needed as well as cocktails and we were now close to the Southbank where there are plenty of places to eat but most have long queues so we took a step back a block, heading for the Archduke which had served us well in Dec 2010 and that's where we stayed. Walk complete, food and drink available and an opportunity to lift a glass to all the East End Girls and wish everyone a fabulous Christmas.

Happy Christmas, see you all for more walking in 2012

Lindsey grapples with the ice

Success

Walking in 2012

Getting organised and sending all the walk details for 2012 out to the East End Girls. I sorted the walks about a month ago but then wanted to let them lie so that other plans could be put in place and I could check whether any of the EEG walks needed changed. So far so good even though I've mucked up a long standing coffee with the first one. Will you forgive me Jo?

So the walks are:

Sun, Feb 12th
Sat, March 10th
Sun, April14th
Sat, May 12th
Sun, June 10th
Sat, July 14th
Sun, Sept 9th
Sat, Oct 13th
Sun, Nov 11th
Sat, Dec 8th

and we start with Sat 7th Jan although the destination has yet to be planned.

One task before we get to the end of 2011 though is to include that last walk of the year, do you know I thought I'd blogged on that already - Oops!

Saturday, November 12th

It's been a really hectic week so I'm taking the easy way out and our walk this month is one that we've done many times before but it's one people tell me they like and to give it a little twist I've decided we'll do it back to front.

So 4 of us met at 9.00 at S Woodford, we picked Geraldine up on route at Leytonstone and the other 4 in Paddington at 10.00 and off we went. Nicola, another of the Athena Angels joined us, the East End Girls are expanding again.

 It may not be the prettiest place to walk at the beginning but I do love the urban feel to this bit and the fact that amongst the concrete are these lovely canal boats that add colour and so much character.

There's a lot of development going on round here so perhaps it ill start to look better. Shops and restaurants have already been added and I remember sitting in the sunshine earlier on this year enjoying lunch and a glass of wine before turning round and walking back the way we'd come.

Vanessa, Teresa, Chris and Kathy probably hearing about Kathy's trip Stateside.

Most of them can't resist a man and this one is probably less trouble than some others of the species. Clearly Nic isn't at all bothered.

 Can you see the look on Teresa's face? In all seriousness, I love these sculptures and what they add.

They are by the British Sculptor Sean Henry and are aptly called Standing Man and Walking Man. Apparently, Henry works from life, photographs and his own drawings, then he creates each sculpture in clay before it is cast in bronze and individually painted by him.

Teresa clearly likes them too!! No, you can't take him home.

Nicola walks past the boat cafe which we have stopped at before but coffee clearly wasn't on the agenda yet. After all we'd already bypassed Starbucks, well it's not Costa.

Round the basin and out the other side and along by the berths of numerous house boats and up onto the street as the canal goes under ground for a short while.

Sometimes sections seem longer than others and on Saturday it seemed no time at all before we were walking along by the grand houses before walking on the section through Regent's Park. We were spotting the birds in the aviary as we passed and admiring the autumnal colours of the trees as we roasted in 16 degrees. Aren't these gorgeous?

I think there's something about the dryer and warnmer weather that allows the colours to be stronger and more vivid. Is this why New England has such great falls?

As we walked further I could see something in the water ahead but as we got nearer a canal boat passed at the same time obscuring our view. I was determined to see what it was though so I engineered a stop only to discover a sinking boat kept afloat mainly because of the tape securing it to the bank. What a shame and I wonder what happened?

Soon Camden came into view, always a good place to stop although we were a bit early for lunch today so coffee instead. W managed to find space for all of us round a couple of tables, I was able to pay Geraldine back and doesn't she look pleased? Think it was the coffee more than the money actually.

Saturday in Camden is less busy so more room to look round although it does cost a ridiculous 40p to go to the loo!

As we waited to get everyone together again, a few of us were looking at the Holiday in Express and questioning how long it had been there. None of us could remember seeing it before, No matter when it appeared, it looks good though reflected in the canal and with colourful paintwork. Not a bad place to stay.

We often comment on the ever changing face of the Thames and the developments we've seen in all the time we've been walking. Today we realised that the canal was similar as we saw more flats being built and recognised that some wasteland probably wouldn't remain like that for much longer. As we neared the back of Kings Cross and St Pancras we were amazed at what's going on there. It's starting to open up where before there was lots of hoarding. Photos show shops, restaurants and lots of open space on what is 67 acres of development to the north of the stations. 

Lunch was a later affair when we got to Islington. The place was busy so after a bit of extra walking and some studying of menus, we opted for Cuba Libra. Needed to walk it all of after especially those who'd had bagettes. Teresa and I had opted for the tapas which was lighter and by choosing 4 different dishes each we managed to have 8 different samples.

I love the stretch from Islington to Mile End, also ever changing and Geraldine, Vanessa and Kathy opted out here leaving the rest of us a fairly quick walk on to Limehouse basin and along to Belgique where we had excellent service and a coffee to round off the day.

We also sorted out our plans for December's walk ...but you'll just have to wait.

walk back to Mile End or Canary Wharf depending how people are feeling. Plenty of places to have coffee and lunch which might be in Camden or in Islington.

October EEG walk

 I spent absolutely ages planning the walk for October as I felt it was time I offered some new walks, ones that we haven't done before.

No-one has asked for these or even complained about past walks, it's all me. In fact my East End Girls often tell me that they're so busy chatting that sometimes they're not that aware of where they walk anyhow. Is that good...or bad?

Pouring over the map, I managed to piece together a 10 mile route which took in bits from many walks, some only ever covered once and I was feeling pretty pleased with myself until I discovered that due to engineering works, I couldn't get back from Tottenham Hale!! Back to the drawing board.

I took elements of my planned walk, paid more attention to what tube lines were running and designed Mile End to the O2....And that's the reason that our first photo shows the North bank of the Thames as we approach the foot tunnel at Island Gardens that will take us over to Greenwich.


Teresa was going to be late to join us so we elected to walk to Canary Wharf and have coffee at Belgique on the riverside and timing should be right for Teresa to catch us up, which it was. Coffee and loo stops taken care of and onto Greenwich. Fabulous 'heather weather' - boy was I glad I'd put on a short sleeved top.

This photo was taken purposely as it was on this very spot 5 years before that the East End Girls team gathered to have ice cream and look over towards Greenwich Park where we would cross the finish line and complete our 38 mile walk. What memories.

Those memories continued, through the tunnel......

and then into M&S where we bought lunch. Five years ago it was champagne and nibbles that we were buying so that we could celebrate our success and in fact there was so much champagne brough by Nicola's dad and Alan that we were all a bit tiddly towards the end.

This time we took the very steep route and passed on through the park to go across Blackheath where near one of the many ponds, we found benches just right for lunch.

Geraldine and Marina

Lindsey and Cajsa

Teresa and Sharon

Mary, Barb and Chris

Now we have new members, Sharon having joined us a couple of walks ago and Mary being one of the Athena Angels who's discovered her walking passion.

Fabulous views from Greenwich park on the way back down, this time minus Teresa who had to leave and go and see her son on stage at the Globe. Honestly, I don't know, these par time walkers - arrive late and leave early but make sure they get lunch.

It was good to look over at the Dome as this is where we're finishing up and it doesn't look far from here, it's a bit misleading though due to how the river flows round.

We made our way down the other side of the park enjoying the views and then onto the river bank but sadly we weren't able to be there long due to the path being blocked off because of ongoing work. More water front properties no doubt, just hope they leave a path for us walkers.

This was rather frustrating as we ended up walking the streets more than we'd hoped and even when we did get towards the O2 it was still the roads we were on.

So the best laid plans go astray but on the whole it was another great day's walking and there was a Costa at the end so we relaxed in the sun, enjoyed our favourite coffee and slowly wended our way home to stretches, legs up against the wall and a lovely deep bath.

Time to go home.

As our flight back to the Uk wasn't till 15.40, we had time to relax and get all our stuff together. Not sure anyone wanted to leave, until you start journeying of course and then you just want to be there.

After a late and leisurely breakfast, bags were packed and people gathered to read or chat and then to have coffee in the orchard.

Gemma and I try out the play equipment

Mark and Janice drove us to Lyon and then we grabbed some food before the flight back where we were entertained by the X Factor wannabe on the Easyjet flight crew, very entertaining.

Great trip and if you fancy Les Cersiers yourself, then there are two sites you should look at -

http://www.cherrytrees.fr/ - which is the house itself which you can rent out or

http://www.thereallybigdreamcompany.com - which tells you about the courses that are run.

Last full day

The start wasn't just as early today as the plan was to have a yoga class run by Alexia and then to have breakfast afterwards followed by relaxation, a short walk and massages for most people before finishing the day with dinner out.

As we stood out on the steps taking in the air, Kathy threatened to throw water down as she had been planning on a long lie - don't think she was annoyed though, she looks too happy. Rather like Janice's frogs dotted around the garden.

....and the beautiful geraniums in pots places round the courtyard and by the pool.

Teresa, Marina and Geraldine before yoga class.

An hour of stretching later and then a leisurely breakfast found me having been scheduled for a massage and able to lead a short walk for those who fancied stretching their legs.

We thought we might have made it to the Arboretum today but no luck, it was just a little further than we'd time for so we returned for a staggered lunch and appointments for massages. More swimming, more lounging in the sunshine and I finally found out what everyone else had been going on about. Not only is Alexia a great yoga teacher but her massages are the best I have ever had!

Today it was cocktails by the pool as it was our last day

Paula relaxes and soaks up the sun

Gemma swims

Our venue for dinner was the Auberge du Lac in Chandon near Trivy, we'd walked close to this only the day before and it was looking really pretty with it's window boxes and tubs of red and pink geraniums.

The Auberge Du Lac is converted from the old railway houses. It's been run by the same family for over one hundred years and serves very traditional French food and rustic wine in unlabeled bottles.

Don't Janice and Mark scrub up well?

 A few photos of the evening:

 I love this photo of Paula and Marina, they look so naughty!

Back at home and Janice and Mark donated two bottles of Roger Bonjour's sparkling wine to us. We'd been sampling Roger's wine all week but hadn't been able to have him come and do a tasting as the harvest had been early due to the weather and he was tied up with that.

Here's Mark bringing the refreshment and he and Janice stayed and had a drink with us. We were also able to tell them that there was no need for an early breakfast the following morning as it was our last morning - a long lie before we head home.

I knew our time away would be great but this time in Les Ceresiers exceeded my expectations totally. It was so easy and so relaxing and everyone got on so well...and yes, you're right, they all want to know when we're having the next East End Girls holiday away!