Blowing and snowing on the Clent Hills

Just returned from a day walking on the Clent Hills. My face feels as though it has been sand-blasted.

Arriving at the car park, we knew we were in for some weather, and by the time our boots, waterproofs, gloves, hats were on, and hoods up, our fingers were already numb, but a steep uphill climb soon raised our temperatures. Not for long though as there was a fierce, snow laden wind at the top. I'm amazed that this photo was actually successful as I struggled to keep the camera as steady as possible. On a fine day we could have been enjoying some wonderful views, but the elements were against us today. We also had to contend with some very slippery and muddy conditions underfoot. So, how come one of our walkers managed to keep his light coloured trousers and boots so clean? Just look at the state of the other three!

There were other equally mad people out and about on the hills, riding horses, walking dogs and we even encountered another walking group along the way.

Nearing the end of the walk I spotted these two garden gnomes sitting on a stile. Don't they look sad!

Many thanks to those who planned and led the walk. What's a bit of bad weather between friends?

Talking of garden gnomes, I've always been convinced that there are such things as 'house gnomes' who steal and hide all manner of items around the home. Just after I'd arrived back from the walk, Mike said "Guess what I've just found?" A few years ago I had borrowed The White Stripes 'White Blood Cells' from our youngest son, but it was stolen by the house gnome, seemingly never to be found again - until today. Funny, isn't it, that it was hidden inside one of Mike's CD covers! I say no more.