Over the hills and far away

6 more caches under our belts – three to go complete the Alchemy Quest! There was one long walk (I’m sure there’s a closer place to park!) which had a view of a lovely ruin – I like ruins – but was slightly tricky as there were two other cachers approaching while we were completing the log, and they had to be ‘headed off at the pass’ and delayed till we had hidden it again. We then had to keep them talking and try to mentally spin them around three times so that they forgot where they had seen us. The only other tricky one involved MarcB, whose series it is, having a different definition of ‘near’ to that used on Planet Earth. I was slightly upset at how trampled the bluebells became, despite most of us being as careful as we could and taking circuitous routes towards our suspected goals.

The exception was Small God, who followed his arrow straight and true; only lakes (too busy to walk over them) and particularly large trees could deviate him from his course. With his mental shutters down and his eyes focussed on his GPS he would launch himself off the path and vanish into the woodland, leaving the rest of us to take the scenic route and arrive at the destination at about the same time, but with fewer slips and tumbles involved. Simon is one of those wonderful people whose friends follow him everywhere, if only to see what on earth he’s going to do next, and try to pick up the pieces.

Poor Mortlet is no doubt developing a phobia about stiles, because every one that had to be climbed saw her being ‘helped’ over by Simon. Her revenge, when it happens, will be impressive. The temptation to 'accidentally' topple him over onto his forehead when he crouched to tie his shoelaces I found almost irresistible. But I'm sure Mort will come up with something far better ...

Ned and I had a good clear run home (the fresh air caused me to blink when we got onto the M42 and unblink when we got off the M40) before the Bank Holiday traffic built up. The dogs were delighted to see us, though Harry's day of rest hasn't cured his limp. I hope he recovers before the weekend, as he has a 'young lady' due to visit him on Saturday. With any luck we'll be able to reconvene and complete the Quest next Sunday.