After weeks of sub-zero temperatures, the “bears” emerged from their virtual hibernation feeling somewhat hungry for action. Daddy Bear roared out the rallying cry. “Anyone out this Friday?” he asked. It was not long before the responses came. Like snowdrops poking their heads from the wintery ground a chorus of replies rang out “I’m coming out!”, “Me too!”, “And me!” until we had a sloth of nine bears.
Gathering at Manor House, the bears milled around checking their winter coats, scratching backs and comparing appendages…….. on the end of their mudguards. “Pooh! Was that you?” cried one bear. Establishing some sense of order Daddy Bear called out “Right you cubs, there is a good food source at Goodmanham. Let’s get on the road”.
Setting off towards Newbald the bears “shuffled, walked and ran” up hill and down Dale until reaching the junction at Stoneknowle hill where they all regrouped.
Following a brief recovery it was time to head for the dizzying heights of High Gardham. After “clawing” their way to the top the “bears” were treated for their efforts with lovely long descent to Low Gardham leading to a flat section towards Etton. Such joy was short lived though as the “bears” turned uphill to the “spire in the sky” that is South Dalton Church a beacon standing visible for miles around.
Continuing upwards, the “bears” arrived at Holme-on-the-Wolds before turning west on the Middleton road. Hunger pangs started to take effect as the “bears” began to sniff the air for the scent of food. The next leg of the journey took us back south towards Kiplingcotes before heading back uphill on the Kiplingcotes Race Course road then “galloped” down to Goodmanham.
While the “bears” filled their stomachs, Daddy Bear outlined the route back to the “den”. “If anyone is time pressed they can find their own way back” he suggested. Then after trying to outline what sounded like a long and winding road home, a chorus of “bears” cried out mockingly “Oh, I think I need to be home early!”
Fully sated, the “bears” were once again on the move. Heading firstly back along Cross Gate towards Middleton Road and then retracing their “steps” back to Holme-on-the-Wolds. The final leg took us back through Etton and Cherry Burton before returning home for a well earned afternoon nap.