The Buchans 2006

New Blog

As we move into 2007 the blog will also move to

http://thebuchans2007.blogspot.com/

Sue and I hope that you have enjoyed this years read.

Christmas 2006

Christmas morning with Sue opening her presents helped by Tara.

I took Maggie, Andy and Tara on a walk before Christmas dinner. This was to check a walk I am leading later in the year. We were also using my new mapping software (an early Christmas present) to help us get around. I did go wrong once because I wasn't looking at the GPSr.

Sue had remained behind to produce this sumptuous feast after our extra long walk of 6 miles.

On Boxing Day we went down to Avon beach for a walk followed by lunch at Jane and Ron's. This is an annual event which we greatly look forward to.

Jane - the chef!

Oooh, that's a nice one!

Christmas Begins

Jane, Ron and Margaret (Jane's Mum) joined us for a pre Christmas meal. When it came to the chocolates after the meal, the chocolate box was empty. There was only one suspect her name beginning with 'S' and ending with 'e'. Not even one choc was shared with yours truly. Anyway she says that she is on a diet, some diet, I'm joining her.

We had a walk in Moors Valley park and went to see Mike Read's photos of wildlife which were excellent. Whilst there we also had to have some refreshment.

Remember the DIET - hot chocolate with lashings of cream, chocolate flake and mini marshmellows!!!!

Christmas Newsletter

To read these letters click on the actual page that you want to read. The page should increase in size, also look for the increase/decrease symbol in the bottom right hand corner and click this to increase/decrease size. If that doesn't work; you've got a problem.

Wild Weather

In between the wild weather we have had some very nice days and this was one of them. Here you can see me at Avon Beach just east of Christchurch.

Using the new camera I took this shot into the sun, an interesting photo. If you think you can see a UFO in the top right hand corner it is actually the kite which is attached to a kite surfer.

I know we have had some tornadoes recently, but this is the result of deforestation by the Forestry Commission. They are getting rid of the fir trees from the forest because they are not indigenous to it. At the same time they are trying to recreate the bogs and mires of old. I think the money would be better spent on more cycle tracks and bridges over some of the streams.

Most of the fords have been flowing with lots of water recently and this seems to be the best and safest way of crossing some of them.

The Weekend

Wet, wet, wet is the weather at the moment. At the beginning of the ramble on Saturday it was raining and we had a clap of thunder overhead, this prompted two ramblers to depart before the ramble.
Fortunately it didn't rain too much during the ramble, but we still got wet. Normally the numbers are around 20, but we were down to six hardy walkers on Saturday. Here we are at one of the footbridges.

Sunday morning loomed with sunshine and black skies - this is a photo out of the back of our house.

Dot and Phil Snell came for Sunday lunch. They arrived after a nightmare journey through all the bad weather we have been having. We had a great day catching up on all the news.

New Camera

I've been promising myself a small camera that is easy to carry in my pocket or in my cycle bag. I bought a Canon Powershot A530 from Amazon.com. I ordered it on Monday and it arrived Wednesday, not bad for free delivery. You might have guessed you are going to get some photos to see. I have to say I am very pleased with the quality of the photos. If the composition is iffy blame me.

Linford Bottom, New Forest

Bailey - the Vizsla from next door

Longslade Bottom - I had just been rambling in this area of the New Forest

Jane and Ron kindly invited Sue and I to the Chewton Glen. In the morning I played tennis with Ron while the ladies did a little shopping at Castlepoint. We had a very pleasant lunch overlooking the gardens followed by swims and soaks in the spa. It's all very luxurious.

Stuart and Ron

Jane and Sue