Cleaning the boardwalk

 Last Monday was the time set for the, now annual event of cleaning the boardwalk at Rowsley sidings on NCN 680. Strictly observing Government guidelines, Catherine, David (S) , Peter and I gathered under the watchful eye of the Groundwork co-ordinator, Marion Farrell, on a typically damp autumnal day. Clyde also joined us at the outset but unfortunately soon received a call to return home, and so his stay was brief on this occasion. There is still plenty to do down there in the New Year!

We knew that this section of track was certainly ready for its annual clean. 

At this time of the year the leaves become very wet and "mushy", making for quite an unpleasant experience when walking or cycling through them. The lack of frost this year helped considerably with removing them off the plastic slats of the boardwalk. 

We had all bought with us shovels and brushes, but Peter had the perfect implement for mass movement of leaves. His plastic grass rake was simply built for the job.

We all worked very hard for an hour and a bit before stopping for the customary coffee break. There were plenty of well-wishers passing by as we worked. Almost without exception they stopped to let us know what a fantastic job they thought we were doing. It certainly adds to the total satisfaction of what we are doing when people take the time to thank us for doing it. I think our small team was so well into the rythym of leaf shifting, that we reached the end of the boardwalk all too quickly. We hadn't even done a full 3 hour stint by the time we had walked back to the cars!

Now, doesn't that look smart?

I have sent around our provisional dates for 2021 workdays, as well as the group's 2021 Operational Plan. They are both "drafts", and so if you want to have input into them, then please let me know. 

Thursday 17th @ 1800 is our Christmas get-together. Look forward to seeing everyone at the Zoom call then. If you can't make it, may I wish you a very Merry Christmas now and I look forward to seeing you all in 2021.