Doris was with us as ten of us set out along the Black Path this morning. She really hit us going down Station Road and Millers Lane. When we branched off to go round the ford we felt the full force in our faces; it was a real struggle. Most of the time the sun was shining, but there were bits of dead wood everywhere, and more coming down as we passed between the trees. We had seen the deer in Aynho Park and as we passed through Souldern we saw early blooming daffodils. There was also a fence down along a narrow footpath between the houses so we were grateful for Simon’s strength in holding it up so we could pass. We continued up to Nancy Bowles wood, noting a fallen fir tree, which fortunately did not block the lane. Two alpacas were sheltering close to the hedge as we took the track through to the Fritwell Road. We followed the road back to Souldern and continued past the church and across the fields on the Portway route. Again the wind across the fields was very strong. When we reached the final path between the walls and through the tunnel, our way was blocked again by a fallen tree covered in ivy. We had nevertheless enjoyed an invigorating walk. Coffee and Victoria sponge was esepcially welcome and delicious in the circumstances.
