Only nine walkers on the long walk today, but we set off down the Portway path in the sunshine. The wind was strong and cold, but the deer in the park field were enjoying the sun, white and brown still keeping apart. It was less muddy than we expected, given recent downpours, but there was still plenty of mud about. As we approached the stile into the meadow beyond the stream a young deer raced across just in front of us at great speed. Those nearest the stile could have touched the deer, it was so close for a split second. Up at the B4100 the traffic was quite heavy but we crossed safely and continued through Upper Aynho Grounds. We passed on through the woods and up into the meadow following our usual route and emerged onto the main road through Croughton to find our way blocked by the recycling truck. We found our way through the constant movement of blue bins and continued past the Reading Room and through to the fields. We were soon back to the Charlton Road and walked all the way along it to the sports field, pleased to notice bluebells flowering already. Dawn had been called away to a family emergency so refreshments were very limited. However we had enjoyed our walk and were grateful that there was still the chance for a drink and a cake.
