Last 2007 Walk in Hambleden a 670 AC village

On 29th December, I went for a walk to one of the Buckinghamshire's villages.

I entered Hambleden to realize how this small village on the side of a road, is protected by its high trees and serrounding woods within approx 7,000 acres.

One does not realizing how old this village really is, except by looking into the facade from Saxon times dated c 670 A.D.; Its origin is Norman and the Chancel, Nave, North/South Transepts and Central Tower still stands high in the blue sky.

The St Mary the Virgin Church remains standing beautiful in this town as a remembrance of all years gone by and the many events shared with the people who lived here by generations...

It stays 'alive' within its own rights. It has survived to so much that its walls could tell stories for more then 1500 years. It is more then just remainings as the church is in good shape and hosts connections with the English Monarchy.

Who could image that such history could remain available to every one and it would be one day visited by me.. What a blessing it is to be a survivor and stay proud in the English blue clear sky.

And it was here near The Slag & Huntsman pub that we started our walk. The pub has the photo of a Deer. I did not make any connection while we initiated our clim of our first hill.

This was such an abrupt way to start and walk; having in mind that with my lack of sleep joined by a horrible scare that Blossom could have been earlier hit by the bin man, my humour was a 'funcky' one to not be kind. I was in no mood for such a brisky walk start. Once I got to the top my first idea was to go down and back home.

The serroundings however were beautiful and the leader promised us a more easy way until the top.. and so it was.. ; at least for a while. It was the first time that we saw so much of four feet animals and each one so alive and well; we shared this walk with all of them... First we saw the Turkeys... unfraid of what was serrounding them.

A few yards later we saw a shy deer - its breed Muntjac (Thanks Alec! for pointing it out to us the last ones in the group)

From here we discovery a beautiful sunny view with a clear blue sky of the Hambleden village fields and residential area. We went around the right hand side fence and along around its beautiful to get closer and closer to a house which was shinning at the distance. Once we got closer we still had no idea what made this house shinning, was it glass? or was it ice water? Whatever it was the effect was atonish and it could be seen for miles away, specially on a bright sunny day like on the day.

Down to the woods we went once more to discover this time lovely and friendly horses, which only wanted a nice and friendly pad from someone who loves horses and understand them. It is beautiful and harmonious to see such tenderness feeling towards a horse.

Our stomaches rembling by now.. however lunch was not to be seen... no!! we need to climb one more long hill to be able to deserve a nice lunch. By the time we got to the top, I knew I had a heart inside and know this muscle needs to do more cardiovascular exercises too; well this walk did deserve its announcement as it was really for burning all the calories of the Christmas season; The top of the hill was beautiful..
the photo says it all!

Luckly we had some bananas and chocolates to keep our strenght going. As we were now on our descend back into Hambleden village, passing parallel to the church and I could earsier image that in these woods many centeries ago used to hunt and bring food to those living below. We could see between the trees the town which we will soon be in again, it was so closed and so far way...

To the right hand side... of our walk, far away behind the trees the South of Hambleden we can see the Thames navigating in between lands and herrigating the farmer lands. Shortly aftwards we were back to this "Village in the Valley" from which Hambleden name comes from.

Its ancien name has preveled through time despite its evoluation from Hambleton to Hamelden and finaly to Hambleden however its meaning was never far off its origin. My walking companions longing for a drink in the near by pub; for me, I preferred to explore this Village and discovery more of this ancient town ....

Much more could be said.. One thing I would like every one to know that despite the leader believes this village is in fact situated in Buckinghamshire instead of Berkshire.

This was my last walk of 2007, I hope that the new year will bring some more adventures and laughting moments while discovering this beautiful land. Thank you to those that were with me while I was walking these 25390 steps and learning more about my serroundings. Until next time in harmonious 2008... :)

Visiting Charming Bucklebury - Sat 23rd Dec 2007

In a frosty morning, I went to join my weekend walking companions.. the weather was one of those to stay home in my cozy sweet home :) instead i bravely faced the cold (-1 C) day ahead and I drove to the meeting point; this time in the excellent company of my GPS :) what will I do without you?? - luckly I was born in this beautiful technology time!!! :)

Reading was serrounded by a deep fog; however on arrival to the Pot Kiln Pub near Frilsham town - it was an impressive view as the town was serrounded by this beautiful sunshine. The meeting point, however, was in the back of the pub car park which once again it was not easy to find. In time... I think I will get used to it!

- Our first stop was a remarkable remains of Romans, which no one was really sure of the history and we found this scaring person hiding from each one of us, like in fear of .... could it be of us? or the future ahead? or maybe dreading the walking ahead... any one knows?????

In the middle of the woods in a deep fog we stopped for a hot drink and some directions.. ;)

ahead of us we could see the logs ready for the fireplace of the serrounding houses .. while passing by the frost was even evident in the mud as this was all covered with a fine slice of ice.

In this fog it was impressive to see that some trees still have leaves and the sun does make an effort to break this ice weather and break thought like a victory accomplished before spring...

Walking towards Bucklebury, the first site is a beautiful, red stone, oldish house - Neil's preferred retire house..

followed down the hill by the village church into the blue vivid sky in this cold morning..

Here is where I stopped to rest a year ago while looking in Bucklebury for "Eden House" in this small roads and nice road paths, its charming houses and the generous people.. Today, however, I believe I could retire here :) in due time...

Leaving behind this beautiful village, we returned to Frilsham and the pub, where I needed to dash back to join some friends for dinner while my walking companions would exchange their muddy boots for trainers to enjoy a drink in the pub.

On the way back, I left the sun behind and entered the fog which Reading was still under.

Thanks to Carl for this wonderful discovery :) until next time for more adventures..

The Gazelle, the Seagull and the Friendly Giant on their Christmas walk on 15th December 2007

On the beautiful Saturday 15th December of grace 2007, Seagull and I join the Berkshire group on the cold 8 miles walk in Christmas Common.

We were 10 souls facing a December winter morning in a semi-fog day; we were all courages and vivid companions.. On the way we needed to warm ourselves and breavely we left our boots outside the pub and there we went to find our drinks in a burgundy room very close to a warm true log fireplace; which brought warmth to our shivering bodys and laughts to certain colourful socks ;) Shuuuuuu

Laughting and walking we - Gazelle, Seagull and Friendly Giant - continue our walk with 7 other brothers/sisters to find a giant tree pine where it was the only one which still had green leaves in the middle of the woods.

We could imagine this Christmas tree with decorations and lights smilling to us all and saying: "I am still here! I am strong and shall live until next winter, when a man will cut me and will take me home for a season; However, meanwhile I am here to stay!"

Our marvellous companions shared all this magnific nature change and its scenery too... a workshop in the middle of a lovely tree park
looking down from the top of the hill, where others will be working hard towards the winter ahead while we nature companions will be walking and enjoying a relaxing 'promenade' ; and so we went towards another pub in the end of this walk, where we had a refreshment and laught a bit more; where from a used chocolate bar wrapper was made into a shirt, a clown's trousers, a table, a windmill, and a boat:) Incredible? Not at all !!! It is possible!!! :) Ask Carla how ;)

Once more we arrived to another end of a path which we wanted all more... Seagull had found new friends to walk with; after such a delightful day we all headead to our cars.. me with a pain in a hip + blisters as physical souvenir and a feel of wonder...; marvelous smile feeling in my heart as the walk had been throught out great views where nature had shared with us this particular special moment.

Special thanks to the Gazelle, the Seagull and the Friendly Giant who made it memorable. :) See you all next time...

Nettlebed a Stoke Row le Dimanche 25 Novembre 2007

Dans un matin de soleil timide et fragile d'une journee d'hiver je suis partie faire une promenade dans la belle ville de Nettlebed. Les colour des feuilles sont toujours visible dans leur beaute ou l'etre humain se trouve et se merveille :) au meme temps.

Au haut d'une petite montagne on s'apercois les vaches ou moutons (ca fait tellement de temps...) contre le ciel blue. Cela fait un contraste tellement beau a voire et a aprecier avec les yeux d'en enfant en les voyant pour la premier fois - wow!!!

Mes compagnons de promenade se sont regarler comme des enfants que trouve leur mere apres tellement de temps de separation. Leur sourire le montre bien. On etait un group de 13 personnes et on a peu apprendre et discuter des sujects interessants en rigolant au meme temps.

Moi j'ai eu un moment de merveille. Merci a tous qui l'ont permis :) xxx et a bientot quand nos chemins se retrouverons une nouvelles fois pour admirer la nature que nous entourne :)

Merci Tracy!!! :)

J'adore cette photo et grace a Tracy que m'a trouve le lien a mettre sur le forum, je peux maintenant la partager avec vous tout(e)s et bientot faire des cartes postales - il serai GENIAL!!!!



Merci TRACY!!! xxxx

Walk from Overton to Deane on Sat 10th Nov 2007

Well…here is a new adventure, which this time did not start on the walk itself but long before I even got there… the road was a little long for my taste and the detour a 90 min drive :(

The driving from Reading to Overton was nothing but maniac; a trip which should take only 45 mins, took the double… me and the Basingstoke roundabouts – well known as the Grrr ‘rings’ when we met 18 months ago were never friends; and once more it proved that I am not meant to walk or even drive pass them.

From A33 to A339/A340 was fine, however I did not found the B3400 and so I ended up in Tadley :( Grrrrr bloody rings!!!!

From Tadley we got new directions to Overton from Rob and a few minutes later once more from Neil S, which took us closer to Overton and an extra 45mins on the road.

However we saw beautiful golden, brown tree leaves while driving like mad on a 60 mile road; we crossed 2 police cars while driving a 90 miles towards Overton where we met by 18 pairs of eyes looking at us while hoping desperately that the walk would start... These were brave people who had waited 30mins for us to arrive at the meeting point.

During the majority of the walk, I was mucked about, however with a lovely humour we were able to laugh about it all while stepping into the woods… it was hard for those waiting to understand that there was no deviation tour to London to be able to take 90mins to get into Overton a beautiful small town in the Hants county.


The walk had its beautiful moments where the tones of light greens mixed with lovely tones of dark greens and brown too.

My main companions in this trip were Nick and Mark with whom I laugh and enjoyed a beautiful afternoon; sharing moments of truth about past events which made Nick laugh disbelieveingly – “not possible Carla!!!”; however I know how truthful it is my young days as a shy person unable to say “hello” to those surrounding me… ;)

how those days are as far as today beautiful nature can be seen and we even doubt how is it possible that autumn has arrived so quickly… where is our beautiful summer?? the time of the 4 seasons no longer exists and we are quickly enjoying these moments where our beautiful countryside…

is converting in a beautiful tonality more gorgeous than a rainbow after some showers when the sun does come out and refreshes our skin.

The soul house, which today is clear from any shadow and resplendence lets the sun invade and enlighten; its beautiful and harmonious fixtures flourishing against the blue sky opened to new worlds, new discoveries and let’s the rocky path without any hills. Peaceful drinking its delicious water (photo # 532 – left hand side) just there in the path of discovery looking ahead and enjoying each brilliant moment of clarity and wonder..

23923 steps done that day :) Four hours later we were already returning back to the car park; we had all done
10 miles walk which it was mainly on a high pace;

Here a few went to the next door pub, others left and I was definitely left with a pain in my hip so sharp that I was unable to stand still on my 2 feet or even able to walk. :(

Next day, I was even sorer and needed to spend all day lying down as seating, standing or walking was an agony for me.

The memory of a lovely day, good company, and great scenery have also left me with the memory of a horrible atrocious pain from the quick pace which it is not really for me! :$

My body and soul do prefer to be able to calmly walk enjoying the surroundings…

I am, however, looking forward to the next one… in company or without, the next one will be beautiful and definitely without any pain!!!

I might try Goring or a return to Reading’s panoramic view which I hold closely to my heart and still looking to take a picture of it :)

Until next time,…. for more adventure to discover the surrounding beauty and the pleasant future moments to live ahead of us all. The future is bright! :)

Soleil a Paris

Le Soleil a Paris
Fait la Tour Eiffel
shine to all
surrounding her


C'est jolie
C'est super
Tout le monde
Sourire grace a Elle

Fireworks in Lower Earley

Tonight we went to the Fireworks 2007 in Lower Earley which has been designed since May of this year by the Woodley & Earley Lions Club. The entrance costed £6 for a 15-20mins fireworks event. It was great!!! I took a few photos which poorly tried to capture the beautiful moments that we and hundreds of people shared in the Laurel Park tonight.

Mel parked in ASDA supermarked. We walked 5500 steps to get there. Thanks to this event tonight I walked 15322 steps - wow, my daily allowance is done for today!

I will share a few of the photos taken, which try to show the event in all its colours of beauty... there was so many whites, green, reds, bordeaux, gold, wow so many colours and it felt that we were all so small and the colours were coming down on us.. wow!!!!

The show was beautiful and it was a pleasure to be present sharing such a delight.

Next year, I would love to go back to a different town for a similar event... :)

See you soon for our next tour around Berkshire... Hampshire discovery new lands...

Ashford Hill to Woolhampton

Aujourd'hui je viens vous raconter ma derniere promenade fait le Samedi derniere (21st Octobre) de Ashford Hill a Woolhampton dans la partie Hampshire connue par ses forets, arbres, revieres... on ajoute les colours de l'Autumn et on a une marche de beaute! Il faudra vraiment le faire pour l'apprecier... moi je l'ai eu avec un group de 12 personnes qui aiment la nature et sortent dans une gele dimanche pour marcher :) Le group avait plutot d'hommes et j'ai trouve qu'on pouvait ecouter le bruit des arbres, oiseaux et de la nature beaucoup plus facilement que la derniere fois ;)

Cette fois-ci je vais essayer d'ecrirer la promenade dans les deux langues car mes colleagues de marche souhaite partager avec nous les photos merveilleuses prises... vous aller voir... il y a de quoi sourire et la vie est belle!!!! :)

I had fog driving to the meeting point the Asford Hill village hall; the day would be a surprise as the day went on... We started out walk 10mins late at 10:40 BST; Nick, the leader, took us along the main road onto a woody path where we started to discover the beauty surrounding us... now pick up your imaginary boots and let's go! Come and join me to the wonderful paths of Hampshire's beauty nature!

Tree of beauty
Tree of shine
Let me - the Sun
pass by

I go in
I stay
I tender light
the skin leaves of fire

And from here we walked deep into the woods... finding even more beautiful and amazing fields; when suddendly this scenery changed into this beautiful clarity of a field opening.. allowing the sun already in the beautiful sky to shin in its strenght and splendour;
and we saw a beautiful open field just ahead of us...

scenery was definitly the most beautiful with amazing houses along the path and... along with it the chat with my walk companions was enjoyable too :)
I was lucky to have by my side those that understand and love nature, so while I would stop to take a photo I was not left to far alone in the queue;

By the time we got into Wasing Park, Wasing it was almost 12pm and we were starving after so much walking.

We had, however, to wait until we got to the river along Woolhampton Bridge to be able to enjoy our packed lunch ;) and our drink :) (Thanks Adam) while appreciating the reflection of the autumn-turned-yellow trees (Thanks Tracy!) and chatting..

By the time we left the Pub, it was time to have the courage to stand up and walk back to our cars left in Ashford Hill village Hall where all this exploration had started a few hours earlier. :)

I always find that this is the hardest part to do... Nevertheless we stand up and made the walk back into an amazing scenery which it was unexpected waiting for us from a beautiful deep blue sky and water are just one; the trees mirrow themselves in the lake.. I thought I was dreaming, I felt I was on a relax holidays in a Carabian island ;) a paradise right on the border of Berskhire - how is that possible??!!

On the lake, in these calms waters, 2 pair of Swans were enjoying its beauty while a Heron decided to go for a swim (Thanks for Rob to spot it and allow this picture) :)


The return was still to be made! After doing more then 7 miles the last 3 are still the longest ever; there was, however, more beauty along the way, where the sunshine has not left us and England in Autumn was glowing of a blue limpide sky!



This last views, helps us to finalise our 10 miles walk in a cicle and we were by then closer to where our cars had been for the last 6 hours..





Ce jour j'ai fait 28871 pas. Le jour suivant rien de perdu; MAIS j'ai gagne une journee memorable laquelle restera avec moi pendant beaucoup de temps :) des photos merveilleuse et surtout des moments avec la nature unobleable :)

A bientot.... car les promenades ne sont pas fini! malgre le temps pourri qu'on a parfois en Angleterre. La saison est tres belle et il faudra en profiter :) xxx