Stumped

We didn't play cricket nor did we did we attempt a cryptic crossword no-the-less we were mildly stumped this week. Rod and Barry had a go at clearing round the tree stump which impedes our progress in preparation for Markenfield regulars removing it. Unfortunately it ate Rod's chisel and wouldn't give it back without brutal persuasion. Catriona even mounted an expedition to the Hall in search of more suitable tools but returned unbowed... and un-axed.
In other news Graham and I tidied up a bit, we put some toppers on and did a couple of course of wall.

Richard H.
No wallers: 5 (Rod, Rich, Catriona, Graham, Barry)

Return of Tony

The group* were glad to welcome back Tony for his first session of the year, as we managed to get to topper hight on another stint of walling. The daffodils were out to welcome us up Hell Wath lane and into the Markenfield car park.
Just after coffee break were visited by Ian Curteis and Rob the handyman who came to have a look at a tree stump which is rather in the way of a straight-er wall. Rob has undertaken to remove it by the time we are back next week, which is pretty efficient.

*Graham, Val, Catriona, Chris, Rod and me (Rich)

Coffee Break

Lunch Time

Afternoon

End of the Day

Richard H.
Wallers: 7

Soggy but successful

Though the forecast was not promising 5 wallers decided to give it a go this week. The mad march hare were there to greet us and the stream was bubbling along nicely. The rain arrived at midday, which was very inconvenient and meant Barry, Chris, Roderick, Val and I postponed lunch until the rain abated and stomachs were crying out. After late lunch we finished off and filled a third course as the rains started again and called it a day well spent.

Start if the day

Breaktime

Before late lunch 

End of the day 

Richard H.

No. Wallers: 5

Heavy Heavy

Catriona, Graham Barry and I spent a lovely bright and sunny day lugging great big boulders all over the place. I for one had to strip of my outer layers of clothing which did little to stop me perspiring. Having only brought my winter rations of water I was flagging towards the end of the day but Barry very kindly furnished me with a spare bottle he had brought. I'm glad people feel able to help out the frailer members of the group in sure ways.
Barry and I worked on one section whilst Catriona and Graham put an extra course on the existing wall.
Wildlife was limited to a single hare, and the usual birds.

Morning

lunch

Afternoon

Afternoon

Richard H.

No. wallers: 4.

New Style Toppers?

Graham , Catriona & Barry set themselves the target of finishing the stint today. In milder conditions and with buzzards in the air and hares (real ones) on the field, the two courses were laid and toppers put in place. The transition to sandstone boulders on top of the wall gave a new look - perhaps more rugged and resilient: heavier work but a satisfying finish to the day. Departing at 3pm avoided the worst of some unexpected precipitation.

Barry S.
No. Wallers: 3

No Buzzards

No buzzard to welcome us today and just the 4 of us this week. Catriona and Graham working on the front of the wall whilst Barry took the beck side.  I continued tidying and fettling further up the wall.
Only 3 walkers today despite the weather being rather nice, not like the hoards out last week in the freezing cold.

Morning 

Lunchtime

End of the day

Richard H.

No. Wallers: 4

6 go walling

6 wallers squelched across the fields of Marken to continue working on the park pale. The work of Barry, Graham, Catriona, Val and Chris was only interrupted by lunch and a hoard of walkers trying to reach Markington in as unmuddied a state as possible.
Catriona and Garham managed to finish and top out their section, whilst Barry and Val and Chris out a few fine courses on the longer stint.  The day was ended after 3 large through stone were grunted and cursed into place.

At lunch time

End of the day

End of the day

Richard H.
No wallers: 6