31/12/14 - Missing the Target

Walk Inspiration - Stage 19 of the Millennium Way
Geocaches - 17 Found, 3xDNF
Distance - 7 Miles
Post Walk Refreshment - London Pride at the Black Boy, Heronfield

New Year's Eve is always a time to reflect on the attainment of goals - some were hit with aplomb;

• Completing the Brummie Ring 
• Starting the Ridgeway
• Doing a monthly trip to the Smoke for the London Loop
• Joining CAMRA
• Being nice to Sonia

Unfortunately, there has been one notable exception.  I really wanted to get to 1000 caches in a calendar year.  Before today's (admittedly cache laden) walk, these are the scores on the doors.

Best Year Ever - But not going to get 49 Today

I'll console myself with another achievement - a monthly walk on the Millennium Way.  This is stage 19.

Back on the Millennium Way

Park up at a pub (the on-line guides are ace) and pick up a cold and icy Grand Union Canal.

Brr.  At least the mud is hard

I was made aware of the Millennium Way 19 months ago when cache publication notices came through.  This stretch is being advertised through the power of caching and there are 20 on route.

Not going to go through them all, but you can get a glimpse as to why I didn't get the number, when the GZ for the 2nd of the day has been turned into sawdust.

Who Stole the ICT?

The walk today is functional.  The caches are a little tough but I soon get into the rhythm after a couple of genuine early DNFs.  Leave the canal and head through typical midlands countryside, picking up the Heart of England Way (future goal) for some decent walking.

Accompanied by the constant roar of planes taking off from Birmingham Airport.  The only genuine item of interest is Temple Balsall, but we must be saving this for the next leg, as we turn off before getting into photo range.

I'll let the photos do the talking for this stage.

Into the Frosty Fields

Clumps

Picking up the Heart of England Way at a GZ (Guess where)

Hurrah - Nature Captured at the 3rd Attempt.  Some Bird of Prey on a Branch

Last cache of the day contains a TB.  One to carry into 2015.  All that remains is to check out the pub.

The Black Boy - Dunno who Rigby is but it was built in 1793

London Pride

Goals for 2015.  Ooh, I think I'll have another crack at 1000 caches.