"Scores of Basset Hound enthusiasts head to Burnham on Sea beach" (well that's what the local press thought - see here)

On a bitterly cold day it was amazing to see 36 Bassets, maybe more, out to start the 2015 walk programme (our 72nd walk). Fortunately there were plenty of chases of a black lab and Griffon Basset - maybe The Pack doesn't recognise that Griffons are classed as Bassets. Before we reached the sea why was my Matilda the only hound to scent out a dead pig washed up on the foreshore? And took delight in rolling in the remains?

So we struggled out to the old wooden lighthouse battling against a piercing north wind that brought wind chill definitely below zero. Lunch was swiftly grabbed by some washed up tree trunks, helped by some delicious fudge - thank you Mark - before thankfully returning with the wind now on our backs.

The chip shop struggled to keep up but it was pleasant to retreat into some shelter before finishing the last leg along the beach and back beside the river to Apex Park.

But then I had this email from the chip shop (She did well to sleuth us down).
I run the catering on the pier and was caught off guard slightly with the result that some of your members couldn't get a seat and had to wait. If I know in advance, say a week I will make sure that I have extra staff on. Next year when you come we will have our new roof up so seating undercover will be no problem and since we are dog friendly I will make sure that we have extra water bowls out and have some doggie treats on hand. It was lovely to see such a friendly responsible group on our Esplanade and beach.
Thank you.
Kind regards,
Louise Parkin
Burnham Pier

At the start, all buttoned up. (Photo above and all below from Guy)

Your shivering cameraman & Gay (rare visit from husband Peter alas not captured).

Let's chase the Griffon

Guy feeding the multitude (this pic and two below from Alan Robinson)

Waiting for the chips (Mark with May at front)