For this our 83rd walk, records were broken. Some 45, perhaps more, lovely hounds took over Burnham on Sea on a slightly postponed stroll along the prom. When the walk was first arranged for Feb 7th tide tables were carefuly examined and yes high water would have comfortably risen and gone. Thanks to a dubious weather forecast an Executive Decision was taken and the walk postponed - Joy for some - disappointment for others: "Don't you know it's Valentines Day?" My response that "what's wrong with the chip shop at Burnham Pier" brought forth a chilly silence. Personally I can think of nothing, nothing at all, more like Heaven than to see 45 Basset Hounds sniffing each other's bottoms - but each to their own I suppose.

So we all assembled from Newport, Gloucester, Chudleigh, Swindon, even Strensham and meandered off from Apex Park to the bemusement of much of Burnham. The sun shone, the wind was light, the hounds chased: who could ask for anything more? Sadly a bit more beach, but never mind, by the time we got past the pier enough sand had appeared for plenty of chases.

On the way back some of us enjoyed plates of chips and I am told "the best fish I've ever tasted" - so all content.

With such a spectacular turnout I am tempted to say let's meet here more often, except that the start of the beach is closed to dogs from end May to end September, so we would have to meet on Berrow Beach car park further up. Please let me know what you want.

Above: Malcolm of Fingle Bridge

Two pics above from Alan of Gloucestershire