peak Bog Men on Marsden Moor

Peak Bog Christmas Jaunt 2016

This was the third year that I’ve joined the Peak Bog Men Runners on their nighttime christmas jaunt to the middle of the moors, to decorate a previously selected fir tree (or trig point, as was last year).

The name is a misnomer for these jaunts as (a) some of the group a walkers (b) Peak Bog Women are in attendance (c) Peak Bog Canines are in attendance (d) strictly speaking we were on Marsden Moor – although at the very northern edge of the Peak District.

Last year saw us up on Black Hill, gathered around the trig in awful weather.

This year, Ali (team leader) chose an off-piste tree up in the White Moss area. Which meant about a four mile round trip from the Standedge area (or up from Marsden, for the runners). Off-piste meant traversing some deep groughs in the dark (although much of the initial walk was on the old Pennine Way.

peak Bog Men on Marsden Moor
A sprint of Alistair Macdonalds. Organiser Ali is on the left. Fellow Marsdener and runner, Alistair is on the right.

We all brought combinations of pies, snacks, hip flasks etc.. a nice communal thing to do. And this year there was a printed order of service. Very organised, Ali! Carols were sung, snacks were snacked, the tree was (temporarily) decorated. Much fun.

peak Bog Men on Marsden Moor
A printed order of service..
peak Bog Men on Marsden Moor
Steve happy to make this look like a heroic endeavour..
Peak Bog Men on Marsden Moor
Professor Andy also looking somewhat heroic (the type of heroism that sees you drinking whiskey before running back across the moors..)
peak Bog Men on Marsden Moor
Jeff getting into the festive spirit
peak Bog Men on Marsden Moor
Some of the tree decorators..

I hope you have a great Christmas / holiday time wherever you are.

All the best for 2017

 

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