Text and pics contributed by Christina
To kick off our new decade, 35 IOGers joined me on a circular walk in the Martlesham area along Butlers Brook and Martlesham Creek, where many of the pictures were taken.
We met at the entrance of Blacktiles Lane at 12.45, then headed inland, across some rather boggy fields and through Walk Farm Wood, before returning to our starting point.
Vicky and Justin live nearby and they had very kindly invited us to visit their home after the walk, where their new alpacas are settling into the sloping fields behind the house. There was a warming fire in front of their old stables where we enjoyed some mince pies and refreshments, while some of our group got hands-on with the cuddly creatures and even bottle-fed the baby. Thank you both for your great hospitality.
On another note, we had some stragglers at the back and one well-known person, a notorious roamer, led some innocent youngsters astray [now who might that be? – ed.], and they almost got lost, unaware that I was about to take a left turn – probably best to take him on a leash next time. 
[a short leash – ed.]