On the hottest day of the year to date, the touring Lions XV (including the token Kiwi), were led out from the Green Man, Ropsley, having made their all important meal choices at the bar. The leader, having checked that most of the team had hats and water on board, was confident of not getting lost having reccyd the route twice before and on the third occasion led the Ramblers (astray, at the bar) a couple of weeks earlier. The walk included long narrow footpaths, wide tracked bridleways, grassed fields, several difficult stiles with nettles and the almost picturesque hamlet of Humby.

The views were well worth the frequent stops and wild plants spotted by the eagle-eyed included Dwarf Elder, fairly uncommon, and Self Heal, a common grassland species. The wildflower meadow had Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and possibly Ringlet, butterflies.

The trek seemed longer than Fenland's usual distance, no doubt in part due to the heat. To their credit none of the troops complained ( well not to the Leader) and deserve credit for their determination to get to the pub in good time.

Beers on at the Green Man (Grantham POTY) included Bombardier Gold, Wainwright, Theakstons Bitter and Rev James - with first pints hardly touching the sides. Timely and tasty lunches, from the extensive menu, were served to the Fen folk who had a room to themselves.