Did you know that talc removes olive oil or that Nelson's Column is made of Dartmoor granite?

These are the kinds of things you find out on Athena Angels walks. It's all part of that bonding and belonging and I have learnt never to be surprised at the information you pick up or the skills that you find others have.

Yesterday was another great walk, taken in sunshine with a lovely breeze to keep us cool and with three members joining us who hadn't walked with us before. Lisa, Ivana and Ashish had their first walk with the Athena Angels team and all did really well especially Lisa whose attempts at joining us previously had been thwarted. They even managed to cope with a couple of steep hills, Palmerstone Road in Buckhurst Hill and one in the forest introduced to me by my dear friend Cajsa. You'll be pleased to know Cajsa that I walk it now with much more ease than on the day I did it with you.

We started at S Woodford and walked along the River Roding all the way to Buckhurst Hill. It's so lovely to have this path which for quite a bit at the beginning of the section we walked runs parallel to the road but yet makes you feel that you are removed from all that pollution and noise.

Yesterday there were swans on the river and underfoot it was really dry. I've walked here in the winter when my boots are caked with mud so this was a pleasant change.

Paths were also really narrow in places so overgrown with all the spring growth and looking really luscious and plenty of wonderful scents in the air.

In Buckhurst Hill we stopped for coffee and Ivana was on hand to provide Bowen treatment for anyone in need. In the photo below, she's working on Lisa's feet bringing some much needed relief for a short period of time at least.

Refreshed and having discussed stop off points for those doing the 10 mile walk, we headed upwards before heading on through the forest towards Loughton. Taking a pace that suits you and stopping when you need to is really important as trying too hard especially if comparing yourselves with others can be detrimental. It's something we should take note of regarding business as well. On our journey, we are what matters and how we do it. Although others may look as if they are moving ahead with ease, often we d not know the whole story.

In the forest, I was encouraging those who needed it to stop on the hill. As we were discussing later, it's amazing how quickly pace, fitness and distance picks up so with that knowledge trust and know you'll improve. That's what I'm telling myself as I prepare to tackle a first day of 19.4 miles on the Camino next week. I trust I can do it.

Great photo of the team minus Lisa who took this at the top, all looking happy and relaxed.

From here we bypassed Loughton along more wonderful woodland paths. How lucky are we to have all this great forest on our doorstep and then came down into the town itself and onto the station where at least 6 and probably 7 miles in I suggested that Lisa and Ashish should stop having achieved more than planned.  Armed with stretch info and my well tried and tested tip of lying for at least 30 mins with your legs up against the wall the rest of us set off to walk to Buckhurst Hill through the park.

Apart from the gruesome tales that resulted from the lake been cordoned off, we continued to chat and enjoy the walk and the company. We are forming a strong group now and I'm really proud of everyone and all the have achieved so far.