Sink or swim

10 GoodGymmers met for the second tree-planting session of the weekend. The weather was much colder than yesterday but thankfully much drier. A huge welcome to Mirjam and Zsofia who joined us for the first time, and who fitted in straight away. We armed ourselves with spades, and also had extra supplies of canes and tree guards to carry to the planting site over 1km away. Before long we had come to our first obstacle - the wooden bridge over what had been a small stream yesterday, was now completely submerged in water, and there was a deeper lake of water beyond it. Half the group decided to try and find an alternative route, and Kelley led them around the southern side of the park. The others decided to wade through. Unfortunately Georgeta stumbled on the bridge and there was a cry as her wellies filled with water. Everyone else made it through successfully, but with the water very close to breaching their boots. Georgeta was undeterred and continued with the rest of the group to the planting site, where we met up with the other group, who had found a much drier route. Georgeta decided to stay to demonstrate (beautifully, as usual) how to plant the whips, and then decided to call it a day before hypothermia set in. We set up a base station on the far side of the compound, and everyone set to work planting along the inside perimeter. Zsofia was working so hard she even managed to break her spade (nicknamed the shovel of shame, but maybe it should be the shovel of success) - so much for a 15-year guarantee! About 200 whips later, and with aching arms, we decided to call it a day, with a job well done, and made our way back to the car park. Special mention to Kelley as this was her 50th Good Deed ! Thanks for a successful morning everyone, and see you all again soon. There will be more tree-planting fun next weekend - sign up here[https://www.goodgym.org/v3/sessions/tree-planting-at-ockwells-park-1849a6c9-d26e-4453-98d1-88221da25cef]