Walkers: Farty, TB and Mrs P
Distance: 7 1/2 miles
Time taken: 3 hours, plus a bit for stopping and chatting
Weather: Slightly foggy to start, lovely sunshine later
Find of the walk: Lots and lots of lovely doggies!
Despite worrying forecasts of fog fog and more fog, the Fearless 3 arrived on time at the Joshua Tree to find plenty of other people had the same idea so no parking spaces to be had. We swiftly drove over to park at The Plough and after exchanging the usual pleasantries - and after TB had taken a Very Important Phone Call from his local councillor! (more later!)- off we went.
We headed east in the hope that some road walking would minimise the amount of mud to plough through. As it turned out, we needn't have worried as it was surprisingly OK underfoot, we returned later with boots that were almost clean!
First stop was at our friend the garage man. He seemed pleased to see us (I'm sure he could well do without being interrupted in his work but is far too polite to say!). Much admiring of his machinery and dare I say it - tools! He's currently restoring a farm machine from 1930's America and also a hedge trimmer that Mrs P felt would be just the job for sawing up the enormous oak that crashed down on her garden and road just before Christmas! He told us that he volunteers at a couple of museums, both of which he reckoned are well worth a visit - Tilford Rural Life Centre just south of Farnham, and Amberley Museum and Heritage Centre in West Sussex. If you like that sort of thing ....
We dragged ourselves away and followed the Greensand Way. We carried on past the turning to Skimmington Castle and towards the lovely hamlet of Trumpets Hill and Little Stanton Farm. We then noticed the ominous notices! tied to a tree, rather soggy and misty so difficult to read but it appeared as if the 2 footpaths we needed to take were closed. Bother! It meant turning round and quite a bit of road walking. However, we decided that rules were made to be broken so carried on regardless, and just as well as there was no sign of any work or damage. Jobsworths just like to make life difficult!It seemed almost spring-like today, some early blossom on a tree, birds singing (some beautiful robins) and the sun came out too! A number of sad looking horses in fields and loads and loads of friendly dogs. Mostly friendly owners but the odd one choosing to ignore us - well, their loss as they say!
Talk turned, as ever, to a number of subjects, particularly today the threatened arrival of 'speed tables' and a 20 mph speed limit in Mon & Martin's road. They're now on first name terms with their local councillor and were heading off to a local ward/parish meeting after the walk - Mon with her banner! - to do battle. The other subject being TB's little op which is looming - but I promised to resist the temptation to make any jokes! Good luck on all fronts as they say!
Back to the cars and as we were parked at the Plough we decided to stay to eat. Good move! A friendly welcome, more friendly dogs, a spot for the 3 of us in the tiny snug and a yummy lunch. The |Plough is one of those unusual places - an old fashioned, non-gastro pub and according to the bar staff it's been chock full every weekend so far this month. How sad so many pubs are closing and how good to find a traditional one left. A lovely day all round!
No more walks planned at the moment so watch this space, possibly when the weather improves. Hoping for a drier February!!
