Nuthurst, The Black Horse

The all encompassing walking stick
Sunbathing break!

Below: Our Clatters modelling the find of the walk




Leonardslee Gardens - wow!

Rhododendron mauvium superbum!

Tuesday 25th May: The Black Horse at Nuthurst + Leonardslee Gardens

Walkers: Farty, T.B., 12 Legs, Windy, Mrs Provincial, and me - Clat. -what a turnout! - 12 legs did not partake of the gardens as dawgs are verboten

Distance: 6 miles + 21/2 miles

Find of the walk: a horse's gaiter

What a fabulous day! Perfect for our walk, and thanks to erroneous forecast, it did not rain. This area feels like you are going back in time - not a shop to be seen for miles.

Our fashionista has done it again. Chris was displaying her brand new walking-stick. Beautifully turned, (the stick), with a metal point , and a compass set into the top. It is perfect for keeping cows and unwanted livestock at bay, so she now has protection.

What a variation this route gave us - open fields, some wonderful vistas, wooded dells, farmyards and a few stiles. We came across 2 groups of school children (year 4 - so about 8-9 yrs old). They made a huge fuss of Minnie the wonder poodle, and she wasn't too keen - aaaaah the hazards of stardom. Farty and T.B. drooled over a rather perfect veg. patch, and she impressed us with her latin names for the plants - verbascum superbum, bluebellium grandiflorum, etc.

Whilst walking past a line of poplar trees, Mrs P (animal rescue), swung into action. Vaulting a gate, she zoomed off to inspect a sheep which was down on its uppers, or the other way round, having been segregated from the rest of the flock. She discovered other such woolly jumpers in the same condition, and as they had been provided with food and water, surmised (that's a good word), that they were o.k., and were probably there for their own good - but it needed to be checked-out. Excellent.

Anyway, back to the walk - we decided to cut it a bit short, as pub closes at 3 and stops food at 2.30. We returned in plenty of time for our fare, to be met with a crowded house, and a long wait for food. T.B. is becoming a splendid cabin crew member, fetching drinks, taking our meal orders, and negotiating with the management. So much so, that today we were rewarded with a free round of drinks. I think one of the barmaids possessed a free round of something, judging by the upper regions.................................................. hmmmmm

After lunch we parted company with 12 legs and proceeded to the Gardens. It is £8 entrance, but sadly, this place is closing to the public on 30 June, as some rich person has bought it. Beautiful area, set on a hill, with long, sloping and meandering walks through trees, rockeries, and woodland glades. Dotted everywhere were magnificent azaleas (superbum) and rhododendrons (magnifibum) , and I want one of thosebum. There is also a yellow one with a wonderful scent - smellybum.

Many topics of conversation this afternoon , including involuntary breaking of wind, and hamsters whose eyes bulge when you pick them up. I don't recommend you try it, but they really do pop out.

There is a series of ponds/lakes at the bottom or, bum, where we saw geese and ducks, with their little babies, chugging around on the water, or waddling by the water's edge. So peaceful, and restful, but a cup of tea was beckoning us upwards once more, only to find the refreshment areas had closed - oh bum bum.We moved over to the glass houses and looked at stuff for sale. Not many plants available today, but business seemed to be booming.

Time had robbed us once again of staying longer, so we said our good-byes, and ventured homewards into the rush-hour traffic.

Next walk: Tuesday 1 June - Martini -(any time, any place, anywhere) , cos we don't have a clue at the moment. Any suggestions gratefully received!