Reigate Hill II - The Yew Tree Pub

Now, Where Did I Leave My Brain?

Tuesday 16th November

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Chris 2/12 legs, Mrs Provincial aka African Queen, Registrara aka African Queen II, Hootsmon, Lil, and Clatchat.

No Wind -y today as she has taken a tumble resulting in two lovely black eyes - or was she at the Audley Harrison v Hay fight a few nights ago?
No Sue or dawgies, as she has a poorly knee and is awaiting an m.r.i. scan
Good luck to you both and hope you will be with us again very soon.

Find of the walk: a Toyota grille

Distance: 7 miles

Weather: pretty wonderful considering all the rain we've had - sunshine, blue skies, and fog earlier which caused the start of the brain loss - read on.

Today there was a smash on both sides of the wretched M25 between junctions 8 and 9. Clat and Lil departed early in order to navigate the horrendous traffic jams. Good progress was made, until Clat took the wrong lane at the approach to j8 and sailed off eastwards. Seeing the vast lines of traffic on the 'other side' she was determined to get back as quickly as possible. A heading North followed by a Westerly stretch, meant that they were only 20 mins late - marvellous. Mrs P also held up at j 8 and others had a trying time coming up Reigate Hill.

Matters were not helped by discovering that the loos on the hill were closed for repair, and there are no decent bushes at this time of year.

We did our meetings and greetings as quickly as possible - there was a bit of boot action from the back of Mrs P's car, but we assembled and departed (more brain loss later). Down the hill we went - North Downs Way - and boy was it muddy. Along the golf course - Pilgrims Way - and eventually the outskirts of Merstham Village. Across the road and along a bit, before heading steeply upwards - Windy a real fave for you.

We made it to Fanny's Farm in record time, and were met with a lovely welcome ,as we settled into the bohemian atmosphere which is typical Fanny. T.B. made a slice of cake disappear in record time, and coffees and teas were served to all. News of Windy's demise has travelled fast and far, as Fanny had provided a suitable sign. We said hello to the vietnamese pot-bellied pigs, happy in their 7" of mud and taking in the sunshine. Of course the chickens were observed and admired by - guess who?

Trekking on and enjoying the sunshine, we crossed some fields and found a man - not so odd you would think, but he was walking in a suit and tie and ordinary shoes. We asked if all was ok and he, quite flustered , told us he was - how odd, but you never know what/who you will find on our walking days.

Still maintaining excellent timings we were back at the car park , and admired Registrara's new racey, red, car. She and Hoots had to leave us so farewells were said. This is when Clat discovered more brain-draining as she found her car front door wide open, which, presumably had been left like that after her hurried departure for the walk. Well, Meriva intacta is all she could think, as nothing had been taken or interfered with - how's that for safety (and luck) then?

As our furry friends were not here today, we drove to the Yew Tree Pub and had another lovely welcome. Nothing was too much trouble, and the staff friendly and welcoming . The landlady told us she was pregnant - a surprise to her as this was baby no 3., and after a gap of 12 years , completely un-expected. She had also just sold her people-carrier car, and got rid of all the baby stuff from the loft - that is called sod's law.

Farty and T.B. had to sign a 'beef cooked rare' disclaimer, so they cannot sue for undercooked meat - what is this world coming to?

Top marks again, so we are now having to look hard on points to mark down with.

Next walk: Tuesday 23rd November - Bletchingley - The Whyte Harte - we may be cooking-up another new walk from this popular venue. keep warm and keep dry. xxxxxx