Warnham - The Sussex Oak / The Wise Owl

We're Only Here for the Deer

Tuesday 12th December

Walkers: Farty, T.B., Mrs P. , Windy, 6 Legs, Lil and Clat. Sadly, Chris unable to make it as Brian has had a heart attack. We all wish him well and our love to both of them.........................................

Find of the walk: - loadsa mud

Distance: 7 -ish miles

We met after a very wet and windy night, so debris and carnage was around and about. It was also chilly so after catching-up on Chris/Brian, we crossed the road and on into some very muddy areas. The rain has certainly left its mark, and so we slipped and slid our way round. Minnie was wearing her new Christmas ruff kindly supplied by Mrs P, so she looked very regal and seasonal in her gear.

Not long after we entered the deer park - a squall caught us amidships and the ensuing rainbow was grand - too quick for our T.B., cos it had gone by the time his equipment emerged. However, he did take some pics of two magnificent stags with candelabra antlers. They were segregated from the 'girls', and no doubt knackered after their rutting season.

We then entered the 'girls' area or hinds as they are called. They were very timid and cautious as we picked our way across their grazing grounds - so pretty, and looking grand in their winter coats. Here, we had our break, and once again Mrs P had surpassed all expectations with mince-pies out of this world. Her pastry was so 'short' it was almost horizontal - wowzer as they say somewhere in this world.

We crossed a very busy A281 and on into some wonderful woodlands and countryside. The sun shone down on us and helped us on our way, especially coping with some very muddy fields, which gave us 5" platforms by the time we'd finished.

Farty looked concerned - we were behind time and the pub apparently stops food at 2.30 with last orders around 2.15. No problem we thought - we shall phone ahead as suggested by the landlord on a previous visit. Farty made the call at the l.o. time and was told that was fine. She took orders, and 'phoned back. In the short lapse between these calls, it became clear that a 'dis-agreement' had taken place in the kitchen, and the chef refused to partake in cooking our lunches. The matter did not rest here.................................

We arrived at the pub, 2.30 on the dot. Farty, suited and still booted, entered to sort out the problem. Bar staff extremely apologetic and blamed it on the chef. T.B. then went in and voiced his opinion, too - more apologies and was told that this would never have happened if the landlord had been there. Too right it wouldn't, so Farty will be writing to complain - and you wonder why there is a recession?

Keep Calm and Carry On, as it says on the tin - so we did. We made haste to The Wise Owl further up the road serving food all day. And all was going well until we made our entrance, only to discover that no way are dogs allowed . So, sadly we had to bid farewell to 6 legs and exchange our Christmas greetings. Our intended seasonal lunch is now put on hold, and we shall celebrate properly in January.

The staff made us welcome and we had a very pleasant lunch with reasonable prices.

 

So, next week no walk is planned due to the impending festivities on the calendar. There is a possibility of a walk on 29th and of course you will be contacted as and when. In the meantime we wish you a very happy and peaceful Christmas, and the best of times for 2012.