Sunday 26th April 2015

Someone at South West Trains has a sense of humour

Reading JT's letter to Terry

The Pub With No Name in literally the middle of nowhere

Spot Lilian?

Jane Austen's House

Steam loco "Wadebridge" taking on water at Alton

There was some confusion when arriving on the station concourse,because our train wasn't shown on the dot matrix information boards.
With the time ticking away,our train appeared as a "change of platform" announcement and we were soon on our way.........the 9.30am Surbiton to Bentley.
Terry joined us at Aldershot and a bit before 10.30am we were riding the quiet lanes to elevenses.
Not wanting to travel on the same road twice, I opted to go via Dockenfield,Frensham & Rushmoor then south to Hindhead on a long drag which seemed to go on forever.
That costly error of judgement was to creep up and bite me later in the day.
Paul having ridden down was about to give up hope when we eventually arrived at the NT cafe,Devils Punchbowl.
Naturally I was keen to keep it short and we were away at 12.20pm.
I'd phoned the pub with an order of food and was sure we'd be there at around 1.30pm.
We headed west to Whitehill on largely flatish roads until a climb past Bradshott Hall was to signify a change in terrain.
A fast descent through Empshott then a succession of three climbs one after the other slowed us considerably.
We were just west of Hawkley and approaching "The Pub With No Name",Priors Dean...........it was 2.10pm.
After taking lunch alfresco,I ventured into the pub to join Lilian,Terry & Ed.
Then began alot of head scratching.
It was clear to both Graham and myself that tea was quite possibly unachievable and the route in the afternoon didn't apppear to offer any easy options.
Trying to think quickly, I decided that we would head north to Alton along the main road and catch the train from there.
But not before taking tea at Jane Austen's House,Chawton.
As we chatted on the train homeward bound,reflecting on the day,I was satisfied that we'd had fun riding along beautifully quiet lanes in a picturesque part of Hampshire.
The weather could of been better, a cool overcast day but the train ride went without a hitch.
And Graham & myself have lots of ideas for future rides using the train.
So why not join us?

My route today:

PS to follow Terry's story..........
1.Chop rhubarb
2.Boil 40mls of water & 48g of sugar
3.Add 400g of Sainsbury's British rhubarb (other makes are available)
4.Return to boil
5.Simmer on medium heat until tender