A Group Jan 9th

With the overnight gales abated, Wednesday morning was bright sunshine, albeit cool and blustery. An A Group some 17 strong, led by Pete B, left Hersham after saying goodbye to Bob Starey who was testing out his new hip with a ride to elevenses. Great to see him recovering so fast. Going down through Weybridge, where the canal was close to overflowing following the rains, and then through Chertsey and Egham, we were able to exercise our lungs with the climb of Tite Hill. Into Windsor Great Park, stopping to admire the magnificent view down The Long Walk (cue Mike Morley's photo below). Lunch was the Wetherspoons in Windsor, staple fare promptly served, and then back north of the river through Datchet and a rather bleak Wraysbury. We left Irene at her front door in Staines and split with half opting for a faster road route while the rest took the towpath to Chertsey. A few took tea at Shepperton but, with the forecast light rain arriving, most headed straight for home.