After an exhilarating AGM we left Hersham to arrive at Weatherspoons Walton-on-Thames at approx 12:30 pm - a 2.41 miles ride as registered on Mark's 'I' Phone.
There must have been something like 25 of us being served quite rapidly for us to eat leisurely and leave before 2:00 pm,
I was not sure of the easiest way to get to the Wey Navigation Canal (my intention being to commence this near Weybridge) but whilst at lunch Tony with his Android phone was able to show how easy it would be to avoid the Walton town centre and go direct on minor roads to the River Thames tow path and go on from Walton bridge by roads to Weybridge. Such is the wonder of technology that we had already discovered our distance covered and route both communicated via satellite. However it will, I am sure, be a long time before we can discard maps and that was indicated by Ian who was concerned if left behind would be lost in getting to 3's without a map. In the event with Mark having kindly agreed to be back marker this should not be the case.
I apologise for not having names of all the Wayfarerers but will continue to name as appropriate, however there were 20 plus of us leaving Weatherspoons.
Whilst on the Thames tow path I thought how nice it would be for us all to continue on a sailing boat but I have only been on the helm with 6 aboard and that was on the Norfolk Broads some 50 years ago.
So at Walton bridge we were soon on the road alongside the river heading for Weybridge but at a point about a mile from Weybridge centre Vic supposedly advised that by turning off right on a lesser road we would avoid the town centre and arrive at the point I was aiming for namely a minor road parallel to the A307 about half a mile west of Weybridge centre, this was not the case and with what appeared to be tacking as on a sailing boat we arrived some how at the Wey Navigation further down than intended at New Haw.
It was always doubtful that we would arrive early for tea at my home as previously arranged and once again used technology to let my wife, Beryl, know there would be about 20 arriving by 4pm, hoping this would not inconvenience any one too much.
It seemed so relaxing to be off road in what appeared to be perfect conditions as we progressed to Pyrford Lock. Irene understandably living at Staines would not be wanting to be riding in the dark if she continued on to Fetcham where I live, so she left us when we arrived at Wisley having left Pyrford Lock (Pam later phoned to say she had joined Irene which I was glad of despite I'm sure we all missed them at tea, they had tea together at Ockham Bites).
We crossed the A3 on the Bridge linking us with the disused airfield previously used by Vickers. Vic took off at this point whilst the rest of us I think skirted the airfield on road developing into a sometimes muddy track through the woods. We met the road near Ockham Bites and went right to the Black Swan, Martys Green and right again then over the M25 and right to Downside to cross Bookham Common, initially tarmac under M25 and and railway line then off road into the woods to fork left at the Fetcham/Bookham junction thereon to Fetcham.
On arrival at my home we found Vic already there having crossed the airfield rather that skirting it, pilot error?
Beryl had prepared a well organised reception with tea and cakes which I am sure all enjoyed, for which she received well earned thanks.
Hope every one got home before lights being necessary.
Ray
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