St John's - The Plough

Tuesday 25th February 
In the Avenues and Alleyways - a hint of a Tony Christie there

Walkers: Farty, T.B.(or Mr Willy for the time being, who was also sporting a splendid flashers mac), Windy, Mrs. P, Lil and Clat. 
Distance: 5 1/2 miles 
Find of the Walk: - a sex toy for our male member - pun intended 

For Lil and Clat, this was the first meet since Christmas - the weather, and other conditions, have prevented us getting together, but today was 'on' despite the early rain. We enjoyed sunshine and mildness, even though the terrain was wet. There may be a few references to Mr Willy's procedure, but we have to get it out there. He is recovering nicely, no chaffing, and has had his first bath since his op, which was a worry when he discovered a pussy creeping round the edge (some men have all the luck). 

Time we were off. Farty expertly guided us through passages, roads, alleyways, and such, until we found ourselves on the outskirts of Reigate. First stop the gun shop and it's arsenal (bless you), with a bouquet of flowers on the bank outside - i have no idea either. Farty was getting a little concerned that the pace would slow down, as we did a bit of window shopping, but we followed her up another passage and came to Reigate Castle and its grinds, as they say in Surrey. An oasis of peace and calm, above the noise and fug of the town. We spotted a couple manipulating (lenses and equipment) - a photography lesson in progress, which meant T.B. had to have a chat. The spring flowers are abundant and merrily poking their heads out - glorious. We pressed on and parked ourselves on a bench - all we needed were the cans of lager and a packet of rizlas to complete the picture, oh, and a pitbull or two. Mrs P excelled with her fab flapjacks - always so delicious and welcome. Back down into the town we came, and made our way to Reigate Park.
 
This has had rather a make-over since our last visit. A duck pond with picnic tables and benches, a glass rotunda cafe, planted borders, and a rather grand play area - what an improvement. Through another network of roads and footpaths - we like this urban walking lark, and we were back at the beginning. Although the original idea had been to eat at The Joshua Tree, we stayed put and visited the Plough. What a treat - no kids under 10, no piped music, no fruit machines, but loads of copper and brass. They hire a guy just to clean the huge amount on show. This pub is divided into lots of rooms, and has such a lovely ambulance about it too. It also has a pretty garden for the warmer weathers. For T.B. cock-a-leekie soup was off the menu and we all had the Smoked haddock hotpot in a cheese sauce, served with mash and peas - really good, really filling, and really good value. A singing kitty video took our fancy on Mrs P's device, and once she had super-imposed some faces, the sound of raucous laughter ensued. Well, all good things come to an end, but we shall re-convene, next week, hopefully, and do more of the same - will be in touch.