HTAG Guildford - HTAG May Day Ramble Information

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HTAG May Day Ramble Information

A wash out? Phone calls asking if the HTAG Spring Bank Holiday walk has been cancelled were really worrying. Are HTAG members getting old? Are they fair weather walkers? Are they just "chicken"?

The start was at The Rowbarge on the river and I was relieved to see 23 starters plus 4 dogs; HTAG members had come up trumps again. The news that The Rowbarge did not provide food on Bank Holiday and the Parrot in Slyfield was similarly food challenged did not seem to concern anyone. Fortunately the Parkway (Travellers Lodge) was open.

The crowd was more hardy than I had imagined and set off with much laughter and enthusiasm. Stoke Lock was our first stop. A long boat was on its way through and the children were able to help swing the gates. On the other side a steam launch was being launched and once in the water it gave a hoot of joy to be afloat. The quiz question was, when was the lock built: 1653, 1723 or 1753? Not one of our knowledgeable and erudite group got it right.

One of the dachshunds was called "lofty"; brilliant name. The black Labrador was true to form and liked to chase the ducks even if they were on the other side of the river. She had many a swim and shook herself dry all over us if she could.

Our return was through the Riverside Park and this is what many of us had been waiting for. By this time it was raining quite hard but our destination was the centre of the park where many HTAG members had planted the Millennium Circle of 100 Maples during Sallie Thornberry's Mayoralship about 5 years ago. We heard about the dreadful weather that day, the hardships encountered by the planters, about the home made cake provided by Jean Bridger which kept everyone going, and Sallie turning up in what I understand to be a "popemobile" to encourage and "supervise". We can report that the trees are all in good condition and growing well but some may need re-staking.

By the time we got back we were all very wet if not soaked. It was decided to have a warming drink in the Rowbarge and get home for a shower. I am sure the Parkway was pleased not to have us messing up their carpets.

A big success! Some had not been to this wonderful wetland area where we had seen great crested grebe, heron, yellow wagtail and other interesting birds. Some were not even aware of it. We had met other HTAG members and had a good time. A wet time but not a washout. Incidentally, the answer to the quiz is 1653 - did you get it right? If so, come on next year's walk on Mayday Bank Holiday as usual. Put it in your diary.

To see more photos of the walk click here.

Christopher de Chazal