June 2022 Ramble Saga

The idea today was to go to Ringmer to see Malcolm who we hadn't seen for a long time. Sandyballs was occupied with a hospital

visit so delegated the rough plan for the day and joining instructions to Lafayette.

Broadly, the idea was for the Seaford contingent to take the train to Lewes picking up Laf. on the way then walk to Lewes bus station, get the bus to Ringmer have lunch at the Anchor and see Malcolm.

Those who turned up were Paco, the Bish, Froggy, the Captain and moi. Of course when we got to Waitrose the Volunteer was still not open (it was not yet 11 00hrs) so we faffed about for 5 minutes until they let us in. We had a quick half although Captain opted for instant coffee (under protest) and then we ran for the bus.

Instead of the 29 bus we got the 28

because Froggy allegedly knew a ramble we had once done the other way round from Ringmer to Wotsit farm by Earwig Corner. The challenges were two fold 1) Froggy couldn't find the start of the walk because it was very overgrown

and 2) Paco was very, very tired with his medical condition and needed to keep lying down for a short rest.

Eventually we found a sort of start and proceeded under the hot sun round field edges

and here and there guided by Froggy's not always reliable phone map. Halfway along,

the route started to be sign posted and there were easy to see cut through paths

through fields which saved having to keep looking at the phone. The walk itself, when we got going was really very pleasant,

although we got mega lost just outside Ringmer looking for the church

and Laf had to ask some old lady for the way back on to the True Path,

Another Old Git with a dog

confirmed we were just outside the church, and the path through here was idyllic and led on to the village green and thereafter to The Anchor.

When we finally got inside the pub we found that both Bronco and S. B. had preceded us and were well into the drinks.

Bronco looked well and was, as usual, flirting with all the 16 year old waitresses. He had recently bought another vastly expensive Omega watch which made Laf jealous since he had only two of his own but wasn't as much a connoisseur as Bronco (nor did he have the vast funds required for this hobby,)

Anyway the food was OK but not exceptional

and the Captain was again served up with crappy coffee, although he scored a nice sea bream.

Then we bade farewell to Bronco and got the bus back into Lewes where Laf and S.B. went off for a quick post prandial couple of drinks to catch up on old times.

It was a good day out and pleasant to see Bronco again. Froggy must be given credit for initiating a new(ish) ramble although it got pretty shambolic in places and we hope that Paco felt better after he got home.

Next ramble is 20th July - somewhere round Newhaven.

All for now .

Lafayette.