Wyatts Covert CAMC Site, Denham, (N51.5934 W0.50826) contd

 Monday, 31st May 2021

Hazy start to the day, but, by 10:00 bright sunshine, and 21C.

A Cycle ride, to Hayes, just over 16 miles, there and back. We follow the route we took to Iver, but, at Cowley Lock, we stay on the canal towpath, past West Drayton and on to Hayes. The quality of the towpath is excellent in this area.

I forgot to take camera, so, will have to extract some stills from the video footage.

The route begins nice and quiet, and easy, downhill on Tilehouse Lane.

A tried section on a track alongside A412, not so quiet, then, into Village Lane and through Denham Village.

Then, alongside the really busy, and noisy, A40, for a short distance.

To Uxbridge, where we join the canal (Grand Union) towpath. Much quieter, except for walkers and worse still, dog walkers.

We pass this old sailing barge, goodness knows how that got under some of the bridges we have passed?

Passed, West Drayton, which looks very smart, at least the small section we pass through does.

When we get back to the site, new neighbours, arrive, shortly after our return, a couple, in caravan with two small boys. 

Although driving a UK registered car, they are clearly not Brits, cannot quite recognise the language they speak to each other. 

The elder boy is called Gabriel, like our grandson, the younger is called Alexanjra. Yes, I know that looks wrong, but, he insisted it was with a "j" and not a "d", we was very specific about it, although, he is only 4 years old.

Kathleen asks the youngest how old he is, he, with no inhibitions (as children are), then, asks her age, and expresses amazement that she is 74, that is almost 100 he says! Some training clearly needed if a career in the Diplomatic Service is to be a possibility ;)

Tuesday, 1st June 2021

Full sunshine and 25C. Hot for driving. 

Today, we head for Commons Wood CAMC Site, Welwyn Garden City (N51.780297, W0.189203).

First, a food shopping trip, by bicycle, only 2.4 miles, to Denham Green and back, but, hard going up a long hill, with two full panniers of wine, milk, potatoes etc. 

I am sure we could have done this shopping at Tesco Extra, Hadfield, in the Retail Park, where Kathleen managed to buy some new clothes. "Essential" purchases, you understand.

Only 43 miles, some delays due to HS2 works disrupting traffic. 

Fortunately, once through that, most people seemed to be going in the opposite direction, to us, particularly on the M25, which was in full "car-park mode", anti-clockwise, ie in the direction of Heathrow. But, we should be grateful for small mercies, at least there was no hail storm, this time!

Wyatts Covert CAMC Site, Denham, (N51.5934 W0.50826) contd

Saturday, 29th May 2021.

 Sunny with a cloud, but, no rain, 20C.

Plain to see it is a Bank Holiday week-end, lost of new arrivals, and, site is almost, but, not quite full.

Yesterday was cycling, so, today is walking.

We set off to walk to Denham Village (there are several "Denham", Denham Green, Denham Garden Village, Denham Village, and Upper Denham, being those we have encountered, so far).

True to form, we are "distracted" by a public footpath we spot as we walk along Tilehouse Lane.

It takes us on a very scenic route, which, according to my homing pigeon instinct, will eventually bring us to the A412.

Despite Kathleen's scepticism, we do eventually emerge on the A412, near Village Lane, where we cycled yesterday.

Other than the busy A412, we have managed to walk through quiet country lanes, and public footpaths.

It is very warm, and, thirst, plus the desire for a toilet stop, means we are in search of a suitable pub.

Although we did not pass any pubs as we

cycled through Denham Village, yesterday, the information, back at the Campsite, claims, there are pubs there. 

Sure enough, we come upon The Falcon Inn, Denham Village, which allows for a toilet stop, and, a suitable refreshing alcoholic drink.

Sunday, 30th May 2021

After yesterday's heat and sunshine, a disappointingly cool and murky morning, 21C is promised for later.

The 21C does in fact arrive, by shortly after 10:30, a lazy day (for me), Kathleen does household chores, ie washing our clothes, I suspect I will hear more of that.

Wyatts Covert CAMC Site, Denham, (N51.5934 W0.50826) contd

Thursday, 27th May 2021

19C,and sunny. The best weather we have had, this trip, if not this year! How long will it last?

We need a few groceries, a walk is planned, to include passing the shops in Denham Green.

There is a bridle path, which I recall we walked along on a previous visit. It heads in the general direction we want to go.

Sure enough, we arrive at the A412 (which passes through Denham Green), but, it a busy road to walk along (no footpath). 

Memory from last trip, says we should cross the road and go straight ahead, but, the way is barred by HS2 works.

There is a path through the trees, which, appears to head in the right direction, off we go, with Kathleen in the lead.

We eventually run out of path, and, we can no longer see or hear the road.

I am so pleased I was not in front!, but, needless to say, "getting lost" is still my fault. Apparently, I 'told her which way to go", as anyone knows, you do not "tell" a McCaffery anything, particularly a "McCaffery woman". Life is such fun ;)

We eventually find our way back to the main road (A412), and, do the sensible thing, ie follow the road. Sure enough, we come to Denham Green and the COOP Supermarket.

After lunch, we make the most of the sunshine, and sit reading books.

Later, we explore another nearby bridle path. About a mile in, it becomes very wet and muddy. 

Kathleen has spent quite a while cleaning her shoes, after this morning's "adventure", so, no repeat this afternoon, we turn back.

Friday, 28th May 2021

Cloudy, but, mild, and, most importantly, not raining. 19C is promised for today.

During Covid lock-down, I began to do various CycleChat Challenges, to relieve the boredom, and, provide a reason to get out in the fresh air and do some exercise. One of the challenges is ABC of Town and Village names. I am currently at "H", with "I" needed next.

I notice that there is a place called Iver, not too far away.

I use Cycle-Routes website to plot a suitable route, and load it into my Garmin Edge. It is all rather clever, the Cycle-Routes Website, will automatically transfer the GPS Route to Garmin Connect, and Garmin Express will automatically loads it into the Garmin Edge.

Off we go, 13 miles of quiet roads, or, Cycle Paths, plus, a stretch along the Towpath of the Grand Union Canal.

Actually, the technology does not work quite flawlessly, the Garmin plots our route fine, but, it does not record my statistics, distance, speed etc, so, I have to rely on Kathleen's Runkeeper log. There must be a way, next time!

I get my Cyclechat Challenge photographs, with Iver Village, and, a bonus "bike on a bridge", as we go over the M25 Motorway.

Yes, I am obsessed, Kathleen already told me ;)

Now, or course, we have to find our way back. The route here was quite complicated, with lots of turns, we (well, I) decide, the easier option is to make our way to Uxbridge, then,

follow the canal back to The Bear on The Barge Pub, at which point, turn. off towards Wyatts Covert.

All goes well, we even come upon a pub (The General Elliot), by the canal, in Uxbridge, where we stop for lunch.

We have been here before, some five years ago, when out cycling with Gary.

I have a little fun, trying to emulate Doug's photographs, taken, I assume, using a timer.

My camera has a timer function. I manage to get it to work, but, I think I need to work on the steadiness of the camera stand, obviously, balanced on my cycling helmet does not surfice.

 

Wyatts Covert CAMC Site, Denham, (N51.5934 W0.50826) contd

 Wednesday, 26th May 2021

Cloudy, and no blue sky, but.... it is not actually raining.

We risk a cycle ride along the Grand Union Canal, approximately ten miles.

We initially set off North, towards Gerrards Cross, but, after the last ten days of rain, the towpath has deep puddles and many muddy sections, not to Kathleen's liking, fear of wobbling and falling in the canal. 

A reasonable concern, how would I retrieve the bike? Perhaps I should stick a length of rope and a hook, in my backpack, just in case?

We turn around and head more or less South, towards Uxbridge.

Coffee and cake is consumed.

Lots of bridges, along the Grand Union Canal, so, too bike a temptation to miss, for the Cyclechat "My Bike on a Bridge" challenge, actually, they are mostly "My bike in front of a Bridge", but, that appears to be allowed.

Tilehouse Lane, at the entrance to the site, is a gold mine for "My Bike in Front of a Gate", Cyclechat Challenge photographs.

We also get an "incident", not sure if this unfortunate person has been involved in a Road Traffic Accident, or, if they have simply taken ill, whichever, a significant Police presence, but, no ambulance in sight.

 

Morn Hill CAMC Site to Wyatts Covert CAMC Site

Monday, 24th May 2021

Morn Hill CAMC Site contd....

At 08:00, the sun is shining, the birds are singing. 

At 08:30, it is pouring with rain, again. 

A stop off at Tesco (Winchester) to replenish the food stuffs.

Then approximately sixty miles (M3, M25, M40) to Denham, Wyatts Covert.

Unbelievably bad weather, considering it is almost the end of May!

At best, it is dull, at worse, torrential rain, and, even hail stones!

I don't like so called "smart" motorways, with no hard shoulder,  at the best of times, but, in poor weather, they can be even worse, not the place to breakdown, like this poor chap on the M3, who has lost a wheel!

Poor visibility on M25

Rain and hail on the M40 SB!, in May

Wyatts Covert CAMC Site, Denham, (N51.5934 W0.50826)

A site we have visited before. The last time, we enjoyed lots of cycling along the Grand Union Canal, hopefully, weather will allow us to do so again!

The weather forecast is for warmer and dryer weather over the next few days... watch this space

Tuesday, 25th May 2021

Wyatts Covert CAMC Site, Denham, (N51.5934 W0.50826) contd

It is not raining when we wake up! The weather forecast says no rain until 13:00, but, at 10:00, just as we are thinking of going out walking!

The rain eventually stops, and, we manage a five mile walk of exploration, without any rain, this is remarkable.

The forecast 13:00 rain does not arrive, and, there are even brief periods of sunshine! I am tempted to get the seats our and emulate Doug, catching a few rays, but, I am wary of tempting providence.

We have been to Wyatts Covert before, but, it was 5 years ago, and memories of lay of the land are dimmed. 

We do not find the Grand Union Canal on our wanderings today, but, we know it is within walking cycling distance. Also, the small road leading from the site (Tilehouse Lane) is closed in one direction, because of HS2 works.

Now 19:00 and, no rain since 10:30, I think this is the longest period with rain for about ten days!

  

  

Uxbridge, then to Queens Acre

Friday, 29th April 2016

Cold, with frequent heavy showers of hailstones, hardly spring weather!

After yesterdays cycling, it is Kathleen's "treat" to have a day in Uxbridge, shopping.

There is a bus direct from the campsite into Uxbridge town centre.

In the evening, we arrange to meet up with Gary, Susana, Gabriel, Salma and Susana's mother at the Bear on the Barge Pub, to eat.

Kathleen and I arrange to walk to the pub, a quick check on Google Maps, tells me it is 1.7 miles, 32 minutes to walk.

This is a challenge to Kathleen, we have to do it in a shorter time, so, 31 minutes it is, and, we arrive first.

It transpires, it is the first anniversary of having the pub for the current owners, and, there is a celebration night arranged, reservations only to eat! Fortunately, the staff are extremely helpful, and find us a table.















Saturday, 30th April 2016

After yesterdays hail showers, mild and sunny!

Time to leave Wyatts Covert and move nearer to Windsor, Queens Acre, a Camping and Caravan Club Certified Site.



The site is being refurbished, a little unfinished at the moment, but, the Owners are friendly and helpful, the site is just over two miles from Gary's, so, ideal.

An afternoon of bonding with Salma and Gabriel.

The inevitable games with Gabriel, football, dominoes, spinning tops, flying saucers, rounded off with a walk at Virginia Water.

Cycling with Kathleen

Thursday, 28th April 2016

Another cool but dry and sunny day, so, after yesterdays cycling marathon, with Gary, Kathleen is keen to explore the cycling along the Grand Union Canal.

So far, we have experimented with two routes from the Campsite to the Canal, today, we try a third, which takes us left out of the campsite, following Tilehouse Lane, down-hill (always preferable, when cycling!), and emerging near a Garden Centre, a short cycle to the Coy Carp pub, on the canal.

Quite an ideal route, in that direction, but, the prospect of cycling back UP the hill is

not relished by Kathleen.

A very pleasant ride as far as West Drayton, lunch at the same pub as Gary and I visited yesterday, and then return.

We leave the canal towpath at the Bear on the Barge pub, and retrace the outward route taken yesterday, to Denham, here, a slight variation, we rejoin Tilehouse Lane, just outside of Denham, and cycle back to the campsite.

Another 18 miles!

Cycling with Gary

Wednesday, 27th April 2016

A rare opportunity to spend quality time with my son Gary.

Kathleen amuses herself for the day, and, we, the boys, go cycling along the Grand Union Canal, plus lunch.

I am pleased to say, as the "oldie", I was able to keep up, for the whole 16-17 miles.

A totally enjoyable day, even the sun shone for us!

Walking, Oxford; Depart for Denham

Monday, 25th April 2016

Not a very nice day, in terms of weather, cool, with frequent showers.

By lunch time, we are both fed-up with reading our books, and venture out for a combined stroll and grocery shopping trip.

Just under 4 miles, and, the rains stays away. 









Tuesday, 26th April 2016

Unbelievable weather for the end of April, there is a dusting of snow on the ground this morning!

Today, we leave Oxford for Wyatts Covert Caravan Club Site, near Denham.

Not a very exciting drive, except for actually getting onto the M40 from the Oxford Ring Road! 

Complex road works, and a total lack of signposting mean that we, along with several large trucks take the wrong turning and have a tour of the Oxfordshire countryside, before regaining the M40.



Wyatts Covert is within the M25, at the end of the M40, initial impressions are favourable, although we are only approximately 15 miles from central London, it appears to be pleasant countryside, but, with ample eating, drinking and shopping places available.

Kathleen is given instructions for a circular walk from the site, as she checks in, so, after lunch, off we go to explore.

In the past few weeks, we have walked and cycled in some particularly rural country areas, and seen, nothing in the way of wildlife.

Today, within 15 miles of a major city, and, only two miles from the M25, as we walk along a bridle path, we encounter a fox, not once, but twice. I think, although I am not sure, it is the same fox twice, rather two different foxes. Unfortunately I am too slow to get the camera out!

A little further and we come to a branch of the Grand Union Canal, with a variety of

waterfowl, including a heron, and this family of geese, paddling along.

Soon, we come to the main Grand Union Canal, and a pub called the "Coy Carp".

Up until now, the weather has been cold and sunny, but dry, suddenly, there is a hail storm, luckily, the pub is open, and we are able to shelter until the hail storm passes.

We while away the wait with a glass of wine.

As well as being near London, we are also of course, near Windsor, and Gary drives across to see us, with Gabriel, after school. A very pleasant surprise.