WLCG Wargrave loop

Jeanette is away on yet another trip, but everyone else was free today, and we were joined by Andrea too who has not ridden much recently. I suggested Wargrave since not too far. No planned route, so I invited someone to lead, and Martina jumped at the chance. Her first idea was to head to Dinton, but since Gill had just come that way, her suggestion was ignored. 😂 And we headed to Cantley Road and to the pond at Hurst.😍

Route link

The sad looking duck house, is like a sinking ship!

Opposite the pond, waiting for me to finish my photo.

We wiggled through Hurst now, and then joined Hungerford Lane into Shurlock Row arriving opposite the very sad looking pond which was recently dredged.

Shurlock Row pond looking awful. Hope it fills up soon.

Martina suggested left here to Waltham St Lawrence, but that was a bit too easy to get to Wargrave, so Gill then took charge and had us ride to Bottle Lane, White Waltham, and into Shottesbrook Park.

As we entered Shottesbrook at the gate house
just as a light aircraft from White Waltham took off.

The avenue of Shottesbrook trees still mostly green
but a colourful carpet on the ground.

A bit more colour on these trees.
A gloomy day unfortunately, otherwise they could have looked amazing.

A golden tree at the lake. I googled the leaf and learned it is
a Walnut Tree.

Walnut tree with what looks like apples on the ground,
which confused me. But inside are walnut .... nuts! 1st Lesson of the day.

A few reflections.

They are all very patient! But enjoy the blog
so I need photos. 😉

Around the back lane next skirting Shottesbrook, to emerge at The Old Bell, WSL. Not far from there, was a field of a white flowering crop. I stopped for a photo, then noticed Gill had stopped too. We are going on a "wild flower meadow" painting class tomorrow. Might be handy!

Having also googled the white flower, I think it's Oilseed Radish.
Mixed in with a few sunflowers and the purple Fiddleneck plant.

Oilseed radish is a fast-growing cover crop primarily used in agriculture to improve soil health by scavenging nutrients, breaking up soil compaction with its deep taproot, and increasing soil organic matter as it breaks down. It provides excellent ground cover to prevent soil erosion and suppress weeds, and can be incorporated into the soil as a green manure. Here endeth today's second lesson!

And soon across the A4 into Tag Lane, and we dropped down to Wargrave Marina.

As we parked up, I noticed a lady with a VERY yappy dog on her lap,
is Debbie Magee. (White top facing )
She lives about 5 mins walk from here.

Some of us had larger portions than others today. (no names mentioned)

As well as Debbie Magree yappy dog, this lot were laying a new surface.
What a ROW. Not a relaxing coffee break at all today.

Someone (Lynne?) suggested we return on Loddon Drive, and Martina agreed, so we did that. These sheep in the field at the very end near where Loddon Drive joins the A4.