Objective: To skiff to Old Woking for strong gin and tonics, stay overnight and return next day in a safe and disorderly manner.

Good Friday - 10am set off delayed due to enjoyment of hot chocolate and rum. Party seen off by John Bateman.

Weather – inclement

Entered The Thames Lock at Weybridge to join The Wey Navigation Canal. A jolly lock keeper.

Anxious to reach the lunch stop at The White Hart at New Haw Lock before the Easter crowds did, both crews pulled steadily. At Coxes Lock ,to keep hunger at bay, warm sausage rolls were passed round – but, and take note, no alcohol. (Don’t understand why but somehow, the chilled white wine didn’t appeal in the drizzle.)

Before reaching our luncheon destination a colourful site, a rare Painted Woking Towpath Hopper, was spotted along the towpath sporting a bright orange umbrella – it was our hostess, Nicky. Clearly, on the case she had spotted a tree across the water inlet to the pub garden and warned us so instead of pub garden mooring, boats were moored on the bank, overnight luggage removed to Nicky’s car and, much to Tony’s relief we had the pub almost to ourselves.

The red wine went down very well, it warmed us up and our various choices of lunch proved to be delicious – so much so, we decided to call in on our way back.

Nicky left us to our own devices, and wisely drove in warmth and comfort back to Old Woking to prepare for our arrival. We, on the other hand, wrapped up and got moving again – always hard after a lunch break. Gallantly we pressed on through Parvis Wharf Pyrford Lock and Walsham Gates.

Just before Papercourt Lock the enticing entrance to The Rive Wey was spotted, at least one crew spotted it – the other (with the map) had gone past. This was a true adventure – travelling where no man since Henry VIII and his merry men had travelled up by water. The river was a very twisty one, high banks and astonished swans who couldn’t believe they had to move out of the way. Newick Abbey stood proud and after a while we passed, as we learnt later, the ruins of Woking Palace –another one of Henry’s.

The stream was very, very strong and difficult for Mike and Keith since their skiff partners decided to ship blades and admire the scenery. Finally, after about a good hour, we spotted Old Woking church, the Rectory, a large dog with an even larger bucket over its head going berserk on the bank – then we passed under a very attractively ornate bridge, willows either side – all very romantic and there, oh glory, was the garden we had been longing to stop at.

Both boats moored safely, rowers removed wet clothing before being shown B&B quarters. The hot water system did well to cope with the showers etc, and eventually, the damp six metamorphosed into Skiff Club members again. We were joined by Kris and Caroline Nisson and Amanda Leach and John Bateman and all enjoyed a good, and well deserved, supper laid on by our glamorous hostess with the mostest – which included a TV screen rising from the fireplace, Buddie Holly music, (do ya luurve me, dum dum’), saxophone, piano and, of course, a large motor bike plus certificate stating she had passed her advanced motor cyclist course. There is a lot more to this lady than she cares to admit!

After eating and dancing the night away, we tucked ourselves up for a good night’s rest.

Scrambled egg was on offer at breakfast time – delicious, accompanied by cultural table ware - a cunning salt cellar which looked like a bottle of robust wine and a most off-putting china penis which dispensed the pepper – we left. This time, as Heather had departed the night before to keep her husband company, Nicky took to the oars.

The journey back down The River Wey was much quicker – we had the stream, we knew where we were going, we had both stoke and bow obeying cox’s instruction and before we knew it , hey presto – we were back at the The White Hart….. already for lunch again.

Reluctantly, we eased ourselves out of the warm pub and set off again towards The Thames Lock, The Thames and our final destination – Bacchus Mooring for tea and crumpets and the strong stuff.

Despite the weather, it was a very enjoyable and special Meander. No one had travelled that stretch of the River Wey before – we felt like adventurers. It was particularly pleasant to envisage the prospect of a warm welcome at both ends of the trip.

Well done to Nicky for thinking and planning the weekend and for being such a generous hostess.