Bikes, trolls and tennis

I try and always have a camera with me these days so I can be sure to snap something memorable. This morning it was the annual charity bike ride through Farnham.

Mind you, I did make a slight error of judgement. Half of Downing Street had been closed off to traffic to allow the bikes to traverse the stretch leading up to West Street unhindered by other vehicles. Because of the location of the sun, I figured crossing to the other side of the road would give me the best vantage point for a photo.

This was fine before the bikes appeared, however, once they started riding round the corner, it made it impossible to cross back. I snapped away and then had to wait for a sizeable break in the bikes in order to get back over. This, in turn, meant I had a rather long shopping trip today.

Still, it all worked out fine and I did wave at a number of the crazy bike riders (of all ages) as they trundled by.

The afternoon was spent at an NGS open garden over near Haslemere. We’d been to this particular garden before (Mirinda reckons it was years ago) but it’s nice to see how things change and it was a perfect garden visit day – bright and sunny.

So, clad in hat, shorts and sunglasses we set off.

The garden at Shalford House was non-existent 18 years ago but, built from scratch, it is now a well developed garden of 10 acres. It is surrounded by hills and woods and, while close to neighbours, still retains a wonderful degree of privacy.

The owners now employ three gardeners to keep it looking fantastic with a stream running through it, lakes and a prairie. Yes, a prairie!

There were a lot of visitors – the usual oldies with a smattering of younger couples – enjoying the lots of blooms and garden decorations. We like to pretend we live in these places and choose the perfect spots to have breakfast. There’s plenty at Shalford House.

We had our usual cup of tea and piece of cake (an odd combination of ginger bread with lemon icing) before heading off for the woodland walk behind the house. This is through the 30 acre Shalford Wood, a wonderful area to wander through.

We took the short walk (still quite long), coming across the troll toll about halfway round. We jumped and shrieked when confronted by the troll. He did look rather real. A little pot demanded that we pay the troll toll before progressing across the little bridge.

And then, back home, I switched the TV on in time to see Andy Murray win the men’s singles competition at Wimbledon. The first British man to lift the trophy in 77 years. The last game lasted a long time with the decision going back and forth between the two protagonists but, finally, and with great jubilation, Murray took the match.

A fabulous Sunday.