Rye Harbour to Winchelsea

The icy wind, icy roads and the threat of heavy snow didn't stop the intrepid Ragstones from acclimatising themselves in readiness for the next iceage. Norman, Rosemary and Christine (welcome to her first trip with the Ragstones) elected to walk, whilst John, Ruth and Peter ignored all the perils and set off across the Harbour towards Winchelsea Beach, though the Nature Reserve.

The hazard of riding into a (small) blizzard was only usurped by that of large lorries moving the coastline westwards. Having avoided this, the traffic on Winchelsea road was less of a worry, so Ruth decided to have a complete brake failure just to add zest to the risk. This, fortunately, was not a problem going up the hill and through the gate into Winchelsea. After a brief tour and history lesson on cellars, the triumvirate set forth back to Rye Harbour, pausing only to buy John's supper and to take in distant views of Camber Castle.

Arriving at the Inkerman Arms and quite expecting to see the three walkers already crowding round the fire, the riders were concerned to find that they were not there. Discussion on whether it was necessary to mount a search party were truncated by the appearance of Norman, Christine and Rosemary on the dot of the appointed hour, after a successful walk through the Nature Reserve.

The ladies of the Inkerman Arms, who were highly skilled in managing difficult customers like John, provided a splendid meal. The Ragstones veritably glowed in front of the wood-burner.