In yesterday's post a Blackcap had lifted my spirits. After passing what looked like an amateur riding school, and numerous horses the Tandridge Border path veered off to the right.

Strangely enough there were a few marvellous homes on Kingswood Lane heading down from Hamsey Green, but the earthen track was even worse than our own "Private Road" back home.

There's a weird irony about how many "Posh Houses" are hidden along filthy tracks. Give me tarmac everytime.

I digress. Once the route had entered the margins of a vast field I passed a family out walking and headed into the South Eastern margins of Kings Wood.

A couple ahead of me (look closely) were quietly chatting to each other, the woman evidently looking to capture some magical moment with a long lens camera. A little later I passed by with a cheery "hello" but like so many "southerners" they weren't communicative at all.

Which I guess brings me to the factors you don't see on countryside trails. Half the fun is reflecting on where your mind goes as you walk along.

Surely good manners don't cost much, or are people these days often too preoccupied, or worse still trying to enjoy nature whilst listening to music through bluetooth earpieces?

Yes, I do find myself getting quite judgemental at times!

It was a bit too early for any meaningful carpets of bluebells, but the woodland was looking good with wood anemones in full bloom.

Not much further up the track the route popped out onto the "back route" towards Selsdon, Old Farleigh Road. I have mixed memories of this oft' used route.

On one occasion I was driving a Renault 10 shortly after having owned a modern Fiat 127. I had got used to a modern super mini, and entered the last corner before Selsdon Woods too quickly, and only just stayed on the road.

Another time I got a lift in a friend's Reliant Regal MkIII - which was being used to convey us to a "Youth Club". Rather amusingly the seats were not screwed in place and slid about as we were driving. The driver also used the steep hill to exceed the 30mph limit and overtake (at what seemed like an incredible speed).

Somehow we all survived.

Ooops, sorry that's another digression. Anyhow, the path veered left - and went across the entrance to a rough looking Farleigh Golf Club. I stopped to ask a waiting cab driver if he'd be free to collect me later?

"No chance, I'll have my feet up in 45 minutes watching the Grand National". I quite liked his response. It took me back to my first job in the NLA Tower where I was forced to join the grand National sweepstake and won at first attempt!

I was never keen on gambling, but I was later coerced into The Derby Sweepstake and won that too, some colleagues were absolutely livid at my "beginners luck".

As I walked I remembered some of the team on 17th Floor, and the girl who invited me to a Mormon party on the Selsdon Park Road. I felt uneasy that evening - and have kept well away from them ever since.