My First Trip Out in the Roadster 100 for Three Months Since Lockdown.

My First Trip Out in the Roadster 100 for Three Months, Since Lockdown.

Having been in strict Lock Down for the whole time, today I took the opportunity to give The Green Goddess her first run in three months. This is a major change as she always used to get a run out at least once a month throughout the year.

Having given the car a deep clean with Maguire's Clay and Mer Polish the deep shine is not evident in these photos? 

This is also the first outing for our new All Morgans' Day 2020 Car Badge (2nd from left) and a new set of attaching Stainless Steel Bolts.

I haven't even closed the garage door.

Our route plan today is to make a visit to the village of Exton in the Meon Valley, travelling via Fareham, Wickham and Droxford. We will return via Bishops Waltham, Botley and Titchfield. That should move the oil around.

Wickham Village Centre which we will bypass on the A32, The Meon Valley Road.

The A32 snakes through the village of Droxford approximately 5 Miles north from Fareham. 

Again the road sweeps past the Villages of Corhampton & Meonstoke. 
It is a shame to see so many popular pubs along the route all closed due to Covid 19.

We finally arrive in Exton Village.

It was less than a mile on that we took a left turn into the Village and our turning place.

'The Shoe' holds many memories of our youth when we made frequent visits to play the Bar Billiards table and enjoy the company here. 

The River Meon runs through the village and here in the Pub Garden across the lane many a balmy summers evening was spent watching the Rainbow Trout leaping for the midges hovering just above the water.

Our son Robin, my passenger, can just be seen beneath the overhanging tree.

The Shoe has been in lockdown with no signs of any preparation for re opening next month

This cottage holds some history for our family as we intended to purchase it back in 1975 just following a complete renovation. 

Then we heard that the village tended to flood following heavy storms so our offer was swiftly with drawn. Presumably the following owners managed to live with these occurrences?

The lane winding through the village climbs out over Corhampton Downs.

Some 45 years ago the land on the opposite side of the river was not part of the property. 

However, over the years these new builds have been added and significant improvements have been made. A novel use of the slide into the river.

I wonder if they include Fishing Rights?

The fast flowing shallow stream as I look for any trout lurking among the weed.

Shoe Cottage next to The Shoe Inn

The Village Phone Box and Post Box located next to this Classic Car owners cottage. One wonders if it was ever the village Post Office?

The Gates to Exton Court Estate

A useful alternative parking spot as I wait for my son to complete his photography.

Back on the road we take the B3035 which is a lovely driving road which takes us over the Downs to Bishops Waltham where we take a cut through the villages One way system

The Narrow Street. Two Way at this end - One way coming this way at the other end. 

As we head for Botley on the B3035 we pass the Bishops Waltham Palace grounds on our right. Located behind a high wall it is obscured from our view. 

The Palace, as it was originally thought to appear, was used by the Bishops & Clergy of Winchester before it was badly damaged during the Civil War of 1642 to 49.

We almost reach the Village of Botley, located at the head of the River Hamble, but turn off onto the A3051 just before the village and head back south eastwards towards the narrow streets of Titchfield and home.

Titchfield, South Street with is traffic calming alterations making the road even narrower.

Along the way, we pass through the riverside village of Swanwick, seen here from the air.

Back home after just an hour having enjoyed every minute of escape from the confinement of home.