After lunch, we started our walk. At the pub. Personally, I think all walks should start at the pub.
We entered the park through a rather ominous-looking pass. It looked more like the entrance to some strange wilderness.
Yes, we were definitely in the Wild Wastes. Of course, I'm spoiled - when I hear "park" I think Kensington. Possibly I should not have worn a thin dress and sandals. It is beautiful here though, in a wild way.
Out of nowhere, a golf course appeared. My feet were thankful. Strolling on springy grass barefoot is one of my great pleasures. Suddenly it's less Wastes, more Gardens.
Without any warning, we're out of the estate gardens again and into the Wild Woods of the West.
Just over the bend there was a HUGE hill that we had to make our way down via a staircase made of tree roots. I wish I'd got a photo of the staircase, but I was too busy trying to get down without my glasses on. Josephine very kindly held my hand to help me balance. :)
After much trekking, we found ourselves at another pub. Well, isn't that convenient? *grins*
After much merriment, we were back in the park. Here we have Brocket Hall, home of the infamous Baron Brocket and his delightful son.
As usual, most of the crowd were well in front of me again. They all have long legs, and I'm built like a chimpanzee.
It is, of course, slightly possible that they're also in front of me because I stopped every ten paces to take photos.
Here we have a somewhat better picture of the Hall. It's quite a fabulous building!
I truly had to restrain myself from cartwheeling across the lawn here, it's so green and soft. My stomach was thankful for my restraint; I don't think the hamburger and chips I ate for lunch would have seemed like such a good idea if I had.
If you're wondering what the pale patch is, it's one of those sand traps for golf. I'm told they're called bunkers. We can now all laugh at what I don't know about golf.
England can actually be quite beautiful on the few occasions that the weather behaves!
I found a perfect bonsai, aside from the fact that it was forty feet tall.
Everyone stopped on the bridge to watch the ducks. Except for me, who had no glasses and couldn't see any ducks.
Oh, here's one.
Say chizu sandoichi!
Finally, we made our way back to the starting pub. Sadly, we were all too tired to stay for another drink!
We had a lovely time, and it was a glorious day for it - not too hot, not too cold. I'm so glad as many people made it as did, although I think everyone missed those of you who couldn't make it. With any luck we can meet up again sometime!
