A Walk on London's Wild Side

Richmond Park with Central London Not Far Away

Saturday was a brilliant London day.  So, we decided to take full advantage of this Summer rarity by going on one of our long walks.  We hopped a train at Waterloo Station and in half an hour we were in Hampton Wick to start our trek.  The plan was to check out a few antique shops in Hampton Wick and Kingston and then head off to explore, Richmond Park.

The train ride went smoothly, no delays, but the antiquing?  Well, it started out a bit slow.  The first stop planned was the Hampton Wick Antique Centre.  I'd found it online and had checked their hours on their website.  I hate turning up and finding shops closed.  Their site assured me that they were open on Saturday and that they were conveniently located just across the street from the station.  Unfortunately, you just can't believe everything you read on the net these days, because not only were they closed, they were out of business.  The place was empty, but their website was still operating.

Anyway, we marched off down the street to the next shop on the list with me bitching about how unprofessional some antique shop owners can be.  The next shop was on the way to the bridge that would take us over the Thames to Kingston.  I was really glad it was on the way, because that shop was closed too.  Interesting things in the windows but locked up tight.  Things were not going well and I was feeling a real rant coming on.

London Wildlife: Bahama Pintail Ducks

These cute little creatures are Bahama Pintail ducks also know as White-Cheek Pintails for obvious reasons.  They are some of the lesser known feathered inhabitants of London's oldest Royal Park, St James's Park.  Those pesky Pelicans get all the attention.  So, I thought I'd give the little guys a plug.  These two were hanging out on the lake edge near the Inn The Park Cafe this morning.  

Bahama Pintails in St James's Park, London

Some Monkeys Can't Read

Here's what the sign says as you enter the Flower Walk in Hyde Park.

And here's what many naughty monkeys do:

London Spring

Day Six in London was a beautiful day.  The rain from yesterday cleared and while it's clouding over again right now, the morning was brilliant.  Rob had to start work today.  I continued to explore.

I spent a few hours strolling around Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.  Spectacular!

Gardens with Kensington Palace behind

Hyde Park

The Flower Walk in Hyde Park