It was very warm today, with hardly any breeze, so we kept to the shade as much as possible. Our outing took us to one of London’s most famous parks.

Sainsbury’s, Camden Town

To start, we took the 214 bus to Camden Town and visited the Sainsbury’s store there. This is another “first” for us: the first time we have been shopping together since lockdown began.

We picked up a couple of items we needed at home and the makings of a picnic lunch to eat in the park.

Upper deck, 274 bus

Then we boarded a 274 bus that would take us to Regent’s Park. This too was a first in one sense, namely that because there were no seats left downstairs, we went to the upper deck – the first time we had done so since lockdown.

Entrance to Regent’s Park

We left the bus here, at one of the entrances to the park. It also leads to another famous institution.

Regent’s Canal

The path leads to a bridge over the Regent’s Canal. The above mentioned institution is of course ZSL, the Zoological Society of London’s zoo. In the above photo, if you follow the line of the right-hand tow path, you might be able to make out the aviary, designed by Lord Snowdon and now a Grade II* listed building.

Into the park

We entered the park along this broad avenue. It was pleasantly shaded under the foliage. Just as well, because the park is large and we had some way to go to our chosen picnic spot.

Big trees

I was very taken by the tall and stout old trees in the park. I don’t know how old they are but they will have lived through (and survived) a consuderable slice of history.

Drinking fountain

This drinking fountain, dating from 1869, was installed as a gift by Sir Cowasjee Jehangir. I have written about it previously and you will find more details there: Around Regent’s Park.

Pleasant under the trees

We wandered under the trees where it was pleasantly cool and shady.

Acorns but still green

Tigger pointed out these still green acorns sprouting on the oak trees. I hope there is a good crop to help the squirrels through the winter!

Another beautiful old tree

I was impressed by the handsome shape and the large size of this tree.

The broad trunk

Its broad and gnarled trunk is also impressive. How many summers are recorded in its rings, I wonder?

The pond

For our picnic we came to the rose garden in the middle if Regent’s Park and beside it, a pond. I assume the pond has a name but, if so, I have not managed to discover it.

The waterfall

The pond is fed by a waterfall that is quite picturesque in its own right. We found a shaded bench and ate our picnic lunch there.

Sparkly fly
From a photo by Tigger

This fly came to join us for a while. His metallic green body sparkled in the sun. Tigger managed to photograph him on her own hand. “Like an emerald ring,” said Tigger.

Big fish

When we were on the point of leaving, I stopped to watch a coot and then saw something else: a large fish! It was swimming close to the surface in leisurely fashion. At a distance it was hard to estimate its size but I would guess it was about a foot (30cm) long.

A final view of the pond

We left the pond and walked towards the edge of the park. We had done a lot of walking and, despite having rested during the picnic, I was looking forward to finding a seat on a bus!

Marylebone Parish Church

We reached the road near Marylebone Parish Church (built 1813-17). From here we walked to the bus stop at Baker Street. There we caught a 205 bus for the Angel.

There remained one more thing to do before going home…

Saint Espresso

…buy coffee, of course! We were too tired to walk to either Jusaka or Myddelton’s but, happily, Saint Espresso was handy for the bus stop. Job done.

Tomorrow we are off on another jaunt, our most ambitious since lockdown. More about that, though, in due course.