Our plan this afternoon was to visit Hyde Park, the third of our Royal Parks. When we stepped outside, however, we found it was raining. We quickly went back to fetch rain jackets and set out again, hoping for the best.

On the 73 bus

We caught a number 73 bus and as it was fairly full downstairs went to the upper deck where a front seat was free.

Marble Arch and ping-pong tables

The bus dropped us off in Oxford Street and from there we walked to Marble Arch in front of which, incongruously, there are now two public ping-ping tables

Deckchairs in Hyde Park

A further walk brought us to Hyde Park. Entering from the north-eastern corner (by Speakers’ Corner) brings you to a wide open space of grass, crossed by paths. On a day like this, it seems bleak, despite the deckchairs and people sitting on the grass in defiance of the rain.

Some trees at last

After crossing the open space we came upon some trees which made me feel a little better though not completely at ease.

The Serpentine

Central to the park is a large lake, the Serpentine. You can hire a boat and row about in it, if you fancy that sort of thing.

A coot

I was more interested in the water fowl of which there were very few. Compared with St James’s Park, the lake seemed empty. I did observe this coot near the edge. Coots don’t have webbed feet like ducks but have “flanges” on their claws to help propel them in the water. You can see these in the photo.

A pair of swans

Seeing me standing by the water, a pair of swans came sailing over, obviously hoping I had food. Seeing I had none, they quickly moved on, looking for more generous folk.

Serpentine Bar & Kitchen

We passed by this rather oriental-looking structure. Beside it is a board announcing it to be the Serpentine Bar & Kitchen.

A heron

There is a bridge over the Serpentine and we crossed it. This led to the highlight of the expedition: the arrival of a heron. These strange but elegant birds are easy to photograph because they are champions at standing still. In fact, this one moved about quite a bit but in between movements stood statue-still, ideal for photos.

A flowerbed

I was finding the park rather dull when we at last discovered a flowerbed. Perhaps there are others but this is the only one I saw.

Sandy track for horses

Hyde Park is famous for providing facilities for horse-riders. We crossed a number of sandy tracks made for that purpose. The best known one is called Rotten Row, which I think is the one in the photo.

Narrow passageNarrow passage

We left the park by the south, crossing a roadway called South Carriage Drive, and engaging in a narrow passage which probably has a name but which I do not know.

A gallant figure
Photo by Tigger

Just before we left the scene, however, this gallant figure came riding past and Tigger managed a photo. (I expect he’s used to being photographed.)

Harvey Nichols, Knightsbridge

We reached the main road where we were in deepest Knightsbridge, as you can tell from the presence in the photo of the premises of Harvey Nichols.

Doorman, Mandarin Oriental
Photo by Tigger

We set off along Knightsbridge, looking for a bus stop. On the way, Tigger photographed the splendidly dressed doorman outside the Mandarin Oriental.

Down there somewhere

The bus stop was right at the end of the road just before the traffic lights. We out our best foot forward and reached the stop at last.

Aboard the 19 bus

We caught a number 19 bus, which is a three-door, and sat in the rear-facing seats. This bus brought us back to the Angel.

I found Hyde Park somewhat disappointing. Perhaps I will learn to love it more with further acquaintance. For now I was glad to reach home and make a nice pot of tea!

The sun was shining fitfully between clouds and we discussed the possibility of having lunch in Percy Circus. Once we stepped outside, however, we felt it was too chilly for eating outside. In the meantime we had some shopping to do.

First we called at Muji in the Angel Centre.

Then we passed through Chapel Market which was very busy, much like its old self.

We needed something from Marks & Spencer. Fortunately, it wasn’t crowded.

We queued at the checkout (remembering to leave one metre between ourselves and others) and paid for our purchases. (Will we laugh about all this one day, I wonder?)

We walked back along Chapel Market where the pub and cafes had their tables outside. Lunching al fresco is definitely in fashion!

We walked down Amwell Street to Myddelton’s deli. By now it seemed a little warmer and we decided to join the al fresco club ourselves and have lunch there. I acquired a table while Tigger bought lunch and coffee.

We had toasted baguettes and a cheese tart. And coffee, of course!

After lunch we returned home, though we have plans for this afternoon.

As we passed Myddelton Square Gardens, we spotted a crow, busy with something. We saw he was gathering twigs, presumably to build a nest. (He was rather far away so the image is somewhat blurred.)

After an absence, the Phantom Newspaper Dumper has returned. I can only presume that the delivery person runs out of time or energy (or both), dumps the load and claims to have delivered them.

We reached home where we had a rest (the less you do, the tireder what you do do makes you!). We may go forth again later.