This morning, it being Sunday, we did our usual shopping run to the supermarket.

Passing through Chapel Market

We passed through Chapel Market which was very busy and crowded, quite like “old times”.

Inside Sainsbury’s

In contrast, Sainsbury’s was not very busy and we sped round the shelves with very little difficulty.

To Mercer’s for coffee

As usual, too, we called in at Mercer’s for takeaway coffees on the way home.

Camden High Street

After lunch, we went first to Camden Town, where we visited a shop in Camden High Street. Then we caught a bus that took us to our main destination, Regent’s Park.

Regent’s Canal

We entered the park from the north at the entrance beside the famous ZSL London Zoo. The path takes us over the Regent’s Canal by a bridge.

Entering Regent’s Park

From the bridge, you need to cross a road called the Outer Circle and then you find yourself on a broad path in the park.

Leaning trees

We found a vacant bench and sat for a while, taking in the scene and the movement of people. I noticed that the trees in the other side of the path all leaned at the same angle. So did the trees on our side of the path. Why? Was this caused by the direction of the prevailing wind here?

Trying to fly a kite

After a while we went for a walk. The sky was cloudy and the sun broke through from time to time, making the park prettier then dull again.

Ready Money Drinking Fountain

We passed by the ornate drinking fountain donated in 1869 by Sir Cowasjee “Ready Money” Jehangir.

An area with trees

There are grassy areas (some with football matches in progress) and areas with trees.

Cafe

We called in at the cafe. You can order at the table, using your mobile and a QR code or go inside for a takeaway. They were controlling how many people could be inside at any one time and so there was a queue.

Sitting on the grass

There were many people, alone and in groups, sitting on the grass. There were also picnics in progress, some with large groups of people.

A corner of the lake

There is a lake, parts of which are used for boating and parts that are fenced off for water fowl to use in peace. This is such a section.

A heron

We spotted a heron. I think there are several that frequent this lake.

Stream and bridge

I don’t know whether this is a real stream but with the bridge it makes a picturesque scene.

Drinking fountain

This drinking fountain is obviously quite old (Victorian at a guess) but there was no inscription to confirm its age. And no, it doesn’t work.

Flower beds

There are flower bed in places all very beautiful and well kept.

Small pond

We sat for a while beside this small pond. I think it must once have been for small boats but at present it has been taken over by geese.

Lake and distant tower

This is a view of part of the main lake with distant views behind it. Perhaps you can make out to BT Tower.

Coots
Photo by Tigger

Though not as numerous as the coots in St James’s Park, there are a lot of coots here too. Many were diving for food which was fun to watch.

Egyptian goose
Photo by Tigger

There are ducks and geese on and around the lake. Canada geese are probably the most numerous species but there are a lot of the pretty Egyptian geese too.

Swan
Photo by Tigger

There were also a few swans who came sailing by just of the off-chance that there might be food in the offing. Some people did feed the birds, despite notices asking them not to do so.

Coots’ nest

Coots had built one of their typical untidy-looking nests. A coot was sitting on the nest, suggesting that there were eggs.

Old Marylebone Town Hall

We eventually left the park and walked via Baker Street to Marylebone Road when we waited at the bus stop across from this building with a tower. It was built as the Marylebone Town Hall but that borough no longer exists. I’m not sure what its present purpose is.

Aboard the number 30

We waited for a number 30 bus. This became a little crowded during the journey and a recorded voice informed us that the driver must limit numbers to prevent overcrowding. I don’t think he ever actually took any such action and we arrived home without further incident.