The heatwave has finally broken. The cooler weather has of course brought rain and thunderstorms with it. We have been enjoying the cooler temperature (around 18°C).

Cloudy skies

I have a clinic appointment later today and so this morning we went out just for coffee and a stroll locally. The above view from Claremont Square gives an idea of the conditions.

Myddelton Square Gardens

We passed through the gardens in Myddelton Square, which are still pretty, even in dull conditions, but we didn’t stop.

Snail enjoying the humid conditions

There were quite a few snails about, and not only in the gardens: I rescued one that was boldly crossing the pavement and was therefore in danger of being walked on. I imagine that they like the damp conditions which make it easier for them to move about and feed.

Electra’s bicycle

We spied “Electra”’s bicycle (the white one) tethered to the railings. Electra herself, aka the Circling Cyclist, was not visible.

At the deli

It was not raining when we reached the deli and so we sat outside with our coffee. Opposite the deli (not visible above) is a shop and while we were having our coffee, the assistant arrived and proceeded to unlock the door. There are several locks on the door, including one at the top.

Standing on a stool

The assistant is too short to reach the lock at the top of the door. Therefore, she brings with her a bag containing a folding stool and opens this to stand on.

Belisha beacons

In the dull conditions, the flashing lights of the Belisha beacons at the pedestrian crossing were more noticeable than usual.

A glimpse of the waterworks

After coffee, we went for our stroll. I took the above view of the waterworks area through the railings. This is still known as the New River Head as it was the termination of Sir High Myddelton’s famous project. These days, the water is buried deep underground and Thames Water’s Ring Main passes through here.

Hardwicke Street

We passed along Hardwicke Street which makes the southern edge of the New River Head site.

A small road island

At the end of Hardwicke Street is this strange little road island. For inhabitants it has these two fine mature trees. Both the island and the road bear the signs of repairs made necessary by the expanding roots of the trees.

Grand doorway

In passing, I photographed the grand doorway of what was originally the offices of the New River Company and is now a residential block.

Spa Green Gardens

We entered Spa Green Gardens. We saw only two other people there, a dog walker and a man sitting on a bench near the entrance who was apparently noting people’s coming and goings. Perhaps he is doing a survey for the Council.

War memorial and pigeons

The garden’s pigeon population treat the memorial as a useful perch where they are safe from marauding dogs and humans and can keep watch on the availability of food.

The old laboratories

Making our way back, we passed the old laboratories built by the water board which have since been converted into a residential block.

Gardens and old offices

I took a photo through the railings of the old NRC offices (where I photographed the doorway above). I think the turret is purely decorative though it might have had a purpose.

The pub vine

Entering Myddelton Passage, we could check in that other obsession of ours, the pub vine. I’m happy to report that it is flourishing and…

A fine crop of grapes

…has already produced a fine crop of grapes – no doubt encouraged by the recent heatwave. I don’t expect that the grapes will be edible but they are impressive nonetheless.

The “Bonus Cat”

Do you remember the Bonus Cat? (See The Bonus Cat.) we had not managed to photograph any cats today but one turned up at the last moment. This is the one we “discovered” on a previous occasion and jokingly called the bonus cat. This is not the best cat photo ever but we do the best we can!

Familiar scene on a grey day

With a last look at the familiar scene, we made for home where we had lunch in preparation for this afternoon’s outing, of which more anon.