Adventuring
Looked like it was going to be good weather – booked ‘fast track tickets’. Super fast – only a 5 minute wait in line and had a great ride and views over all of metropolitan London – just a shame the rain started coming down and we couldn’t quite see forever. Well worth the ride though.
Also enjoyed a short 4-D presentation about the Eye – could smell the bubblegum being chewed and feel light spray from the water pistol aimed at us – the sea gull flying by was very lifelike too.
Brrr- nice sunshine but chilly! Explored the lovely fishing village of Teignmouth first thing this morning – quite a strategic port in years gone by and bombed by Hitler as there was significant ship building here. As along this coast, there was smuggling activity much earlier than that, but not much recorded for obvious reasons. Interesting thought – despite the sometimes celebrated history and romanticism around the smuggler stories, it was dangerous and all about people trying to avoid customs and taxes and they still do it today. Nothing really changes, just do it differently. Hadn’t really made the comparison to modern day subterfuge and smuggling!
Quick walk around South Zeal this morning admiring the thatched cottages and olde world charm. Headed off toward Cornwall in bright sunshine enjoying the leafy country lanes, stone walls and cottages and picturesque countryside.
Weather changed as we got into Cornwall and through Bodmin Moor area with misty rain. Still nice views though of the tussock, peaty looking land and lakes. Guess it might be tricky underfoot! Stopped in Bodmin, an ancient county town, for coffee and quick look around – some nice displays at Shire Hall. The “court” was in session – visitors can be part of a jury re-enacting a famous murder trial associated with the renowned Bodmin Jail. The torture wheel for hard labour looked nasty!
Set off late morning with Ms. GPS who took us safely through a number of rotary (roundabouts!) – heading for Devon and Cornwall.
Nice drive through rolling countryside – farmland, autumnal colours and little villages sitting on hillsides with their church spires.
Detoured to Bath – very pretty and on the “bucket list” for a return visit. No time to have a spa!
Nice to see familiar names on signposts and travel though the counties to the edge of the Dartmoor National Park.
Outing to Greenwich today. Lunch in the lovely park area with food from Greenwich Markets. Markets very very busy – beautiful sunny day.
Walked up the hill to the Royal Observatory, Planetarium, Altazimuth Pavilion with telescope for viewing the sun, Shepherd 24 hour Gate Clock which always shows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), The Time Ball – one of the world’s first visual time signals and of course the Prime Meridian Line. Stood with my feet in the East and the West at the same time. Just cause its what you do! The boys visited the Clock Museum.
A gentle boat ride on the Thames to Hampton Court Palace (and return) today. Set in 750 acres of parkland. Home to King Henry VIII, some of his wives and other royals over a few centuries. Actually two palaces in one -the Tudor Palace of King Henry and the later addition of the Baroque Palace of William III (William of Orange) and Mary II. William and Mary commissioned Christopher Wren to renovate the whole place in the baroque style however as money was tight it was never completed.
Fascinating to wander the huge kitchens, Great Watching Chamber and Great Hall, the beautiful Chapel Royal (no pictures allowed here as it is still a place of worship) and over 60 acres of palace gardens right alongside the Thames.
There is a “Secret of the Royal Bedchamber” exhibition at present – in the Stuart and Hanovarian courts, the real corridor of power was the one the led to the monarch’s bedchamber! Political deals were brokered and matches made here until the more democratic parliament came about. Some impressive beds on display.
Beautiful water features and trees surround the palace.
There were a number of people in period costume and demonstrations/re-enactments which added to the atmosphere.
A successful Deer Hunt today in Bushy Park London – the second largest park of the eight Royal parks in London. Also near here and just north of Hampton Court Palace. Lunch at the Pheasantry Cafe and yes we saw some pheasants and other birdlife too. Lots of waterways, the Diana Fountain and lovely trees especially along Chestnut Avenue. Trees just starting to change colour.
Nice afternoon in London and great to be back with the family here. Lovely walk in Richmond Park which is close by here. Some 2,500 acres with walking, cycling and horse trails – the largest park in London. Had great fun “Going on a Deer Hunt” with Micah – lots of long swishy grass, mounds and trees but none of the wild deer that live here to be seen on this visit.
A splash of sunshine this morning was enough to entice us out on a day trip to Brighton on the south west coast.
We arrived there to a howling gale and thousands of motorcyclists, scooter-riders and others on similar machines! Motorbikes as far as the eye could see parked along the beach front.
Enjoyed cod and chips before strolling the promenade (being bowled along might be more accurate) and the famous pier. Lots of amusements, including the Brighton Wheel. Maybe a bit tacky but fun to see (photos – see link below). Would have loved to use the free blue and white striped deckchairs but clearly not an option in that wind.