London

London was also a focus for this year and no marks for guessing our caravan park location.

Crystal Palace – the radio towers are well known by anyone who has seen an old BBC film. It is a high ridge South of London.

Prince Alfred decided to show off Britain’s industry to the world and held an exhibition in 1851 in Hyde Park. The building was magnificent with the newly developed plate glass in a steel frame. It was later transferred  to Crystal Palace as a permanent structure. The caravan park is just to the right and behind the right hand tower.

In its new location it had quite a bumpy history culminating tragically a fire in 1936. Now there is little to show of its short history other than the terraces and paths. There are parties interested in redeveloping the site including a rebuild of the old structure - let's hope.

Down the hill are 33 dinosaur developed by Professor Richard Owen in 1852. They are remarkable given that most were extrapolated from skull heads and not far off from todays interpretations with all the science and computers we can now draw on. These are Megaloceros. 

whereas these are Megalosaurus (its all in the pronunciation!) 

We spent a few days with Sue and Martin who were moored up at Camden Locks a mere train and underground trip away. It is a pretty and almost tranquil location given its proximity to the bedlam of Camden Market with its crushing crowds. 

  Ngaira also joined us as we headed to Ronnie Scotts for another jazz show.

Our walk to Ronnies was through Soho Square Gardens with its centre piece mock Tudor building. The warm weather meant that much of the park was being used for small gatherings and after work drinks.

We saw the James Taylor quartet which for much of the night comprised 7 artists! Good fun though and lively jazz/boogie type music. We also had to suffer some very moreish espresso cocktails.

All the eating and drinking needed walking off so we started in Piccadilly Square where if you look closely, there are few stars in the middle.

However, as this was only round the corner further walking was required so off we went to Trafalgar Square via Canada House with its colourful fountain.

Martin (as a Londoner) was in his element. (It was only a couple of days later that he appreciated that I was also born here!) We went to the standard lengths set in the steps of Trafalgar Square. Here is the feet and yard length (only accurate at 62°F). There are also 100 Links which make up a Chain (66 ft).

The square was very busy with hundreds of bikes parked up. Many of the riders were sat on the steps quite oblivious to what was under them. I suspect this was more a lack of education than the fact that many were high as a kite given the marijuana that was in use. We were regaled by both the air and some amusing banter. Martin clearly found the experience quite intoxicating as he was almost persuaded to ride a trick BMX until Sue pulled rank colourfully explaining the likely outcome.

So onwards to some more history. Closer to the river and close to the Savoy is the last sewer gas powered light. There are still some 300 gas lights in London lit and extinguished by hand each night.

With all the walking a drink was in order so we headed to Gordon’s Wine Bar established in 1890. Unfortunately Britain's closing times beat us but we did get a look around the head banging bar area.

We returned to sleep aboard Braggabout (Sue and Martin’s narrow boat) so we were ready for the following day’s lunch surprise (arranged by our hosts). This was at level 38 in the Sky Garden Building.

Wonderful views and sensational food.

The next level below is the Darwin Brassery.

Over the river is the Shard. (Zoom into the top to appreciate the name.)

And behind is the Cheese Grater (Leadenhall building) and Gherkin.

I think the Leadenhall markets which date back to the 14^thC are much more attractive especially as they have now been refurbished by the London Mayor (you know the one – Boris Brexit). 

Nearby we found a spice shop to spark all sorts of mouth-watering ideas. We came away with some blackcurrant powder as this jam is not available in Australia and is a valuable element of Beef Wellington.

After lunch we wondered down to the river with Tower Bridge in the background and shortly after headed back to the caravan park.

The following day we reciprocated and hosted Sue and Martin at the caravan site. None too soon as they had run out of water on the boat and – well clearly needed the site's shower facilities. Suitably cleaned up and freshly attired we headed off for a lunch with some old Dubai (’75 – ’79) mates where Sue and Martin were the surprise visitors. A great long lunch. (Sue, yours truly, Frank, Maria, Mike, John, Martin, Carolyn and Jenny with Helen behind the camera.) Thanks to all those who helped with the sumptuous food. We must make this catch up a bit more regular than every 20 years….. 

The following day we aurevoired Sue and Martin and headed off back to the Thames as a walk across the Millennium Bridge was on the bucket list. En route we saw these building jumpers practising a quite long leap onto a small ledge. Didn’t quite make it so hand hanging skills were tested! B…y mad.

In September there are the 350 year anniversary celebrations of the Great Fire of London. Two barges were lashed together on which a timber model of London was being constructed.

While a beautifully crafted timber launch sped past – No prizes for guessing where its from.

We had to walk past Blackfriars bridge – another London version of the NY iron with an apt statue above the front door.

 The station has been meticulously refurbished.

The mix of antiquity and modern day designs is a wonderful mix. This is an unusual sun dial.

And finally the bucket list item with St Pauls in the background. An imaginative bridge design with raked back suspension system to enable walkers to get uninterrupted views up and down the river.

I don’t think we could ever tire of London. There is just so much to see and do. However, it was time to clean the ‘van and head back to Jo’s to do some washing and preparation for the next part of this year’s adventure.