Geocaches - 8 - Not bad from a muggletastic stretch
Walk Inspiration - Stage 8 of the London Loop
Start - Hatton Cross
Finish - Uxbridge
This stage of the London Loop - Stage 8 - has managed to do exactly the same as the corresponding stage of the Capital Ring. The endless canals have bored me.
Still, the pre-planning excitement was all there. Apparel was laid out last night - including my rescued hat blogfans. I had everything except my anti-chaffing pants, which were sorely missed on a near 12miler in 21 degree heat. I won't be making that mistake again.
I am down early and need to get the walk done. I have a rendezvous with my daughter at the Doric Arch at 3pm. How nice to be phoned up and asked to go for a drink.
So, down to Green Park via Euston and admire the pranks that TFL are playing on the tourist. All the Piccadilly trains labelled "Uxbridge" are going to "Heathrow" and vice-versa. I need to the Heathrow one to get to Hatton Cross. I try and help out my suitcase carrying travellers but they just don't get how a train can be labelled incorrectly.
I know I am in the right place as soon as I come up the stairs at the station.
The roar of landing planes starts us on our way |
Relative Peace and Quiet |
Even Cranford Country Park is dull. And endless vista of knee length golden grass bringing me to the only architectural highlight of Cranford Church.
Look at that Shoddy Extension - C15th Flint with a Brick Lid |
I've really gone off Canal Walking. I spent most of this walk completing a survey in my head on what the most popular lager is by adding up the discarded cans. Heineken put in a brave effort, but Tyskie - you are the tramp juice of choice.
Not much to look at either.
Next Week's Blog - The Lake District |
We leave the canal at Stockley Park for the London Loop to show me my old Marks and Spencer office. I never noticed there was a decent path through a golf course whilst there. Should have paid more attention.
This drops me out at a wasteland of identikit office blocks and business units, before picking the canal back up.
With one pub, not yet open, to offer respite |
Complete with a sign saying it had broken down |
More Canals |
Use the Map to find your way through |
Hit Uxbridge and the Tube Station. Metropolitan trains, how I love your Air Conditioning. I am on course to meet with Ellie at the allotted time and true enough, I get a call as I am changing trains at Baker Street.
The conversation is music to my ears - going something like this;
"Hi Dad, I'm nearly at the pub"
"I'll be there in 10 minutes"
"Ok - would you like me to get you a pint?"
This throws me into a flap. Could it be the day has arrived when one of my children buy me a drink? We are entering uncharted, but welcome territory here BlogFans. I can hardly get my words out.
"Thanks, I'll have a pint of ESB please"
The two stops from Baker Street is too long... I race out the platform, across Euston concourse and delightedly see my daughter sat at my favourite table.
But something is amiss.... there is only one glass on the table.
"Sorry Dad - they have run out of ESB and I didn't know what else to get you".
Coins found from within my rucksack and as I order my London Pride, I reflect. Its just been that sort of day.
My daughter (blogonym High Horse) has been known to buy me a pint, but more frequently I hear two utterances:
ReplyDelete"Let me do that Dad"
and:
"I think you'll find it better if you do it my way".
I got nine our of ten on my sortie last Thursday including two tree climbs.