We had originally intended to visit Coombe Conduit on Saturday, but after wandering around the beautiful leafy streets of Coombe we arrived at the site only to discover a large wooden fence surrounding (and obstructing) what we assumed to be our destination. We managed to catch glimpses of the building through gaps in the fence, but it wasn't until we reached the locked gate did we read the sign to discover the place is only open on the second Sunday of every month between two and four... Whoopsie. But seriously, what kind of opening hours are they? Do they even want any visitors?
Not to worry though, Richmond Park was only a walk away, so we head off in the right direction through a picturesque housing estate complete with a golf course, huge houses with long driveways and fancy looking gates... If these weren't big enough hints as to the general wealth of the people who lived here, the personalised signs at the entrance of their not-so-humble-abode and the matching 'his and hers' golfing outfits pretty much finalised it.
Not to worry though, Richmond Park was only a walk away, so we head off in the right direction through a picturesque housing estate complete with a golf course, huge houses with long driveways and fancy looking gates... If these weren't big enough hints as to the general wealth of the people who lived here, the personalised signs at the entrance of their not-so-humble-abode and the matching 'his and hers' golfing outfits pretty much finalised it.
The walk to Richmond Park was so peaceful and photogenic, I was a little concerned that the park might seem average in comparison... What a waste of worry that was. With the park in sight, we walked past this gorgeous little cottage (I was distracted momentarily by my future house) and then entered the heavy iron gates into Richmond Park...
We had no idea which way to walk... Every direction looked enticing, with lush green foliage and narrow walk ways where vines and low shrubs had been parted to make way for explorers. We began walking, completely in awe of the vibrant colour and stillness of it all.
The first sight of deer almost reduced me to tears. I love deer, they're such majestic creatures and until then, I had never seen one in real life. It came as a complete surprise, we were walking through some dense foliage, when across the shrub covered field, it emerged... Of course there was no way in the world I would have been able to spot it on my own. It was with thanks to D who, in a Bear Grylls-like fashion, spotted a pair of antlers a mile away (looked like a pile of sticks to me), and motioned for me to... Well, I wasn't quite sure... To pat a dog, or maybe it was to bounce a ball and just as I was about to object to not having a dog or ball near by, I saw it too.
It seemed I had plenty to learn about being in woods... D is very knowledgeable about all this, as he spent a lot of his childhood with his grandfather in the bush. I don't think he realises how much he knows, how much was passed on to him from Bob. It all came as second nature to him, which took me by complete surprise. It was as if I traded in my clumsy, heavy footed, tripping over cords and knocking over drinks, fiancé for a stealthy, ninja-like bush man who had super sonic hearing and an utter respect and understanding of the animals around him. I was suddenly the student in an intense practical lesson of 'how to walk around without making too much noise and how to not scare off all living things around you'.
I'd like to think that, considering I knew nothing before entering Richmond Park, I came out with a pretty solid understanding of how to not scare away the animals around me... It's amazing what you see when you stop and wait.
I'd like to think that, considering I knew nothing before entering Richmond Park, I came out with a pretty solid understanding of how to not scare away the animals around me... It's amazing what you see when you stop and wait.
On a not-so-enlightening note... I got really up close and personal with nature when I rubbed up against some nettles... It wasn't a particularly pleasant experience, but it was an experience nevertheless, all part of my education, though I wouldn't recommend doing this again. Youchy!
Richmond Park is too big to see in one day, or one week. We decided to leave it there for the day and head home via Kingston with promises to return soon. We caught the bus in and stumbled across the Saturday markets, which were buzzing with excitement. The smell of fresh produce and hot food stalls filled the air. The sound of buskers on every corner and the hustle of shoppers and families amongst the slow walking tourists. It was wonderful.
Xxo