Our journey to London was trouble free and we arrived at Helen and Nick's in the late afternoon. We left Béziers in sunshine, but on our way passed through snowy landscapes and sodden fields.
We enjoyed lots of walks with Ernie while we were in London sometimes leaving Helen for a few precious moments to herself. Crouch End has many parks within easy walking distance. Here we were in Priory Park watching a small scale cricket event - 2 boys and 2 dads.
Elnthorne park is very close to Helen's flat
On Sunday, we all (including James) met for lunch at 'The Victoria Stakes' close to Alexandra Palace We have enjoyed Sunday lunches there, en famille, in the past but our last visit had been disappointing. We were pleased that this time, in was back to the usual standard.
Ernie was in fine form and Margot, one of his friends was there with her family - you can just see her high chair.
We went shopping in Oxford street on Monday and on Wednesday, we went with Helen and Ernie to an RHS plant and design show at the RHS halls near Victoria. The displays were mostly of spring flowers and most of the landscape design courses were represented.
On Thursday, it was time to take Ernie for a final walk before we left London and then make our way to Heathrow for our flight to Johannesburg. We had ordered a taxi which should have left us at the airport at 4pm for a 6pm flight. Unfortunately, 35 minutes into the journey, the traffic was such that we had to ask the driver to drop us off any the nearest tube station. Thankfully, we reached Heathrow at about 5pm and our departure gate with 10 minutes to spare before the gate closed. That's far too close for me!
This was written in the air, and when it appears on the blog, we will be in South Africa.
Pat and John on tour