I'd rather be walking

Today, on somewhat of a whim, we decided to head to Kingston-on-Thames for some shopping. Its east of us in Sussex. We had spent a half day there when we first arrived looking at apartments. Although we settled in Windsor (very happy thanks!) we did note the area for its many shops.

The past few days have been chilly but extraordinarily clear. Not the sort of day that you want to spend in a shopping centre. So we planned for a short trip. Punching the location in the satnav we headed out... only to hit a wall of traffic about 3 mile from our destination. It took us over an hour to crawl through to the centre of town. The traffic was so congested that the queue to enter the car parks was about 0.5 mile long. As the car parks were full, cars could only enter as other left. It was a nightmare! But having made the trek we stuck at it, parked and did some shopping.

I have to confess that I was a little disillusioned by all this. So we only spent about an hour shopping, had some lunch, and then decided to visit Richmond Park. Its about 1000 hectares and borders both Kingston and Richmond.

As we entered we saw lots of people riding bikes, running, walking, and - would you believe it - elk grazing by the side of the road. James was asleep by now so we parked, bundled him in to the stroller, and set off on a walk.

It was very relaxing. There are many paths to choose and all wind through open areas and more dense forest. By about 3pm the low sun was casting its now familiar deep orange light. It is a wonderful time of the year to be out walking. We found a garden was fenced in and surrounded a pond. The trees are now well into their autumnal coats. And with the light behind them you can imagine the glow.

So not all was wasted. We may be back. But not for the shopping!