Tuesday, April 14/2015

Sunny and much too warm to be inside. So we follow the canal from Little Venice, near Paddington Station, up to Camden Town. There are dozens of brightly painted canal boats, some of them permanent homes. Flower boxes and bicycles abound and pets are in residence. The canal disappears underground at times, or so it seems from the towpath. The boats, of course are passing through tunnels. The canal goes along the north side of Regent's Park and past the London Zoo, with some animals visible across the canal on the right. On our side there is an enormous aviary filled with exotic birds, with one small domestic bird attempting to get through the wire mesh and join them, as its mate seems already to have succeeded in doing. Plenty of others enjoying the lovely weather, walking or cycling or sitting on benches. One girl is joined by friends who have brought treats and sing happy birthday. In the shade of a short tunnel a man we'd guess is homeless sits with his dog and eats his lunch. A beautiful spot now, but less kind in winter. We emerge at Camden Lock, up past pubs and cafés and into the bustle of Camden Market. It's been about three and a half leisurely miles, and we take a bus back.