I arrived in London yesterday and arranged to meet Ellie and John at their second home, the Castle. An imposing building and the place where it seems indoor climbing dreams come true. By the time I got there, they were well into their routes so I took the opportunity to check out the vast gardens and mill around the extensive grounds, whose produce from the impressive raised beds and community garden, supplied the organic cafe inside for hungry souls.
Less of a climbing centre, more of a mini-festival on Saturday, it was a lovely place. Kids, dogs and grown ups all roamed about and seemed to be having a grand time in the sun. My low attention span with climbing was momentarily aroused by the Tunnels! Which were built for people to scramble around in the dark, behind the walls. Much more my cup of tea.
We headed back and I was treated to a glorious barbecue with giant prawns, scallops, beer and a well overdue catch up with my very best friends.
This morning, John was hosting a foraging walk and talk around their local park. I was asked to come along and take pictures for his website. It was while heading over to meet up with the group that I came across a stunning tree that I didn't recognise:
The Wing Nut, a relative of the Walnut originating from Iran was introduced into the UK way back in 1782. It is a brute of a tree with some specimens reaching over 38-metres high with a crown diameter of 35 metres. It is a fast growing, large and broadly oval tree, which does well in most fertile, moisture-retentive soils, but is especially good for use close to rivers and lakes in parkland setting. It has deeply furrowed bark and very long summer catkins, which produce two-winged nut fruits.
Clissold park is a wonderful place. There are heaps of lovely things to look at. For example, here is a Tulip tree in bloom and also a picture of a goat playing football:
Watching John in action as "Forage London' was very satisfying and I felt immensely proud of him as he held his audience's attention for almost three hours with his knowledge and anecdotes. After the heat of the morning, we were ready for his well earned birthday picnic later this afternoon, back in the same park with friends and the gregariously gorgeous and GROWING, Oscar.
Such a lovely weekend, I have decided to stay another day or two and make the most of my time here.
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