What to do with a sunny day???

 It has been a long, cold winter here in London so at the first chance of enjoying a sunny warm day we did what most Londoners do - we took to the outdoors!!!

Our hike took us through Wimbledon Common and onto Richmond Park.

Our first stop was Isabella Plantation.  Isabella Plantation is an enclosed woodland garden featuring azaleas, rhodies and camellias - it is like having a slice of the Pacific Northwest right here!

Did I mention that the garden is in bloom???!!!  We opted to go this weekend as it is a short bloom period.

We were not alone - the plantation was choc o block full with picnickers, photographers, sunbathers...

And dogs - well behaved dogs on lead!

It is hard to capture just how special these gardens are...

The gardens just run on and on...

The colors are so vibrant!!!  Just reminded me of home!!!

Also made me wonder - who deadheads all of these?????

We are out of the park and walking towards the Thames.  I loved the wisteria that is in bloom all over the countryside.

Imagine our surprise when we came upon a polo game!!! Not a royal in sight - that we could tell!!!  No fascinators on the women spectators!

Close to the foot ferry we cross in front of Ham House. This will have to wait for another time!

 Here comes the ferry to take us to the other side of the Thames.

Looking back at the folks waiting for the next ferry.

On the other side - walking down the path to take us to the pub.

The Swan Pub is right on the river  - and I mean RIGHT on the river.  We were waiting for a table outside by the river and were told we needed to leave - the tide was coming in and the outdoor tables would soon be in a foot of water.  They weren't kidding!!!  We opted for an indoor table!

After a brilliant lunch we picked our way to the train station.  On the side of the pub was the sign:

We resisted the urge!!!

Great Day!