A slightly smaller Venice

Today was a warm one, 31 degrees according to the forecast. For my last day down here I'd decided to go up to London again, this time to the Grand Union Canal - Paddington Basin and Little Venice.

Train to Waterloo, Underground to Paddington, and a very short walk to the canal. Here happened another coincidence. I saw a man coming along snipping plants in the canal-side tubs and made some comment about it being good to watch a gardener at work. Quite honestly I assumed he was a council worker - they don't have a very good reputation garden-wise I have to say. Amazingly it turned out that some years ago he was Head Gardener at High Beeches, near Haywards Heath. I mentioned that I knew a previous Head Gardener there and that was the beginning of a long chat - he had even been a member of the Professional Gardeners' Guild at one time!

I did a lot of wandering  about, stopped for snacks at several places, and walked down to the basin at Little Venice where the Grand Union Canal, plus the arm to Paddington Basin, meets the Regent's Canal. It's also a turning space for the various canal boats - see extra. Lots of boats, lots of people and lots of photographs! More than 150 as it happened!

I  did a lot more walking - on the other side of the canal too - and eventually made a quick detour into Regent's Park, before finding my way back to Waterloo and back to my sister's. Home tomorrow after an eventful week!