Swan upping

In Painshill Park today. Still feeling this bug and didn't sleep last night, in a bit of a mess really, but I did get a column finished and packed off. It was barely worth going for the walk but the sun shone just long enough to oblige. The swan was excited. I'd just told it about landing the probe on the comet.

Entrance here is free every Wednesday in November. I might try organising a meet next week but going at the right time is crucial. This morning, for example, was gloomy and overcast but the sun was out by lunchtime. Painshill is in Cobham, Surrey, near to the A3/M25 interchange.

This seems to be one of the favourite views but there are some cracking bridges, trees, quirky follies and plenty of aggressive swans to divert you.

Last year.