As promised, I had to get out and take a walk yesterday to work off my oysters and filet mignon. I decided to go back to Hampstead Heath. I hadn't walked the main part of the Heath in ages -- not since Olga died. So I was long overdue for a visit, even though I knew it would make me miss Olga.
Autumn leaves in London are usually not that colorful, at least in wild places like the Heath, but I passed this tree in Hampstead that was such a pure yellow -- amazing against the blue sky.
There are still some vestiges of Halloween hanging around out there!
I saw loads of squawky parakeets on the Heath. This one was using the leaves of a tree to keep the sun out of its eyes.
From the northern part of the Heath near Kenwood House there's a good view of the city through the trees. I definitely hadn't been up in this part of the Heath in a long, long time.
The blackberries always develop a lot of color in the autumn.
These are the gardens near Athlone House, another area I haven't seen in ages. Remember when I took photos of Olga there, in front of the blooming azaleas? We used to routinely walk through that area but as Olga got older it got to be too far for her.
And of course I finished up atop Parliament Hill, taking in the scenic view of the city. As you can see, the weather cooperated quite nicely. We had a rainy morning but the sun was out all afternoon.
I'm far enough out from Olga's death now that I can take walks like this and not be sad -- at least, not too sad. I did miss her crazy activity -- the mud baths, the Kong-chasing. It's harder to walk so far when I'm not distracted by an amusing dog! I was beat by the time I got back to the house, and I slept like a log last night.
Thank you for taking us along a kind of memorial walk. I did a lot of that after my husband died, but there are still places I haven't been to in what will be 16 years on Nov. 5th.
ReplyDeleteYou had good weather, and the yellow tree looks as if it is lit up from within.
The yellow tree is amazing and good colours on the Heath too.
ReplyDeleteGreat views and some lovely photos of the gardens.
ReplyDeleteHello Steve,
ReplyDeleteOysters and Filet Mignon.....now that was some celebration!
Really lovely pictures again - you have such a talent.
ReplyDeleteWendy (Wales)
"I slept like a log last night..." What? With moss and fungi growing on your exterior and insects burrowing within?
ReplyDeleteYou caught Autumn beautifully, I love that view from Parliamentary Hill. Olga was there in spirit I think.
ReplyDeleteFalls are always when I'm doing my longest walks. Although the weather is just as nice in the spring, I am always hurrying back to get started on something or other. In the fall, I've wrapped or am wrapping things up so I don't feel the time crunch that I do in the spring.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos, taken before a very nice sleep.
ReplyDeleteYour photos of the leaves are beautiful.
ReplyDeleteA good walk...and good memories
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that the walk was OK for you, memories but manageable ones. I'm sure it seems longer without canine distraction! That tree is fabulous -- I think the yellow ones are my favorites -- clouds or sun, they never disappoint and the parakeet was a nice spot in all that yellow!
ReplyDeleteA familiar walk without your companion is always hard the first time,
ReplyDeleteI agree that walking with a dog takes your mind off distance. And you haven't done a lot of walking lately, so maybe it caught up with you. Those are nice shots of the city and the contrasting wilder area.
ReplyDeleteThat first walk along one of your dogs favourite routes is a real heartbreaker isn't it. I remember oh so well the first time I walked the canal towpath without either of my girls. My tears would have topped up the water levels. Your first photo of the tree in it's Autumnal colours is simply glorious.
ReplyDeleteI read that headline as "Autumn HEALTH Walk" & I think it really was!
ReplyDeleteYou have some lovely photos from this walk. I love the Autumn colors and the views of your city!
ReplyDeleteGreat photos, love the Halloween house ... I'd leave that up all year just for kicks!
ReplyDeleteThat last view of the city was gorgeous.
Beautiful pictures, Steve. I know the walk must have made you think of Olga and how much a part of your lives she was for so long. She did love her Hampstead Heath outings, didn't she?
ReplyDeleteFantastic pics as usual, loved the red tinged bramble leaves and sweet memories of Olga... I wanted to ask about your cameras, did you get them because you knew you had foxes or did you get them to see what you might get in your garden?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! I especially like that last skyline photo. There is such a great view from up there.
ReplyDeleteFabulous photos, make my heart race! You do live in the most ideal spot on earth! I get the missing Olga emptiness. Purposeless walking- rather "pupless walking- " I rarely go where I walked Dexter . Of course I do not have entertaining walks to do here as you have. Walking in London is always a treat!
ReplyDeleteI agree with everyone else ... beautiful pictures and a lovely walk!
ReplyDeleteA slightly bittersweet walk. The photos are beautiful and I'm glad you had a good sleep; fresh air and exercise seem to do that:)
ReplyDeleteThe important thing is to get out and make knew activities. You gave us a good look at fall colors.
ReplyDeleteI've missed the Heath too so thanks for the visit.
ReplyDeleteYour photos could be postcards. The last panoramic photo showing the city skyline is especially lovely. The Autumn color continues for you, and the yellow foliage is especially brilliant.
ReplyDeleteWalking the city streets and parks makes a great day to say nothing of the health benefits and even ensures a great night for sleeping.
Have you eaten at Leon? I just read a review on Hand Luggage Only that made it sound like something you would try and so would I!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful views! I love those colorful leaves and views of the city. Your walks are much more exciting than mine!
ReplyDeleteThat yellow tree is beautiful! I'm hoping to catch the ginkos when they turn here. The least little breeze denudes them at their peak.
ReplyDelete