Paddington–2nd May. (An eventful day)

Saturday morning broke with the news that the Duchess of Cambridge had been admitted to the Lindo Wing of St Mary’s Hospital, Paddington for the birth of their second child. We’d planned to visit the Canal Cavalcade in Little Venice so, getting off the tube at Paddington we walked round to the Lindo Wing ……

……. where the televised early morning euphoria was still in full swing.

Foreign TV crews were positioned well out of the epicentre of activity but they were still working hard to transmit the excitement to the rest of the world.

Nearer to the famous doorway the frenzy of photographers and TV crews were at a critical mass!

The BBC, ITV and Sky news teams had pride of place in front of the door. A daughter to the Cambridge family had been safely delivered by now but there was no news of them leaving at any time and, as we were being continually ‘moved on’ ……….

……. we left the world news scene. The unofficial Town Crier, who was later to appear on the news making the announcement, was being interviewed for TV as we walked away …..….

…… and headed for an equally frenzied scene at Little Venice, where the Canal Cavalcade was also in full swing.

Although the wind was chilly we had a great time meeting up with several sets of canal friends who we hadn’t seen for some while.  Some of the boats had been very well presented, probably the best was nb “Muttley” which had had a lot of work put in by its owners.

Popping out of the cavalcade area (to get some lunch at a decent price!) James spotted this wonderful Citroen DS 21 Cabriolet. In superb condition, this must be a very rare beast.

Round the corner from Little Venice is the delightful “Warwick Castle” pub where we had a pint and some good food.

Getting back to Little Venice we joined friends Frances and Andrew on nb “Doris Katia” for a get-together of the St Pancras Cruising Club members and peripheral “hangers on” (that means us!) for a very enjoyable but chilly drinks and nibbles party. Frances, just left of centre, keeping a close eye on us and making sure everyone was enjoying themselves.

Getting the train back to West Drayton and walking the mile back along the canal to the marina, we enjoyed the springtime evening sights, sounds and smells, including these two comical Mandarin ducks. We’d had a cold day but an exiting one – now to the boat and a warm fire.