LEEDS CASTLE

Just a 5 minute drive from Ingrid and John's is Leeds Castle.  Ingrid has been threatening me with a walk around the castle, for Rosie's evening walk - and today was the day.   It couldn't have been more ideal - first of all we walked off the pub lunch we enjoyed with Peggy (John's mum) at the local "Pepperbox" - outside under umbrellas with hops hanging from the pagoda, and overlooking beautiful Kentish scenery and secondly it was a fabulous calm evening ... one of those evenings when a walk is the end to a perfect day.

Peggy at the Pepperbox - you'll be amazed to hear I had scamp and chips again AND haven't had to let out my buttons yet.

Our first glimpse of the castle - I got quite enthusiastic round about now, wondering whether Colin Firth might emerge from the water in his white shirt.  He didn't.

 There was a wedding reception, just about to start - but since I didn't even have a sun hat with me, we felt it would be rude to gatecrash.

I rather liked the look of those two arches - but they don't show up awfully well.   My artistic bent must have got straightened!

 Oh such classy photography - you'd never guess that I'd just dropped the camera as I got out of the car!!

 Eh - what about that then - eh????

You will understand of course, that I stood for hours waiting for the sun to hit that exact spot - tripod at the ready and settings prepared.

 What a way to travel - we waved to the numerous arms hanging over the side of the basket waving back, and later walked back to the car past the deflated balloon with its 12 occupants assisting the put it back in its packaging.  They didn't seem to be aware that we were the happy dog walking pair who had added to their merriment by returning their waves.

Even John (who wasn't with us) was impressed by this photograph - the effect of the sun setting etc etc.  Since he indeed DOES have the long angle lens, the tripod AND a keen eye, I am almost inclined to believe him.

Tomorrow I leave for Budapest - but return here next Friday for the evening.  They are such patient people.  They play my game of "I hate living out of a suitcase" nicely with me - and are excellent hide and seek participants when I lose my NZ adaptor, my car keys, my head etc.  I wonder if Lynne has any idea what she is taking on.