For reasons he has yet to fathom, Edward’s bearers like to go running – something his friend Compton fully supports as there is usually cake afterwards. This trip away was organised to enable a special run to happen – participation in a parkrun at the venue where the first of these weekly events occurred two decades ago, and where a small army of volunteers still organise them every Saturday morning.
Bushy Park is the second largest of the eight Royal Parks in London. It is just over the Surrey border, close to Hampton Court Palace. Edward was driven there for an explore on a cool but sunny day in April. He enjoyed his visit, admiring the many deer and unusual birds that live near the ponds.
Much as Edward was happy to wander around the park he was soon feeling a tad peckish and was therefore grateful to be taken to his base for the two nights away, the Oatlands Park Hotel in Weybridge. He and Compton settled down for a short rest while the bearers unpacked, polishing off the shortbread provided on the hospitality tray.
This sustenance gave our bear sufficient energy for an explore of the hotel grounds. These stretch downhill towards a lake. Edward found a helipad but, despite listening carefully for arrivals, did not see any helicopters during his stay. He did see a great number of aeroplanes flying quite low in the distance and was told of a large airport situated to the west that, on this Friday at least, had sufficient power to operate.
Oatlands Hotel has an interesting history and proved most acceptable, offering tasty dinners and comfortable accommodation. You may read a little more about this here.
Compton went off with the bearers on Saturday morning to support their run, although came back somewhat disappointed as the breakfast he had been provided with was not as expected. Thankfully, eldest bearer then went out to rectify the situation and both our bears settled down to enjoy a much more acceptable second breakfast.
A walk by a nearby river was then undertaken on paths busy with locals and tourists but still with much of interest to observe. The weather had become warmer so some refreshment was needed on their return. After such a large glass of giggle juice Edward decided a short snooze was in order.
There was more sunshine on the final day of this short trip away and, after leaving the lovely hotel, a second Royal Park was visited. This was in nearby Windsor and in the direction of home so convenient. Unlike Bushy Park, Windsor Great Park required that a hefty parking fee be paid. It did, however, offer a lovely walk around a lake at Virginia Water and many interesting if somewhat quirky features to take in. Edward particularly enjoyed admiring the strange plants growing in several areas, although their smell was less pleasing.
The walk in the park was most enjoyable but also quite tiring after what had been a somewhat energetic few days. Teddies do enjoy trips away but require regular sustenance and nothing suitable was to be found at Windsor Great Park. It was therefore decided that heading home was now the best option, the journey undertaken proving pleasingly easy.
Lovely as it always is to travel, home is still the best place for a bear, and their bearers, to be.
