26/12/17: Totteridge and Woodside Park

Walked a round trip from the Orange Tree pub via the stables and back through Woodside Park. Lots of new graffiti, possibly with an anti-capitalist slant. My favourite, though, was the "50p Lollies" chalked on the school wall.

Miles walked: 3.63

Cats spotted: 0

25/12/17: Kenwood to Parliament Hill

A Christmas walk from Kenwood (café closed) to Parliament Hill (café closed). 

There were plenty of dogs, as usual. One had a leg in a splint. His friendly owner said he was a one-year-old called Bert and that he'd run into a car. He looked cheerful enough, though, and was enjoying the walk.

There were hardy swimmers diving into the icy lake to the sounds of a trumpet playing a slightly wonky "Silent Night". A small crowd had gathered on the other side of the water to watch. 

Miles walked: 3.38

Cats spotted: 0

24/12/17: Totteridge

A short walk around Totteridge in the direction of the Orange Tree pub. Having been off work for only two days, I was dismayed to find myself quickly out of breath. Sadly, I saw a dead creature in the road. I thought it might be a fox, but closer examination of the mangled remains revealed it to be black cat. Not a happy Christmas for him.

The highlight of the walk, once I got away from the noisy traffic, was hearing a chorus of birds singing from a high tree – a reminder that life goes on.

Miles walked: 1.63
Cats spotted: 1 (deceased)

22/12/17: Totteridge to North Finchley

In the alleyway, a pretty black-and-white cat was startled by a dog and leapt onto the top of the fence with impressive speed and agility. (1) My own cat isn't capable of such feats.
1:

The journey was enlivened by debate over the merits of Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi, which was highly entertaining – whatever the orchestrated social-media backlash might tell you.

In North Finchley, some men in ludicrous festive suits climbed out of a black van. Possibly they were going to give a concert. (2)
2:

Eight charity shops later, I walked home ready for lunch.


Miles walked: 3.25
Cats spotted: 2