Swans, Swann and Swan River

I'm not sure why, but we've been seeing a lot of swans on our Nordic Walks recently.

Swans and Egyptian geese

Perhaps their numbers have been added to by migrant swans trying to escape the Arctic winter.

These beautiful birds were seen around Hampton Court Palace, where they were once a delicacy at feasts for the court of Henry VIII.

The Tudor kitchens of the Palace still recreate the days of cooking for 600 courtiers.  For details of live demonstrations, see the Palace website -
http://www.hrp.org.uk/HamptonCourtPalace/WhatsOn/tudorcookery.aspx

I sometimes think that Nordic Walking is a bit like swans swimming!  Although it's not obvious, there is quite a lot of effort going on beneath the surface.  To someone not aware of how it works, it's difficult to realise  how much effort is being expended by Nordic Walkers as they glide rhythmically along.

Nordic Walkers and frozen pond, Bushy Park

The walkers themselves know, however, as many have said recently how invigorating it is walking in the cold,  winter air, and feel their bodies warm up.  A real glow is experienced.

Cygnet at Hampton Court Palace

Coincidentally, I woke up this morning hearing about the exploits of Graeme Swann, a superb bowler in England's cricket team which is playing for the Ashes in Perth, Western Australia.  More details about Swann can be found here -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Graeme_Swann
including his recent brush with the law, when trying to rescue his cat from under the floorboards...

The lovely city of Perth is reckoned to be the most remote city in the world, and sits on the Swan River.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perth,_Western_Australia

Its remoteness was to its advantage when the astronaut, John Glenn, was orbiting the Earth in 1962, and NASA wanted something for him to observe during his passage over the 'dark side' of the Earth.  The citizens of Perth switched on all their lights to brighten up his journey.

Diana Fountain, Bushy Park

Not sure what this has to do with Nordic Walking, but it may come in handy during a Christmas Quiz!

My  last Nordic Walk of 2010 will be in Bushy Park at 9.30 on the 18th December, so I hope some of you can make it, and enjoy the weather, the scenery and the swans.

If you would like to join us Nordic Walking in 2011, please do get in touch.

Peter
07703-404-931