One way systems

We were half expecting someone to turn up today to collect Mr J's belongings and clothing, but with communication poor and mind games and power trips taking the place of any common sense 🙄we couldn't be certain. Just in case we decided to go out for the afternoon- in the rain.☔

It definately did not feel like summer today- more like autumnal weather but with the beauty of summer throughout our visit.

With the changes to days out due to the coronavirus and safe distancing situation, we looked into the new rules and guidance for our visit. We booked in advance, knew the toilets would be open (yay!), there was a one way system around the lake and some areas would be open around the children's play area (but we had no intention of going there anyway). With our dietary needs, we took our own picnic and hot drinks along with us, found a couple of seats under a tree and sat down on the inside of coats.

 

There were lots of people out on the lake rowing, plenty of couples enjoying the view with a hot drink and snack from the cafe (where the barrier to enter was too narrow for a wheelchair) and extra strength mosquitoes were out too. Hubby got bitten several times whilst in the cafe buying some crisps and Miss G used the windmill of sleeves approach to deter them from getting too close to her.

We saw black swans (Miss G noticed the inside of their wings is white), a moorhen chick, goats (that looked like they were floating where we had our picnic), fairies that I'm sure weren't all there before and enjoyed the flowers and wilder feel than usual.

As for the one way system, there were a few yellow arrows on the floor now and then and signposts placed at most of the junctions. At the start you had the choice of heading left .⬅ around the lake or right ➡ to the Italian gardens. Walking around a lake in one direction is simple enough you would think (never assume) but at the end, when the arrows vanish and you are faced with a myriad of metal barriers between you and the toilets, 🔀a sign pointing away from the toilets telling you to go that way, but the path infront of you leads to the disabled toilet with no signage or arrows it gets more complicated. 

We got told by a man, who's job seemed to be to sit outside the toilet block telling people they had to go in the other way and only one person could enter the toilet at a time (not possible when you are two disabled people and a carer), that we were lucky 🚻 there was no queue so we could access the toilet - surely putting a no entry sign on the direct route to the toilet would save a wage?

So- if you plan on visiting, do not head down the level, paved entry direct oto the disabled toilet, instead you must follow the sign to the toilets that points in the opposite direction and down a make shift path of bark chippings (I'm sure someone thought it was a good idea at some point). But at least they are open! Plus- the ice cream kiosk sells vegan ice cream and sorbet. Fabulous!

There were a lot of metal railings alongside the main restaurant which looked like they ight be to separate people queuing for tables from people walking down the path, but, once we got to the other end there were arrows there directing people either side of the railings depending which direction they were walking. It would have been useful to know that at the top end too really. Never mind- we continued on.

The fountains were on, the fairy 👸was still trying to blow the seeds off the dandelion clock and the flowers were all in full bloom in the Italian gardens as we mader our way through as many colours as possible towards the temporary exit.

It seemed that each time we put our umbrellas up, the rain would ease off, then we would fold them up which encouraged the clouds to release more water. Thanksully we had our inside out umvbrellas with us so folding them up didn't cause us to get soaked by wet umbrellas. I was sceptical (as ever) when I bought them but they really are worth the money. I love that from the outside they just look black, but from the inside we get to see the gorgeous patterns we chose. Plus the handle is so easy for me to hold.

Our walk took us over board walks, saw Miss G get her shoe stuck in a tree👟, under fairy homes and past many structures.

There were three stag beetles tucked away just off one path, a kingfisher hiding by the stream, otters, an underwhelming dragon (according to Miss G), mushrooms, rams and so many more.

We saw herons fly, sitting on the waterfall and in a tree. The wildflowers along the start of the walk were beautiful- a rainbow 🌈 of colour followed by a mostly sunny yellow display.

One of the last finds was a shrub with flowers that bloom from a dandelion clock-type seed ball. They were clearly visible in every stage of bloom and were mesmerising.

It has been a long time since we visited, and now we know the secret rules of the one way systems I am sure we will revisit soon. There is nothing quite like spending time outdoors👨‍👩‍👧 to clear your head and change your focus.