February 8th. Part 2.

The harshest experience I've ever had must be finding Inner Temple Gardens closed off because of 30mph winds! Surely those barrister's are insured against a falling tree? No doubt the discount is mighty? Setting off down Gray's Inn Street I quickly arrived at Fleet Street and from there it was not long until I crossed Millennium Bridge. I will never forget the short cuts in London to try to keep away from tourists and the law. I found myself laughing at my surprise at arriving at the junction of Fleet and Fetter so soon. The backpack is heavy but not over the top. The weather might be inclement but it can't be the Aubrac in May 2013! That would really be a surprise? Maybe a welcome challenge. So my route was curtailed to the Thames, but eventually I came upon it at the end of Temple Avenue. The mighty Thames where slavery is still shackled to the brick and mortar edifices. No longer filled to the waterline with vessels, but pushed upon by every quay and embankment so there is no space left to feel for change. The skyline gets higher as the city sprawls into the ether.

Still it was nice to get to The Rake for a brief and cheap pint and from there it's up Borough High Street and right to Pocock Street for my first night in the company of the Community of Saint Francis - at the Oratory of St. Alphege. I managed a loaf of Ciabatta for £2 which filled the gap between Banana Rye Bread. Will briefly pop out back to see an old friend this evening, before breakfast with the Nuns and east out of Waterloo East at noon. There was a test in the air walking from King's Cross as the wind grew colder and the rain blew wilder yet I don't feel too bad for those hours heading into the storm.

Time to recharge after that meaningless journey on Virgin NE Train - Robinson Crusoe kept me immune to the business on coach C. I moved not except to change seats once moving from where a fellow passenger huffed at my relaxed manner getting into my reserved seat! Such a foul face to go to see the Queen! Shame on her and I had that space all to myself until Platform 2 arrived.