Previously on Cascadian Nomads: Bethany and Jason left the pets behind to attend Bethany's English pen friend's wedding. The Cascadian Nomads humanstoured Manchester, Peak District National Park and Northern Wales. All of these places were dog friendly but none of the dogs were corgis.
Typist: Bethany
Jason and I have been tempted to visit the UK for what seems like forever but it took Jane inviting us to her wedding to finally make us leave the pets behind and journey across the ocean. We couldn't travel all that distance and not make time to visit our friend Martin in London. So although Jason and I loved everything about Greater Manchester as well as road trips with Jane and Steve, we boarded a South bound train to The Big Smoke.
I still cannot believe we saw so much of London in just two days. Martin gave us an amazing tour of his hometown. He took Jason and I to as many of the cheesy tourist spots any of us could handle. Much of our visit was spent seeing places Martin enjoys spending time. He took us to two beautiful parks, Camden Locks and for a stroll along the River Thames. We walked more than Martin had intended but I just love long urban hikes even if I don't have Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley by my side.
Jason and I have been tempted to visit the UK for what seems like forever but it took Jane inviting us to her wedding to finally make us leave the pets behind and journey across the ocean. We couldn't travel all that distance and not make time to visit our friend Martin in London. So although Jason and I loved everything about Greater Manchester as well as road trips with Jane and Steve, we boarded a South bound train to The Big Smoke.
I still cannot believe we saw so much of London in just two days. Martin gave us an amazing tour of his hometown. He took Jason and I to as many of the cheesy tourist spots any of us could handle. Much of our visit was spent seeing places Martin enjoys spending time. He took us to two beautiful parks, Camden Locks and for a stroll along the River Thames. We walked more than Martin had intended but I just love long urban hikes even if I don't have Wilhelm, Brychwyn and Huxley by my side.
 St. Micheal's Church, Highgate, London. |  St. Micheal's Church from Hampstead Heath. |
Highgate Cemetery.
 Cascadian at Waterlow Park. |  Jason, Martin and Waterlow Park eagles. |
Panorama from Hampstead Heath; the London skyline is to the right.
 Camden Locks. |  Regent's Canal, Camden. |
| The parks were full of happily romping dogs. In London parks the children play in a securely fenced area while the dogs run joyfully free. Why do American's have this simple thing backwards? It is healthier for dogs and safer for kids. The Camden Locks seemed so tiny compared to Seattle's large Ballard Locks but the whole neighborhood as lovely. It is in Camden that I met Wilhelm's betrothed. This sweet little dachshund and her family were understandably avoiding the busy Camden Market. While most of the market is dog friendly, it is much too loud and crowded for a dog to be comfortable and safe. I did see a lot of dogs strolling along the River Thames. While also a crowded area, it is partially shady and there is enough space for dogs to enjoy the walk. We even saw some dogs walking along the river beach. |  The River Thames. |
Dogs in a London park.
Our second day in London consisted of almost all things touristy. We saw Big Ben, Parliament and Westminster Abbey. I was inexplicably drawn to the medieval tower across the street from Parliament, Jewel Tower. It is very plain compared to the huge, ornate buildings around it, but I loved it.
 Jewel Tower. |  Jewel Tower windows. |
Martin took Jason and I somewhere in London he had never been before. Going to this famous London locale seemed kind of silly but it was even more fun to visit than I had imagined. Martin took a fantastic photo of Jason and I there. This UK trip has made many travel dreams come true and this was one; I will never forget crossing Abbey Road!
Cascadians crossing Abbey Road.
London was a wonderful place to visit, thanks mostly to Martin. With the heat and humidity, I doubt Jason and I would have seen very much of The Big Smoke on our own. Instead, we had a rapid whirlwind of seeing almost everything there is to see in the massive capitol. And we were exhausted. The cats of London definitely have the right idea.
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Wondering what Wilhelm, Brychwyn, Huxley, Amelia and Leo did while Bethany and Jason gallivanted around the UK? Find out tomorrow!
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