Birding Kew Gardens during Heathrow Layover? [Archive]

Robert / Seattle

Monday 14th July 2008, 08:12

Greetings, all ...

Some advice, please, from some of you savvy world travelers who go in and out of Heathrow with some regularity.

I've got a 6 hour layover at Heathrow on my way to Johannesburg, between 1 and 7 PM on a Monday. Some English friends and I thought it might be a great opportunity to spend a couple of hours together at the Kew, and take in a few birds (it's close to the airport and on a straightforward tube connection. Also thought it would be a quintessentially "English" experience for someone who's never been there before, and on such a short time budget).

I've heard frightening stories about tremendously long security lines, and otherwise gross inefficiency at Heathrow, and so I'm seeking any and all commentary on the wisdom of this plan.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and comments,

Robert / Seattle

Steve Lister

Monday 14th July 2008, 10:10

Six hours is not all that long at Heathrow. If you come out you would have to allow a couple of hours at least to get back in through all the queues.

And not sure how much you would see at Kew.

Steve

POP

Monday 14th July 2008, 12:24

Robert / Seattle

Monday 14th July 2008, 18:00

So, how long a journey time-wise to The Kew from Heathrow on the tube as a rule?

dantheman

Monday 14th July 2008, 18:36

So, how long a journey time-wise to The Kew from Heathrow on the tube as a rule?

Hi Robert, on this website (one of several for trains), aboout 1h 15 mins;

http://www.thetrainline.com/default.asp?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Eco%2E uk%2Fsearch%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3Dthe%2Btrainline%26btnG %3DGoogle%2BSearch%26meta%3D&T2ID=7801_200871417244

Kew Gardens (not 'The Kew' as far as I'm aware??), is just nearby.

(I just noticed this is in the vacational trip reports rather than 'information wanted' - you may get better help from Londoners if it was in there . . . ( or possibly a canny move if no-ones reads that forum ;) ))

Presumably you've been to their website;

http://www.kew.org/visitor/findkew.html

And are aware they are more known as botanical gardens, rather than a birding location? On the other hand, don't know if you're going to get better on the west side of london, and should of course get some new commoner uk birdsd if you haven't seen them before.

Good luck, hopefully you'll have a good trip (and S. Africa - is that birding too??)

delia todd

Monday 14th July 2008, 18:41

(I just noticed this is in the vacational trip reports rather than 'information wanted' - you may get better help from Londoners if it was in there . . . ( or possibly a canny move if no-ones reads that forum ))

Well spotted Dan.... I've moved it.

What about the Staines Reservoirs as an alternative? They should be pretty close

D

Robert / Seattle

Monday 14th July 2008, 18:54

Hi Robert, on this website (one of several for trains), aboout 1h 15 mins;

http://www.thetrainline.com/default.asp?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Egoogle%2Eco%2E uk%2Fsearch%3Fhl%3Den%26q%3Dthe%2Btrainline%26btnG %3DGoogle%2BSearch%26meta%3D&T2ID=7801_200871417244

Kew Gardens (not 'The Kew' as far as I'm aware??), is just nearby.

(I just noticed this is in the vacational trip reports rather than 'information wanted' - you may get better help from Londoners if it was in there . . . ( or possibly a canny move if no-ones reads that forum ;) ))

Presumably you've been to their website;

http://www.kew.org/visitor/findkew.html

And are aware they are more known as botanical gardens, rather than a birding location? On the other hand, don't know if you're going to get better on the west side of london, and should of course get some new commoner uk birdsd if you haven't seen them before.

Good luck, hopefully you'll have a good trip (and S. Africa - is that birding too??)

Thanks, Dan ...

"Kew Gadens", yes. Sorry if any confusion. And sure, quite aware that it's a compromised birding location, but part of the choice was to see something of London in the scant time available that is a world class, and definitively English, attraction. So I'm still curious if I can get there, enjoy an hour or so, and get back to Heathrow in time. Been to the website, and directions are clear but idealized, of course. Nothing beats working knowledge provided by the "man on the street".

To answer your other question, Johannesburg is the site of yet another connecting flight - this time to my final destination in Botswana's Okavango Delta. That is the main trip - a two week walking safari in the bush for birds and mammals.

Still, never been to England, and would hate to be confined to a homogeneous airport if something just beyond the gate is "do-able".

Thanks, again ...

Robert

Robert / Seattle

Monday 14th July 2008, 18:57

Well spotted Dan.... I've moved it.

D

Thanks, Delia ... Much appreciated.

joannec

Monday 14th July 2008, 19:03

Robert / Seattle

Monday 14th July 2008, 19:25

Hi Robert

I think it would take about 45 minutes by underground, changing at Turnham Green onto the District line (Richmond direction)

However I'm not sure 6 hours is enough time to do customs and immigration, go to Kew, get back to Heathrow and fight the queues. Plus I would be a bit worried about whether you can check your luggage all the way through as a transit passenger would but then break your transit status by technically entering the country. Best to check with the airline I think. In all honesty I personally would worry that there isn't enough time. Sorry to put a damper on the proceedings but it's better than missing your plane.

Joanne

Not a damper at all, Joanne ... Much better to have a disappointment than to court a major disaster.

Say, do you know if there's a place at the airport where transit passengers can mingle, (share a coffee, etc.), with non-ticketed local friends? Been to the Heathrow website but could not find any reference to this particular question.

Robert

Isurus

Monday 14th July 2008, 19:38

Not a damper at all, Joanne ... Much better to have a disappointment than to court a major disaster.

Say, do you know if there's a place at the airport where transit passengers can mingle, (share a coffee, etc.), with non-ticketed local friends? Been to the Heathrow website but could not find any reference to this particular question.

Robert

I think you may have to clear customs to do so Robert but doubt that would take too much of your 6 hours.

I'd second the advice re not going to kew - it is a lovely place to spend time (and I think a fairly decent place to bird if you're in London and want to see a few things without going to a "pure birding spot". Nice british birds like green woodpecker, european jay and, erm, ring-necked parakeet are guarantees for example) but probably not workable in the time you have.

joannec

Monday 14th July 2008, 19:44

Say, do you know if there's a place at the airport where transit passengers can mingle, (share a coffee, etc.), with non-ticketed local friends? Been to the Heathrow website but could not find any reference to this particular question.

Robert

I think the problem is that if in transit your status is that you are technically speaking not in the country......and people who are in the country cannot get into that space (apart from the airport workers). I don't really know but somebody must.

dantheman

Monday 14th July 2008, 19:53

IF you are able to escape the confines, Windsor (Windsor Castle, Great Park, royalty all that) is about an hour the other way according to 'the trainline' site . . .

Also Kew Gardens do have a nature reserve, as per their website;

Access to the Loder Valley Nature Reserve is limited to 50 visitors per day. Please telephone - 01 444 894067 for further information. The reserve is open from 10am to gardens closing time, which varies throughout the year.

However, I think Joanne may have a good point, which I imagine international airlines are unlikely to relax for special cases, unless they have rules which come in if your stop is over a certain length of time . . conjecture at this point I know . . .

Good luck

seanofford

Monday 14th July 2008, 22:14

You'll see a lot more birds at the London Wetland Centre, which is as reachable from Heathrow (it's on the Picadilly Line).

Link here:http://www.wwt.org.uk/howtofindus/174/how_to_find_us.html

Sean

Robert / Seattle

Monday 14th July 2008, 22:38

You'll see a lot more birds at the London Wetland Centre, which is as reachable from Heathrow (it's on the Picadilly Line).

Link here:http://www.wwt.org.uk/howtofindus/174/how_to_find_us.html

Sean

Nice spot indeed, Sean -- and well considered. But the main question here is IF I can get out of the airport and back in time (regardless of my nearby tour) with a mere 6 hours to work with, and without risking the loss of my connecting flight.

Much appreciate your input.

Cheers,
Robert

seanofford

Monday 14th July 2008, 23:13

Go for it - just be ready to turn back without getting there if you need to! I often do Jamaica Bay when going through New York - at least I did until I had kids!

Sean

Bhoggy

Monday 14th July 2008, 23:13

I would have thought it highly unlikely that it would be that simple to leave the transit area for a few hours to go do some sight-seeing. Much though I can see the temptation, I would be more concerned about missing the onward flight.

I can think of a whole load of beaureaucratic red-tape scenarios that could be thrown in your way. We are good at red-tape.

Sorry, Robert, but I wouldn't risk it. Just come back for a couple of weeks sometime, but don't forget your wellies!

dantheman

Monday 14th July 2008, 23:50

I just put {"leaving heathrow airport" layover} into google, it came up with 4 results. Looked at the 1st and 4th ones, make of them what you will!!! . . . the first one is also the 'cheaptravelforum' -so maybe ask your question there, and the fourth [implies] you can leave the airport to go sightseeing . . .

(I know when I came back through JFK this spring we got muddled up over the time and arrived at the airport with only 50 minutes or so before our flight (they say allow 2 hours) . . if you are lateish for your flight I think there's always a chance you get helped through (but I'm not a frequent flyer, so don't go on my advice ;) ).

Thing is, if you know you can get off the plane quick, your friends are meeting you, you can manage all your baggage (Or else find lockers??), and also allow plenty of emergency time for travel delays I can't see why not . . if the rules allow it. Maybe check your carrier/heathrow to confirm??

(I know if it was me, I'd be wanting to escape the confines . . . ;) )

EDIT: They do have baggage storage, if appropriate:

http://www.heathrow-airport-information.com/baggage.html,

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 00:53

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 01:07

Go for it ... Sean

... Sorry, Robert, but I wouldn't risk it. ...

Good people of London, therein lies my problem.
What to do, what to do.

seanofford

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 09:40

Go for it! You only live once (or twice if you're Sean Connery).

Sean

theMusicMan

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 10:40

Hi Robert

During the past few years I have traveled extensively out of LHR, and I have to say that it is one of the worst airports to go through re security and customs etc. We have become particularly anal here in the UK during recent years, and airport security staff are notoriously ridiculous. I appreciate in recent times world events have dictated that we all should be vigilant and on the lookout - but that doesn't mean we are all threats. Queues are often massive, and I have often been advised to arrive 3 hours prior to departure to ensure I have enough time to clear customs. Having said that of course if departure time is not so far away then the staff will help you expedite your way through.

Anyway - if... and it is a big IF... you can clear customs into the UK with the ticket you have purchased, you might like to have a look on Google et al for RSPB reserves around the London area. London is 20 minutes away from LHR by the Heathrow Express (https://www.heathrowexpress.com/index.asp?SID=%7BC775D0C1-555A-426C-8382-5ECE4DA7D653%7D) - there's a train every 20 mins that takes 20 mins - from each terminal at LHR. This gets you to London Paddington, which is not quite 'central', but close enough for you to get connecting lines to the outskirt areas.

Others here will have a better idea than I regarding which RSPB reserves are close(ish), but this RSPB link (http://www.rspb.org.uk/reserves/area/index.asp) might help you find somewhere. Research is key here, but all directions and locations are included on the site so you can perhaps use Google Maps to see how far any location is away from London and see what amount of travel you are willing to risk throwing into a period of 6 hours...!!

Don't forget to calculate twice the travel time - to accommodate the return journey of course. Also - if you do actually decide to do something, please remember that London and the surrounding areas within probably a 30-40 mile radius are always crammed with traffic.

Hope this helps a little. Good luck!

RobinD

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 15:10

For my twopennys worth, IF you can get out of Heathrow you would be better served going somewhere closer to Heathrow, rather than spending time on the tube!

I have two questions:

1) Have you done any British birding and what do you want to see? To the west of Heathrow there are reservoirs, gravel pits, woodland, parkland, heath and scrub areas that can all be reached within about 20 minutes by taxi. (No RSPB reserves though!)

2) When is your trip.

ATB

Robin

theMusicMan

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 15:23

Great idea Robin... excellent in fact. Robert you should look into this option... :)

Patrick_L

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 15:41

Indeed, Staines Reservoirs are just a stone's throw away on the other side of the M25 and there is usually someone on the central causeway.

If you stay in Heathrow T5 and dig in the right place, you may even find remains of Perry Oaks Sewage Farm - there's a place with an ornithological history (although mainly American waders so you're probably not too fussed!).

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:05

(btw, my main bag will be checked through to J'Burg).

I would also wonder about this - though presumably they wouldn't know if you went through immigration and left the airport, I would suppose your baggage would be removed fairly quickly if you failed to check in on time, given that you should have been in the transit area ...and with London congestion, inside and outside the airport, you might well be late back if you try for Kew - six hours is cutting it fine to go there long enough to enjoy it, especially if your inital flight was a little late.

Besides, it will probably be raining in London, better to sit back over a long coffee and dream about South Africa.

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:09

Go for it! You only live once

And a new ticket to South Africa is only about £600 or so, plus your return ticket to the US would be void ;)

chowchilla

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:10

I lived in London for twenty years and was completely dependent on public transport. I don't believe Kew Gardens, The London Wetlands Centre or any RSPB reserves are realistic options especially if you are delayed anywhere. Don't risk it.

The suggestion by Robin of the gravel pits and reservoirs immediately west of the airport by taxi sounds like a far better option, they are much closer and provide some of the best birding (at the right time of year) near to London. Make sure you can get back by taxi equally quickly however. Wraysbury Gravel Pits and Staines Reservoir are particulary good, and more importantly, accessible. Try and get a good map of the area so you know exactly where you're going.

As others have mentioned however, Heathrow handles humungous numbers of passengers and is seriously over-capacity. If the ridiculous security measures currently in place lead to significant delays even getting out of the airport, then I wouldn't risk it at all.

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:18

For my twopennys worth, IF you can get out of Heathrow you would be better served going somewhere closer to Heathrow, rather than spending time on the tube!

I have two questions:

1) Have you done any British birding and what do you want to see? ...

2) When is your trip.

ATB

Robin

Hi Robin,

re 1) In the time allowed, I don't expect to see too much. But not having seen anything of England to date means that any sighting will be a novelty. I'd rather it be in a more typically "English" setting even if the birding is compromised a bit, rather than in a generic sewage pond or landfill which, even if rich in birds, could be anywhere in the Western world.

re 2) Land at Heathrow Monday, September 1st.

Cheers,
Robert

joannec

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:18

It's looking like you'll have to come back another time Robert and bird England properly.....;)

Shall we start a Heathrow list of birds we've all seen there so Robert can look for them in his six hour wait? I've seen a kestrel hovering between the runway and taxiway and a skylark in a display flight above the pathetic grass between the taxiways.

Joanne

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:19

Say, do you know if there's a place at the airport where transit passengers can mingle, (share a coffee, etc.), with non-ticketed local friends?

Transit passengers do not go through immigration, thus it is impossible to meet local friends without exiting the transit area, thereby going through immigration yourself.

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:21

Shall we start a Heathrow list of birds we've all seen there so Robert can look for them in his six hour wait? I've seen a kestrel hovering between the runway and taxiway and a skylark in a display flight above the pathetic grass between the taxiways.

Joanne

Black-headed Gull
Starling
Carrion Crow
Puffin
Rook

Might have accidently slipped in an error in that list ;)

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:40

Go for it! You only live once (or twice if you're Sean Connery).

Sean

Sean,

I'm willing to bet that Mr. Connery is well up to 6 or 7 by now!

But I like your spunk, and may very well go for it, albeit with a shorter leash than originally conceived. My friends are avid twitchers and extremely well travelled (i.e., experienced with this sort of dilemma on trips of their own). They've decided to drive, rather than rely on the tube, and to attempt something closer to Heathrow (at this point a fine English Pub will do! (Actually, even a gritty Pub will do)). They're also planning to do a dry run in advance.

If I get through customs into the UK with some expedience, and return to the outbound queues 3 hours before boarding, then I'd have a couple of hours on British* soil with good friends to break up the 37 hour ordeal between Seattle, Washington and Xakanaxa airstrip, Botswana.

*(We Americans actually have a great affection for "The Mother Country").

There must be a more interesting, if cautious, alternative to sitting in a coffee-lite bar at Heathrow McDonalds for 6 hours.

Cheers,
Robert

dantheman

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:42

re 1) In the time allowed, I don't expect to see too much. But not having seen anything of England to date means that any sighting will be a novelty. I'd rather it be in a more typically "English" setting even if the birding is compromised a bit, rather than in a generic sewage pond or landfill which, even if rich in birds, could be anywhere in the Western world.

The area just West of Heathrow contains some pretty English places - Windsor, Ascot etc

re 2) Land at Heathrow Monday, September 1st.

Excellent! I was going to say this is going back and forwards as much as the best of the id threads ;) . . and we've got a couple more months to carry on!! (Hopefully not ending up in RF though!)

Some more points - do your english friends have a car? If you have 3 hours (take off half an hour to escape, 2 hours to get back in plus an extra half hour, then doing the local area becomes more do-able with your remaining 3 hours . . . you really wouldn't want to stay in the airport if you found it was possible to escape . . . Not forgetting you won't have to go through the hold baggage queues . . .

Is you flight on a weekday or w/e - it may be quieter at Heathrow at some times???

Have you tried Birdingpals? Maybe not appropriate in this case . . but you may find there's birders in the west side of heathrow who've met birders off planes on layovers before. . .

There was a book published a year or so ago about Birding the Major Cities near Airports. . . Don't know exact title, but I'd imagine it could contain some info on the doability of layovers -they must have done some research. Anyone know the title??

EDIT; What a popular thread, I see you've answered half the above in your previous post lol ;)

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:45

They've decided to drive, rather than rely on the tube, and to attempt something closer to Heathrow (at this point a fine English Pub will do! (Actually, even a gritty Pub will do)).

Staines and Wraysbury will be your best bet, by car only a short hop. I would check with your airline that you are permitted to effectively break your journey.

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:45

It's looking like you'll have to come back another time Robert and bird England properly.....;)

Joanne

That's a given, Joanne. Planning that trip for next year, in fact.

In the meantime I want to squeeze all I can out of this one. (If I can't get out of the airport maybe someone from the Royal family could greet me inside the terminal, even a distant cousin. Then I'd feel like I actually made it to Albion).

Still, all advice helpful - this one's gonna be tricky.

Robert

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:49

...

As others have mentioned however, Heathrow handles humungous numbers of passengers and is seriously over-capacity. If the ridiculous security measures currently in place lead to significant delays even getting out of the airport, then I wouldn't risk it at all.

That advice will be heeded.

Many thanks, chowchilla ...

Robert

chowchilla

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 16:51

That's a given, Joanne. Planning that trip for next year, in fact.

In the meantime I want to squeeze all I can out of this one. (If I can't get out of the airport maybe someone from the Royal family could greet me inside the terminal, even a distant cousin. Then I'd feel like I actually made it to Albion).

Still, all advice helpful - this one's gonna be tricky.

Robert
Not if, as you mention, your friends have a car, then it becomes very doable if you head west rather than East. Your friends appear to know the area and may well plan to combine a bit of decent birding with a bit of Ye Olde England thrown in...

Cheers.B (:

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 17:52

Staines and Wraysbury will be your best bet, by car only a short hop. I would check with your airline that you are permitted to effectively break your journey.

Jos,

Checking the map, both locations look like viable options.

And two more "opinions" from a United agent and her supervisor concluded "we can find no written reason why you couldn't leave the airport, just make sure to be back and in the proper queue three hours prior to departure". Assuming an expedient pick-up out of Heathrow, that would give me about two hours to work with.

Looking more do-able. (Any idea about a checklist for Staines or Wraysbury? Good establishment nearby for a spot of lunch and a pint)?

Thanks for the tips ...

Robert

RobinD

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 19:23

Hi Robert,

Until I was exiled to Birmingham, the area west of Heathrow was my patch.

This is a brief overview of the obvious sites. If you decide on any of them let me know and I can give you a lot more detail.

Staines Reservioir and Moor. Staines res (Mecca) has a fond place in the fokelore of British birding where many (who couldn't make it to Cley) learned our hobby! It is pretty dammed unglamorous, being a concrete bowl with a causeway across the middle. As you would expect, it is a site for waterfowl, waders and aerial feeders. September is prime passage time so anything may turn up but it is quite dependant on water level. The Moor is the other side of KG6 res and is an area of wet grassland and scrub. Finches, pipits, wagtails, chats should be around along with raucous parakeets. Kingfisher as well if you are lucky!

Wraysbury Gravle Pits. The pits are a large area of mature gravel workings with an excellent scrub area in the middle. They come into their own in the winter when a wide range of wildfowl is present but should have some good birds present including Kingfisher. The scrub has all the common warblers, finches, buntingsand is good for Hobby. There may still be juv Cuckoo about.

Langley and Black Parks. Langley Park is a traditional "Country House" park (although the house is private) and used to be the stopover place for the Dukes of Marlborough between London and Blenheim! The open parkland and old trees make species like green Woodpecker and Little Owl easy to find, along with innumerable Jackdaws and parakeets. The woods and arboretum hold plenty of the common birds (tits, finches) and the other two woodpeckers. There is a good vista to Windsor Castle as well!
Black Park is the other side of the road from Langley Park and has a much greater variety of habitats and species. There is a lake by the main car park which is good for dragonflies but not a lot of waterfowl (except a couple of pairs of Mandarin. The woods in the park are mixed adding variety and making species like Nuthatch and Treecreeper fairly easy to find. There are often Crossbills in the park (we are having an invasion at the moment...) along with Siskin and Redpoll. My favourite area of the park is the small area of heather heath which should look excellent at the begining of september. Good birds there too!
Black park is also next to Pinewood studios and is used as a location in many films from the Forbidden Forect of Harry Potter to a jungle camp in Casino Royale!

ATB

Robin

Jos Stratford

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 19:37

make sure to be back and in the proper queue three hours prior to departure".

Even with current security conditions, I stil only get to the airport two hours in advance, so you could push those two hours to nearer three I'd guess ;)

A local will confirm, but I think Staines/Wraysbury can be no more than 15 minutes, 20 at a push, from Heathrow by car.

delia todd

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 19:45

Jos,

Checking the map, both locations look like viable options.

And two more "opinions" from a United agent and her supervisor concluded "we can find no written reason why you couldn't leave the airport, just make sure to be back and in the proper queue three hours prior to departure". Assuming an expedient pick-up out of Heathrow, that would give me about two hours to work with.

Looking more do-able. (Any idea about a checklist for Staines or Wraysbury? Good establishment nearby for a spot of lunch and a pint)?

Thanks for the tips ...

Robert

I suggested Staines many posts ago:-O

Have a look here (http://www.birdforum.net/opus/Staines_Reservoirs) in Opus - lots of info there for you

D

RobinD

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 19:46

A local will confirm, but I think Staines/Wraysbury can be no more than 15 minutes, 20 at a push, from Heathrow by car.

Staines - 10 minutes, Wraysbury 15, Black Park 20.

joannec

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 20:17

Even with current security conditions, I stil only get to the airport two hours in advance, so you could push those two hours to nearer three I'd guess ;)

A local will confirm, but I think Staines/Wraysbury can be no more than 15 minutes, 20 at a push, from Heathrow by car.

Well....on occasions when I've been told to get there 3 hours before departure, I have needed every minute of it; what with all the long queues, check-in, security and passport control...but it has been at very busy times in the morning. I think later on in the afternoon it is probably not so busy but you can never be really sure. If they say 3 hours I would adhere to it.

Can't help with the Staines Reservoir list but I did once see a yellow wagtail from the car on passing by it among the sheep.:t:

Joanne

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 20:19

Staines - 10 minutes, Wraysbury 15, Black Park 20.

So a mere 10 additional minutes to a park with a lovely setting? Sounds quite appealing (though all options remain on the table and I will, of course, defer to the judgment of my hosts - (not from the London area, btw)).

Robin, the only parks on Google Maps that are roughly coincident with your description are in the vicinity of Rowley Wood on Uxbridge Road, between the M4 and M25. Would they correspond to Black and Langley, on the north and south sides respectively, of Uxbridge Street?

Robert

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 20:25

Well....on occasions when I've been told to get there 3 hours before departure, I have needed every minute of it; what with all the long queues, check-in, security and passport control...but it has been at very busy times in the morning. I think later on in the afternoon it is probably not so busy but you can never be really sure. If they say 3 hours I would adhere to it. ... Joanne

Oh, three hours is no longer an issue, Joanne. I will be back in line at 4:10 - exactly 3 hours in advance. If I only have 90 minutes in the country, that's 90 minutes I've never had before. Think of it as a "country twitch".

By the way, to all posters --- Thanks so much for your thoughtful and comprehensive input. And know that on the other side of the pond, and then across the big dirt just shy of the Pacific, similar assistance can be assuredly assumed.

joannec

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 20:30

By the way, to all posters --- Thanks so much for your thoughtful and comprehensive input. And know that on the other side of the pond, and then across the big dirt just shy of the Pacific, similar assistance can be assuredly assumed.

I can attest to this. Last year when planning a trip to the West Coast, Robert came up trumps with a recommendation:t: which turned out to be a highlight of my trip.

Joanne

JoanT

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 20:31

So a mere 10 additional minutes to a park with a lovely setting? Sounds quite appealing (though all options remain on the table and I will, of course, defer to the judgment of my hosts - (not from the London area, btw)).

Robin, the only parks on Google Maps that are roughly coincident with your description are in the vicinity of Rowley Wood on Uxbridge Road, between the M4 and M25. Would they correspond to Black and Langley, on the north and south sides respectively, of Uxbridge Street?

Robert

Black Park and Langley Park are either side of the main A412 Slough to Watford Rd.

Joan

halftwo

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 21:21

Hi Robert,
I know it all sounds a little confusing, but I work at Manchester Airport.
Here's the official line:
If you have ticketed through to Jo'burg, and your luggage is being transferred on, (double check with (both?) airlines) then you have a choice.
You could, with enough time simply exit Immigration & Customs (separate in effect in the UK for now - though now called the UK Border Agency).
As you will have hand-luggage only & an onward ticket then this should be no problem. If you encounter any it will be at the first hurdle, Immigration, and you can simply give up at that point, but I don't think you will.
Customs won't be interested in you - and you will have little for them to look at if they do talk to you.
As for security & re-check-in:
Again, as you will have hand-luggage only, it is only a matter of re-checking in - contact them when you arrive from Seattle & let them know your intentions - I see no reason why they wouldn't allow you a one hour check-in time.
Security queues can be horrendous - but that'll be after check-in - and the airline knows your on your way. They actually call people to queue-jump for flights that are boarding - so you won't miss the flight because of that.
In other words, with pre-warnings & on-the-day advice, I think that getting out of the airport should take about 30-40 minutes from the plane getting to the gate; and getting back to the plane once you reach the terminal building should be do-able in about 90 minutes.
Others are quite correct - you cannot meet anyone unless you clear Immo & Customs - only other passengers are allowed "Airside" as we say.
Actually there's a distinction between Transfer & Transit passengers - you could be either depending on your choice. It is quite common with passengers who have a large gap between flights to change status & leave the system temporarily.
Let me know if this isn't clear.
Good luck.
H

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 21:52

seanofford

Tuesday 15th July 2008, 22:34

Sean,

I'm willing to bet that Mr. Connery is well up to 6 or 7 by now!

But I like your spunk, and may very well go for it, albeit with a shorter leash than originally conceived. My friends are avid twitchers and extremely well travelled (i.e., experienced with this sort of dilemma on trips of their own). They've decided to drive, rather than rely on the tube, and to attempt something closer to Heathrow
Robert
OK - get up to the causeway on Staines Reservoir and check out the ducks/waders/skuas(jaegers)/flyover raptors or whatever depending on the date of your layover. Or get to Windsor Great Park and do some decent woodland/parkland birding. In my youth you could see Hawfinch here (a great and scarce bird for UK birders) but I'm not sure about now. Anyway both places are relatively close to the airport and as long as you keep an eye on the time you'll have a ball. Don't listen to the sensible people...

Sean

PS Gritty pubs - go Staines rather than Windsor...

halftwo

Wednesday 16th July 2008, 00:30

Although the Windsor Castle (the pub, not the castle) used to be OK - my sister once worked there - & you can say you've been in the Windsor Castle! It's right across the road from the actual castle.

RobinD

Wednesday 16th July 2008, 13:49

OK - get up to the causeway on Staines Reservoir and check out the ducks/waders/skuas(jaegers)/flyover raptors or whatever depending on the date of your layover. Or get to Windsor Great Park and do some decent woodland/parkland birding. In my youth you could see Hawfinch here (a great and scarce bird for UK birders) but I'm not sure about now. Anyway both places are relatively close to the airport and as long as you keep an eye on the time you'll have a ball. Don't listen to the sensible people...

Sean

PS Gritty pubs - go Staines rather than Windsor...

Windsor Great Park is an option but not particularly easy to bird in a short time. The best bet would be Virginia Water, Blacknest Gate but I'm no expert on that area. Hawfinch are long gone I'm afraid.

seanofford

Wednesday 16th July 2008, 20:26

Windsor Great Park is an option but not particularly easy to bird in a short time. The best bet would be Virginia Water, Blacknest Gate but I'm no expert on that area. Hawfinch are long gone I'm afraid.

What a shame - Blacknest Gate, Virginia water was where they used to be. VW is part of Windsor Great Park, I think. Is Mandarin Duck still there?

Sean

chowchilla

Thursday 17th July 2008, 05:44

What a shame - Blacknest Gate, Virginia water was where they used to be. VW is part of Windsor Great Park, I think. Is Mandarin Duck still there?

Sean
I remember seeing Hawfinch there many moons ago. Such a pity they're gone...

RobinD

Thursday 17th July 2008, 11:32

What a shame - Blacknest Gate, Virginia water was where they used to be. VW is part of Windsor Great Park, I think. Is Mandarin Duck still there?

Sean

To be fair, I believe that Hawfinch are still found in Windsor GP but there is nowhere reliable with public access to see them.

Yes, plenty of Mandarin still about and Blacknest Gate is still good for Lesser 'pecker, Spot Fly and other woodland species. Firecrest can be found nearby too.

Robin

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 18:52

... Shall we start a Heathrow list of birds we've all seen there so Robert can look for them in his six hour wait? I've seen a kestrel hovering between the runway and taxiway and a skylark in a display flight above the pathetic grass between the taxiways.

Joanne

Judging from the last few posts I'm guessing that Hawfinch from one of the airport runways is unlikely? Oh well, guess I'll have to settle for Capercaillie.

Robert

dantheman

Thursday 17th July 2008, 19:15

Judging from the last few posts I'm guessing that Hawfinch from one of the airport runways is unlikely? Oh well, guess I'll have to settle for Capercaillie.

Robert

Ummm?? . . . . You've still got a few months to do a little research into the 'birds of britain'. Possibly you'll need them?? lol ;)

eg Garden Birds (http://www.theweeweb.co.uk/ladybird/ladybird_book_detail.php?id=2823)

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 21:55

Ummm?? . . . . You've still got a few months to do a little research into the 'birds of britain'. Possibly you'll need them?? lol ;)

eg Garden Birds (http://www.theweeweb.co.uk/ladybird/ladybird_book_detail.php?id=2823)

Actually, Dan ...

Thought I was giving a rather good go at British humour.

Guess I'd better research that as well.

Cheers,
Robert

joannec

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:07

Judging from the last few posts I'm guessing that Hawfinch from one of the airport runways is unlikely? Oh well, guess I'll have to settle for Capercaillie.

Robert

LOL......I'm still waiting for hawfinch on my hornbeam rich rural woodland patch......and you have to go waaaay waaaaay north for capercaille....Jos's puffin is probably marginally more likely.;)

Joanne

dantheman

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:08

Actually, Dan ...

Thought I was giving a rather good go at British humour.

Guess I'd better research that as well.

Cheers,
Robert

'Twas good. (And I know I'd better start researching one day too . . ;) )

Ladybird books were the classic kids educational series from yonder years. They printed the original from which PC Plectrum came (If you didn't read that in RF, you need to to geta handle on the Brirtish police before your trip . . ) Couldn't find a 'Peter and Jane Go birding with Mother'. Hence that was probably the next best . . . ;)

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:24

Joanne, Dan ...

Actually, if you linger just long enough, and then a wee bit longer, at the Airport Lounge, the variety of birds you manage to see alongside the tarmac is truly amazing.

Bottoms up!

joannec

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:32

Joanne, Dan ...

Actually, if you linger just long enough, and then a wee bit longer, at the Airport Lounge, the variety of birds you manage to see alongside the tarmac is truly amazing.

Bottoms up!

3:-)3:-)truely amazing variety indeed......think we could open a new branch of 'The Restaurant.....' at Heathrow?

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:34

3:-)3:-)truely amazing variety indeed......think we could open a new branch of 'The Restaurant.....' at Heathrow?

All depends how many Moderators work for Airport Security.

dantheman

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:39

The Restaurant at the end of the Runway??

The food may be plane, often delayed, but always cosmopolitan ;)

joannec

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:40

All depends how many Moderators work for Airport Security.

Quite sure none do.....and it's your thread!:king::-O

joannec

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:41

The Restaurant at the end of the Runway??

Kestrel......cleared for takeoff.:t:

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:41

The Restaurant at the end of the Runway??

The food may be plane, often delayed, but always cosmopolitan ;)

Yes, my inspiration came from a children's book I read many years ago. I believe it was titled "Peter and Jane go Pubbing with Mother".

A lovely read.

dantheman

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:43

All depends how many Moderators work for Airport Security.

We'll have to be sneaky* about this, like getting through customs with contraband escargot. . .

An example would be to list some more birds which one is ACTUALLY LIKELY to see near heathrow, and throw in some menu suggestions hidden in the middle. Or else go and open up a thread in RF ASAP . . .

*EDIT: or blatantly obvious then ;) ;)

dantheman

Thursday 17th July 2008, 22:52

Back on topic (ish- not), this may be useful for you;

London (http://www.theweeweb.co.uk/ladybird/ladybird_book_detail.php?id=2777) (Or in Esperanto!!; Jen Londono (http://www.theweeweb.co.uk/ladybird/ladybird_book_detail.php?id=2778) )

And for the restaurant . . (They don't have 'Cooking with Mother' on that website), so instead; oops . . (http://www.theweeweb.co.uk/ladybird/ladybird_book_detail.php?id=2912)

;)

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:07

We'll have to be sneaky* about this, like getting through customs with contraband escargot. . .

I believe the correct term is "flying under the radar", particularly apt in this case.

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:09

Kestrel......cleared for takeoff.:t:

It would appear so, m'dear.

Please fasten your seatbelts and prepare for take-off.

dantheman

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:14

Kestrel......cleared for takeoff.:t:

If it was an 'RF'* base, Harriers would be a dead cert . .

Anyone know where that Spruce Goose got to yet?? ;)

(*RF = RAF, Royal Air Force aka Ruffled Feathers.)

danehower

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:16

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:19

LOL !! What part of "stop,little pot, stop" did she miss ?....... Mabey she was smoking pot ? :smoke:

Ladies and Gentlemen ...

Friendly Fire has arrived.

dantheman

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:24

danehower

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:27

Ladies and Gentlemen ...

Friendly Fire has arrived.

Robert did you say " let's go to lunch " or "let's go to launch" ?.... Damn, I screwed up again !!

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:29

A couple more books for your trip Robert;

For your Arrival at Heathrow (http://www.theweeweb.co.uk/ladybird/ladybird_book_detail.php?id=2735)

( Possibly useful when you get to Windsor (http://www.theweeweb.co.uk/ladybird/ladybird_book_detail.php?id=3217) . . .)

;)

. . . On a serious note, I was interested to note some titles were illustrated by the famous bird artist C.F. Tunnicliffe. Respect :t: I also noted in the 'rarities' section there were at least 6 books I had when I was little . . possibly still in an attic somewhere . . . worth £40 + each alledgedly! (ok probably not, as doubtful mine were in mint condition . . . )

Dan,

(Also seriously, for a moment at least). These are absolutely charming little books. Reminds me of my own childhood library, ca. 10 years before yours by the looks of the titles, which in the States were a collection of Natural History Guides published by Golden.

Get a kid at the right age, treat him or her with a little respect and finesse in child literature, and voila -- next thing you know they're off to Botswana via London in search of Hawfinch and Giraffes (respectively, of course).

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:31

Robert did you say " let's go to lunch " or "let's go to launch" ?.... Damn, I screwed up again !!

Mt. St. Helen's?

Aw, home sweet home.

dantheman

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:34

If it was an 'RAF' base, 'Harrier' Jump jets would be a dead cert . .

And if it was a US Air Force Base, we could well have 'Four and Twenty SR-71 Blackbirds baked in a pie' for dessert . . .

Although we'd have to keep the 'Blackbirds' and 'Harriers' apart, we definitely don't want any of those kind of 'Friendly Fire' incidents occurring, this is a family restaurant after all . . .

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:39

... Although we'd have to keep the 'Blackbirds' and 'Harriers' apart, we definitely don't want any of those kind of 'Friendly Fire' incidents occurring, this is a family restaurant after all . . .

I believe Sir Winston was the product of such hybridization. You see, it doesn't always turn out with mediocre consequence.

danehower

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:42

And if it was a US Air Force Base, we could well have 'Four and Twenty SR-71 Blackbirds baked in a pie' for dessert . . .

Although we'd have to keep the 'Blackbirds' and 'Harriers' apart, we definitely don't want any of those kind of 'Friendly Fire' incidents occurring, this is a family restaurant after all . . .

hahaha !! :clap:3:-) - Would be laughing harder but for coughing on jet fumes - "restaurant at the end of the runway" and all. Waiter -- another "jet fuel and tonic" please ... with a twist of lime this time. B (:

PS - please place your children in the over-head storage bins.

dantheman

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:45

dead cert . .

Anyone know where that Spruce Goose got to yet?? . . .

. . . Apparently an aviation museum in Oregon!! But coming to a restaurant near you soon!!! . .

And I wonder how the 'Spruce Goose' should be 'base'ted . . . a nice porridge sauce?? . . .

Robert / Seattle

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:50

. . . And I wonder how the 'Spruce Goose' should be 'base'ted . . . a nice porridge sauce?? . . .

I'd suggest a nice Retsina reduction.

KCFoggin

Thursday 17th July 2008, 23:51

so how long before we move this one to rf?

Robert / Seattle

Friday 18th July 2008, 00:01

Is there no room for humorous digression among willing participants (Thread originator included), in these posts at all?
This happens at all our (real life) dinner parties, and believe me, KC, the topic is fully explored and all come away far richer than had we stayed obediently "on-topic".

Humor, without malice, is healthy. And is often useful to illustrate a concept or convey information to a broader audience. When discussing Bach, the work of Professor Peter Schickle has its place.

I hope you and the others will allow the art of conversation amongst respectful participants to take its course.

dantheman

Friday 18th July 2008, 00:13

Is there no room for humorous digression among willing participants . . . . to take its course.

Have to agree.

Of course, we all know BF is open to all to view, including people seriously engaged in furthering their knowledge, wanting serious discussion etc. I don't think those viewing these last few pages will come away doubting the sincerity of BF as a whole . . if they have a sense of humour. If they don't, should they be pandered to?

However, there are times where useful information may get lost, or things get just toooo out of hand. Threads wend their way, sometimes not far, sometimes too far off course. Moving part of the thread to RF is always an option . . .

Happy to wait and see . . . don't wish to cause extra work/ burden for the mods in any case . . .

danehower

Friday 18th July 2008, 00:13

I have heard that in England they use Peregrine falcons to chase off birds from the runway - so they don't get sucked into the jet engines of arriving and departing planes. Is this true ?

Robert / Seattle

Friday 18th July 2008, 00:17

So, Londoners ...

Any good Pubs near Heathrow where one can experience a bit of local culture on the way back from an hour's worth of fine West London birding?

Humorous replies, with content, accepted ... though not required.

joannec

Friday 18th July 2008, 09:27

I believe the correct term is "flying under the radar", particularly apt in this case.

so how long before we move this one to rf?

Looks like we haven't managed it......caught again.:-O

Back on topic....pint of Kingfisher, KC? B (:

dantheman

Friday 18th July 2008, 09:30

I have heard that in England they use Peregrine falcons to chase off birds from the runway - so they don't get sucked into the jet engines of arriving and departing planes. Is this true ?

I think it's standard practise at many airports -all that grassy habitat at the side of the runways and you get birds . . when I was at Carcasonne, France, a guy in a 4x4 would drive around and periodically fire in the air to try and disperse the thousands of Lapwings and Starlings on a quiet part of the runway. . . I'm sure a Peregrine would have been as efficient.

Related, I watched a tiny bit of Wimbledon on the telly the other week, there was a brief cameo shot of a Harris Hawk being held -not native here, and ovbviously what they were using to keep pigeons away before the matches.

Robert / Seattle

Friday 18th July 2008, 17:58

I think it's standard practise at many airports -all that grassy habitat at the side of the runways and you get birds . . .

And this, from the Tacoma News Tribune (re Seattle/Tacoma International Airport):

"Port wildlife experts have even watched a pair of hawks that live near the airport and have removed and relocated their young once they were old enough to fend for themselves, said Cooper.

The breeding pair is accustomed enough to the airport to know to avoid the runway areas, but the port’s wildlife officials fear that the young birds of prey would accidentally fly into the path of an airliner.

The airport’s stormwater retention ponds are covered in nets to keep ducks and other aquatic birds away. The natural lakeshores are planted with vegetation that is not attractive to birds."

I'm guessing the naturally resident breeding pair of hawks might even serve as a deterrent to other birds.

And I even recall a time when they experimented with border collies to chase flocks (of Canadian Geese?) away. Not sure if this is still in practice though.

Jos Stratford

Friday 18th July 2008, 18:12

Is there no room for humorous digression among willing participants .

Against this though, there will be others who trawl the forum for information at a later date and, for example, if they were to be looking for information relating to stop-overs in London, this thread could be very useful ...but it gets tiresome if it is snippets of very useful information between post after post of unrelated waffle (such as this one!)

Robert / Seattle

Friday 18th July 2008, 18:55

Against this though, there will be others who trawl the forum for information at a later date and, for example, if they were to be looking for information relating to stop-overs in London, this thread could be very useful ...but it gets tiresome if it is snippets of very useful information between post after post of unrelated waffle (such as this one!)

A very fair point, Jos. Every conversation runs the risk of wandering. Sometimes it's a small price to pay to keep the thread from being a mere bulletin board of memos - one may even assert that the more interesting and spirited dialogue gets more readership. Balance is sometimes a tricky business.

All in all, I'd have say the Moderators are doing a fantastic job. Their task can be quite daunting indeed. But, on occasion, and being as imperfect as the rest of us, they are prone to their own prejudices and may come down harder on some threads (and posters) than others. Welcome to life, we all have more important things to consider than the occasional editing of one's cherished bon mot du jour.

So far as I can tell, this thread has been immensely informative, and a pleasure to read. I hope it remains so.

Cheers,
Robert

dantheman

Friday 18th July 2008, 21:55

Well I reckon there were 25 plus posts of a fairly off topic humurous (?!) nature, plus we could then factor in many of those before and after which were veering off towards off-topic (but then topics always change), but still interesting/informative eg on pest control at airports and this subsequent discussion (including this one) . . . . possibly a bit much, but hey, that's life.

Anyone who's reading this thread and wishes to continue with the off topic humourous nature kind of stuff, it's kinda continued here;

The Restaurant at the end of the Runway (http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=118775)

It's necessary to join Ruffled Feathers of course, if you aren't in already, but hey, that's a good thing. I think . .
??? ;)

Robert - not exactly the place for a real time refreshing beverage after your birding foray into the environs of Heathrow . . . hopefully you may get some better ideas (although the idea of 'Windsor Castle' sounds fun . . . just don't forget the time . . . NO extra ones for the road, for example . . .)

joannec

Friday 18th July 2008, 22:17

A very fair point, Jos. Every conversation runs the risk of wandering. Sometimes it's a small price to pay to keep the thread from being a mere bulletin board of memos - one may even assert that the more interesting and spirited dialogue gets more readership. Balance is sometimes a tricky business.

All in all, I'd have say the Moderators are doing a fantastic job. Their task can be quite daunting indeed. But, on occasion, and being as imperfect as the rest of us, they are prone to their own prejudices and may come down harder on some threads (and posters) than others. Welcome to life, we all have more important things to consider than the occasional editing of one's cherished bon mot du jour.

So far as I can tell, this thread has been immensely informative, and a pleasure to read. I hope it remains so.

Cheers,
Robert

This says it all really....Robert asked a sensible question. Several of us came on with sensible, serious and helpful suggestions to the original question. Then one member came on with a REALLY HELPFUL assessment and clarification. Robet was pleased and the initial problem was resolved ( I think).

Things then took a different turn....no one was offended or insulted.....least of all Robert. It's fun..........roll on The Restaurant at the End of the Runway....kinda noisy and smelly though, don't you think?......VIP lounge maybe?

Edit: We've even got a 5 star rating:-O

Robert / Seattle

Friday 18th July 2008, 23:24

This says it all really....Robert asked a sensible question. Several of us came on with sensible, serious and helpful suggestions to the original question. Then one member came on with a REALLY HELPFUL assessment and clarification. Robet was pleased and the initial problem was resolved ( I think).

Things then took a different turn....no one was offended or insulted.....least of all Robert. It's fun..........roll on The Restaurant at the End of the Runway....kinda noisy and smelly though, don't you think?......VIP lounge maybe?

Edit: We've even got a 5 star rating:-O

Spot on! Kaching ... And the conversation can braid back and forth anytime, so far as I'm concerned - from the helpful to the humorously helpful. You've all been great. Keep 'em coming, it's a useful subject and is now free to expand into closely related concerns, from disappearing Hawfinches to Airport Runway birding (not to mention layover Pubbing (Pub Spotting?).

Thanks, Joanne ...

Robert

joannec

Saturday 19th July 2008, 10:27

it's a useful subject and is now free to expand into closely related concerns, from disappearing Hawfinches to Airport Runway birding (not to mention layover Pubbing (Pub Spotting?).

Thanks, Joanne ...

Robert

Can't help with a suggestion for a nice pub near Heathrow. Hopefully some West London birders will help out.

John Cantelo

Saturday 19th July 2008, 21:01

Robert / Seattle

Saturday 19th July 2008, 21:13

I've enjoyed your posts, Robert (mainly, I suspect, because I've agreed with most (all?)them). I very much regret that your layover is far too short to allow you to get over to my neck of the woods (Kent). However, I notice that in one of your posts you express the intention of visiting the UK somewhen. Accordingly I 'bag' first option on offering to show you my home county. Have a great holiday,
John

What a sweet gesture, John, and consider it likely when I make a proper visit. Also know the offer is reciprocal when you someday make it to this part of the world.

Cheers indeed,

Robert

joannec

Sunday 20th July 2008, 12:18

Accordingly I 'bag' first option on offering to show you my home county.
John

What a sweet gesture, John, and consider it likely when I make a proper visit.
Robert

Can I meet you at Dungeness?

Joanne

dantheman

Sunday 20th July 2008, 12:39

What a sweet gesture . .

Congratulations on posting the 100th post on this thread (Is that a record number for the 'information wanted' forum??)

Can I meet you at Dungeness?

Robert, I'd offer to show you round the birding hotspots of Swanley . . . except . . . (Well, just how suicidal do you feel?? . . .) ;)

Maybe we'll have to arrange a 'Meet Robert BF Special Meet' ??!!

(With catering provided by . . . . ' :eek!:' ;) )

joannec

Sunday 20th July 2008, 13:58

Robert, . . . (
Maybe we'll have to arrange a 'Meet Robert BF Special Meet' ??!!

(With catering provided by . . . . ' :eek!:' ;) )

Excellent idea for a meet Dan.

However those murderous wind turbines will probably be running at Walland by then so.......golden plover au vin?:eek!:

Joanne

seanofford

Sunday 20th July 2008, 15:13

Don't listen to that Sussex/Kent lot Robert - when you come over for a proper visit you want to come up to Norfolk where there are some birds. I'll be happy to show you round...

Also keep an eye out of the plane windows when making your approach to Heathrow. Giraffe IS possible depending on your approach - you need to come in on a westerly bearing with no clouds over Regent's Park. It's a bloody sight more likely than Hawfinch, anyway...

Sean

dantheman

Sunday 20th July 2008, 15:24

Don't listen to that Sussex/Kent lot Robert - . . . It's a bloody sight more likely than Hawfinch, anyway...

Sean

lol, Narfalk possibly does have a few more birds, sometimes (better stringing anyway, possibly a few more breeders . . ) . . . and if it's giraffes you're after on the way in, just open the windows . . . :eek!:

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 18:07

Can I meet you at Dungeness?

Joanne

Meet me? Hell, I'll take you there! And even have it catered (red or white?).

... Robert, I'd offer to show you round the birding hotspots of Swanley . . . except . . . (Well, just how suicidal do you feel?? . . .) ;

Now Dan, are you suggesting the Birds of Swanley are particularly dangerous? Nonetheless, I'm game. Also, I noticed in a previous Thread of yours that you had a planned trip to the Pacific Northwest fall through. Well, if that was for lack of local logistical support, then you know who to contact next time.

Don't listen to that Sussex/Kent lot Robert - when you come over for a proper visit you want to come up to Norfolk where there are some birds. I'll be happy to show you round...
Sean

Generous as well, Sean. I sure hope you Brits aren't disappointed when I show up and fumble through my Collins looking like a daft ijit. Still, I bet I can ID that Giraffe at a hundred yards with scarcely a look at the Kingdon Guide.

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 18:18

... Maybe we'll have to arrange a 'Meet Robert BF Special Meet' ??!! ...

Excellent idea for a meet Dan.

... Joanne

Won't the Moderators just shut down the Meet? (They do have jurisdiction off-Forum, don't they?). If not, I have yet another request of my hosts: in addition to Hawfinch, West London Capercaillie, and a quintessential English Pub, I'd like to meet Thermal Man if it can be arranged. I understand he lives in your general area.

John Cantelo

Sunday 20th July 2008, 19:03

Can I meet you at Dungeness?

Joanne

Dungeness would be fine by me - the Pilot Inn is reputed to sell the best Fish 'n' Chips in the SE. It'd also make Robert feel at home since, as I recall, there's a Dungeness over on the west coast of the USA.

Unlike that Norfolk crew we Kent/Sussex birders aren't proscriptive and are quite happy for Robert to do both! In fact, since Cley & Titchwell currently have what are arguably the best shops to get hold of bird books I'd insist on it!

John

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 19:37

Can I meet you at Dungeness?

Joanne

Meet me? Hell, I'll take you there! And even have it catered (red or white?).

Dungeness would be fine by me - It'd also make Robert feel at home since, as I recall, there's a Dungeness over on the west coast of the USA.

John

There is indeed, and right here in Washington State. Great birding spot, too. That's why my reply to Joanne might have seemed a little off geographically. So, Joanne .. whether you're visiting family in the Pacific Northwest, or joining the caravan in SE England, Dungeness it is!

joannec

Sunday 20th July 2008, 20:15

Dungeness would be fine by me - the Pilot Inn is reputed to sell the best Fish 'n' Chips in the SE.
John

I've heard about that place....isn't it by the lighthouse?.... but I've not partaken of this delight myself so a BF meet is definately in order whenever R decides to come.

There is indeed, and right here in Washington State. Great birding spot, too. That's why my reply to Joanne might have seemed a little off geographically. So, Joanne .. whether you're visiting family in the Pacific Northwest, or joining the caravan in SE England, Dungeness it is!

Well....we are planning a trip to the Pacific NW(more than just Portland) without kids in a year or two and will definately call upon Roberts knowledge and experience.

Thermal man? :h?:.....think I'm missing something unless it's a reference to thermal underwear.;)

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 20:21

... Thermal man? :h?:.....think I'm missing something unless it's a reference to thermal underwear.;)

A British sit-com about a bumbling super-hero, the re-runs of which can be seen occasionally on US/Canadian TV stations.

joannec

Sunday 20th July 2008, 20:21

Don't listen to that Sussex/Kent lot Robert - when you come over for a proper visit you want to come up to Norfolk where there are some birds. I'll be happy to show you round...

Sean

LOL3:-) You're not going to get me to diss Norfolk, Sean.......I think he'll have to do both!

joannec

Sunday 20th July 2008, 20:23

A British sit-com, the re-runs of which can be seen occasionally on US/Canadian TV stations.

.........well, that completely passed me by.:egghead:

dantheman

Sunday 20th July 2008, 21:06

This thermal man??;

http://www.marvunapp.com/Appendix/therma.htm

Note he's powered by an 'Atomic Pile' (We could use 'That' piccie again ;) ), and uses a thermal blast to turn anything into 'slag'. So yep, I'd say it looks pretty likely he's from around these parts (or possibly more Essex way?) . . . ;)

EDIT; ok here's the pic, I think you can just about make out Colchester there. I think the slags (= Essex girls) will be 'falling out' of the sky any moment now;

dantheman

Sunday 20th July 2008, 21:11

. . . Hey folks, I really can't keep to the straight and narrow on this one, anyone else want to 'retire' to the 'special suite' (ie a nice cosy thread in RF) before any further 'wrath' is incurred?? ;) ;) ;)

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 21:14

This thermal man??; ...

Not quite, owing to a slight misspelling on my part.

It's "Thermoman", played by Ardal O'Hanlon, on a sit-com called "My Hero":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Hero_(TV_series)

A thoroughly preposterous premise, featuring highly likeable characters, and therefore mindlessly enjoyable (or so "my people" tell me while I'm busy working on solving the world's problems).

Glad we got this all-important business cleared up.

dantheman

Sunday 20th July 2008, 21:25

And not thermosman either; he apparently is the best suspension guy in the west (but not quite my cup of tea). . .

http://www.thermosman.com/

(Cue the posting of gratuitous pics of Indy Superbikes at this stage . . . )

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 21:30

And not thermosman either; he apparently is the best suspension guy in the west (but not quite my cup of tea). . .

http://www.thermosman.com/

Correct, but he's no Thermoman. Besides, Thermoman does live somewhere in London and therefore is thoroughly appropriate to bring up on this thread.

So, back to West London birding and pubbing, and alternating US/UK hosting might be a good idea just about ... ..................... now.

dantheman

Sunday 20th July 2008, 21:35

It's "Thermoman", played by Ardal O'Hanlon, on a sit-com called "My Hero":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Hero_(TV_series)

A thoroughly preposterous premise, featuring highly likeable characters, and therefore mindlessly enjoyable (or so "my people" tell me while I'm busy working on solving the world's problems).

Glad we got this all-important business cleared up.

Slightly better link??

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Hero_%28TV_series%29

Strange this one totally passed me by . . (although I don't watch that much tv admittedly) . . don't get uk tv gold unfortunately. Looks good.

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 21:54

...
Strange this one totally passed me by . . (although I don't watch that much tv admittedly) . . don't get uk tv gold unfortunately. Looks good.

No worries, you can catch an episode when you visit the Pacific Northwest.

What was that trip you were planning, and why didn't it quite happen?

dantheman

Sunday 20th July 2008, 22:13

No worries, you can catch an episode when you visit the Pacific Northwest.

What was that trip you were planning, and why didn't it quite happen?

That was my trip this spring to the US. (Unfinished write-up in trip report secion . . oops) The girlfriend has a friend from when she was at college here in London (London again you see - relevancy :t:) who emigrated to the US. She was working for Boeing (planes again . . .) in Seattle last year. Suzi wanted to go last summer, but it never quite happened (probs with limited time off, escalating flight costs). I said I'd go with her the next spring (get some good birding in :t: ). As it was, her friend moved to Philadelphia . . . . hence the alternative trip.

I did however possibly pass through in 2000 when I was over for 3 months. I took a 5 day train journey from San Diego to New York, which did pass up the west coast before turning east. Interesting that was, ended up staying in the lounge car, as spent the day there and returned to my seat only to find new occupants. A lot more comfortable sleeping under a couch than in the seat anyway . . . think I got out of the train to stretch legs only briefly, got a few 'State ticks' though.

When next time occurs, I may well be up your way properly, so some birding your way would be great, cheers for the offer :t: . May be a while though . . .

halftwo

Sunday 20th July 2008, 22:29

When you're done with the southern bits, Robert, I would be more than happy to show you round my neck of the woods.
Would be a good contrast to the south coast.

H

Jos Stratford

Sunday 20th July 2008, 22:36

Since this is off topic and you mention British sitcoms (not that I know ThermoMan either), I reckon you should be watching 'Only Fools and Horses' Robert. Firstly 'cos the location is set in one of London's top birding sites (or to be exact it had an American Robin last year); second it frequently features the British pub that you seem keen on; third it is the perfect representation of all british persons; and last, gawd knows why, but BBC Prime (available in the US) seems to be dead keen on the show just now ...as I write, they have just shown 16 episodes back-to-back with at least thre more to go!!!

seanofford

Sunday 20th July 2008, 22:54

LOL3:-) You're not going to get me to diss Norfolk, Sean.......I think he'll have to do both!

You can't diss Norfolk - Diss is IN Norfolk...

Actually I'm a Surrey/Sussex boy myself (spend most of my childhood at Siddlesham Ferry and Church Norton) so I wasn't serious about the jibe. In fact I reckon the south east and East Anglia have both lost more farmland birds than our friends in the north. I lived in the north east for a few years and saw lapwing flocks the size of which I hadn't seen in the south for several decades.

Sean

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:31

... I reckon you should be watching 'Only Fools and Horses' Robert. Firstly 'cos the location is set in one of London's top birding sites (or to be exact it had an American Robin last year); ...

third it is the perfect representation of all british persons; and last, gawd knows why, but BBC Prime (available in the US) seems to be dead keen on the show just now ...as I write, they have just shown 16 episodes back-to-back with at least thre more to go!!!

Jos,

Well, sounds like a currently running show, which means it won't be seen here for another year or so. Like most of you I'm not a keen TV viewer, but a working knowledge of popular culture is not neccessarilly a bad thing to have.

Your next comment is most intriguing, though. What do you think of when you say "perfect representation of all British persons"? That may explain my cliched interest in a good pub -- hope this is not insulting, like assuming all Americans are cowboys or can be found eating at McDonald's.

Cheers,
Robert

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:34

When you're done with the southern bits, Robert, I would be more than happy to show you round my neck of the woods.
Would be a good contrast to the south coast.

H

Thanks halftwo,

As it turns out, my friends who are greeting me at Heathrow are from your area. They'll also be coming here in September/October for a two-week Washington State "Safari".

A visit to see them will certainly be on my list next year, and being in your area I would be delighted to meet you and get your take on "northern" English birds (Manchester is considered "northern", is it not?).

Robert

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:37

This says it all really .... We've even got a 5 star rating:-O

Hey, just noticed we're down to 4 stars. Don't suppose one of the Mods cast a vote, do you?

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:42

... When next time occurs, I may well be up your way properly, so some birding your way would be great, cheers for the offer :t: . May be a while though . . .

No worries. The offer is open-ended, Dan.

danehower

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:47

Hey, just noticed we're down to 4 stars. Don't suppose one of the Mods cast a vote, do you?

should I call in an air strike ? !;) - just kidding !B (:

dantheman

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:48

Now Dan, are you suggesting the Birds of Swanley are particularly dangerous? Nonetheless, I'm game. . .

Not the birds, maybe the kids with their knives . . . They'll hunt you down like a young buck on the first day of young buck hunting season. . . (that's referring to the game bit of your post by the way ;) )

Actually it's more of a media hype thing at the moment, not even that bad around here (although more and more knife and gun deaths in London, especially amongst the teenage black community).

No, Swanley is just fairly depressing. I don't do suburbia that well. . possibly colours my opinion unfairly. There are some birds around, but you'd have to go a bit further afield for anything exciting. Dartford Marshes is also fairly depressing . . but a bit further and in different directions and there actually plenty of good sites around if you just make an effort to travel to them . . . . (but east kent is better) :t:

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:49

should I call in an air strike ? !;) - just kidding !B (:

Dave .....

Back to the restaurant.

danehower

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:50

Dave .....

Back to the restaurant.

Aye sir , do I have to do the dishes also ?:-C

Alan227

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:51

So, Londoners ...

Any good Pubs near Heathrow where one can experience a bit of local culture on the way back from an hour's worth of fine West London birding?

If you do end up birding in Kew Gardens Robert, then there are several pubs on the green by Kew Bridge.

Al

dantheman

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:55

New positions opening all the time at 'The Runway';

http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?p=1247393#post1247393

(I don't know, but they could just stop us, close the thread if they want to . . . if we all agree to hoof it over there anytime we know we start to get a bit peckish (feel the hunger pangs coming on . . ) I don't see it as any loss of face or hassle . . .

;)

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 20th July 2008, 23:59

Not the birds, maybe the kids with their knives . . . They'll hunt you down like a young buck on the first day of young buck hunting season. . . (that's referring to the game bit of your post by the way ;) )

Actually it's more of a media hype thing at the moment, not even that bad around here (although more and more knife and gun deaths in London, especially amongst the teenage black community).

No, Swanley is just fairly depressing. I don't do suburbia that well. . possibly colours my opinion unfairly. There are some birds around, but you'd have to go a bit further afield for anything exciting. Dartford Marshes is also fairly depressing . . but a bit further and in different directions and there actually plenty of good sites around if you just make an effort to travel to them . . . . (but east kent is better) :t:

I have found no place I have ever visited to be uninteresting. Unpleasant to call home, perhaps, but not uninteresting.

Based on these incredible and generous responses it looks like I'll have to do a loop tour of England, taking the advice of all you fine people into account, and have an adventure or two in the process. My visiting friends from England are taking two weeks to do Washington State, which is a bit larger than England itself, so I'd imagine a well-planned itinerary to your fair Island would be very reasonably accomplished in two weeks (at least for a first visit). And like some birders, I actually have other interests as well - so where one locale lacks in avian delights it may well have Roman or Gothic Architecture, decent Museums, and, oh yeah, pubs ... did I mention Pubs?

Oh, and Thermoman too!

Robert / Seattle

Monday 21st July 2008, 00:00

If you do end up birding in Kew Gardens Robert, then there are several pubs on the green by Kew Bridge.

Al

Thanks Al,

And with a car (as is now the plan), that may be quite doable. I'll run it by my hosts.

Cheers,
Robert

Robert / Seattle

Monday 21st July 2008, 00:11

Jos Stratford

Monday 21st July 2008, 08:16

all Americans are cowboys or can be found eating at McDonald's.

Clearly the later, too fat these days to be a cowboy ;)

Robert / Seattle

Monday 21st July 2008, 18:06

Clearly the later, too fat these days to be a cowboy ;)

Perhaps, Jos ... but if you discount the "Heartland" my guess is that statistic would fall as rapidly as a Jenny Craig Waistline. Oh, and believe me -- there are plenty of fat cowboys. Well, they dress like cowboys anyway.

joannec

Monday 21st July 2008, 20:18

You can't diss Norfolk - Diss is IN Norfolk...

Actually I'm a Surrey/Sussex boy myself (spend most of my childhood at Siddlesham Ferry and Church Norton) so I wasn't serious about the jibe. In fact I reckon the south east and East Anglia have both lost more farmland birds than our friends in the north. I lived in the north east for a few years and saw lapwing flocks the size of which I hadn't seen in the south for several decades.

Sean

LOL.....didn't think of Diss being in Norfolk.3:-)

Church Norton and Siddlesham....can't think of a more birdy place to grow up! Lucky you.

Actually good news about lapwings in the Southeast.....winter flocks of several hundred not uncommon these days.:t:

Joanne

joannec

Monday 21st July 2008, 20:23

but a bit further and in different directions and there actually plenty of good sites around if you just make an effort to travel to them . . . . (but east kent is better) :t:

One of my favourite winter places, Dan, is Walland Marsh.....fabulous:t:. If Robert comes in winter we can go there too, easy from Dungeness. But I'm quite upset as they are building 28 wind turbines there:C......some are already up.

joannec

Monday 21st July 2008, 20:30

OK ... here's more "on-topic".

Just learned my flights are landing at, and departing from, Terminal 1.

Anyone know if this is one of the more, (or less?), efficient Terminals for processing passengers at Heathrow? That could make or break the attempted outing, or at least determine how much time is actually useful for the excursion.

You mentioned United Airlines earlier. Is that right? United have recently relocated to Terminal 1 from T3.....don't know how efficient that one is. But at least it's not the new T5 which is the one they had so much trouble with a few months ago.

Jos Stratford

Monday 21st July 2008, 20:39

But at least it's not the new T5 which is the one they had so much trouble with a few months ago.

T5 is operating smoothly now, or at least it was according to news reports a week ago. Though it was a total mess up in the beginning, I would imagine this would be the best of the terminals to go through IF everything is going how it should.

Robert / Seattle

Saturday 30th August 2008, 09:33

To all my British, and BirdForum, friends ....

Thanks beyond words for all your comments above.

Well, the big trip is upon me -- This coming Sunday marks my evening departure from Seattle, with arrival at Heathrow mid day on Monday the 1st. My greeters are BF members from Warrington, and I have left the day's touring to their discretion (Not to worry. They're seasoned traveler's and have followed this thread with some seriousness).

I will post a West London/Heathrow report on the Forum upon my return from Botswana and Zambia (my ultimate destinations). Naturally, I will also post a new thread for my African travels as well (in about three weeks time).

Curiously, my Warrington mates will be my guests in Seattle, Washington shortly after my return from Africa. They'll be here for two weeks, touring the State of Washington on a trip that I helped design for them. No doubt this will produce yet another thread.

So, there's more to BirdForum than an occasional bird ID (valuable though that may be), or optical analysis. It's an opportunity for all of us to join in an unbelievable community of like-minded people - and to share resources that enable the exploration of the world.

Cheers, ... from one end of the world to the other(s) ...

Robert / Seattle

joannec

Saturday 30th August 2008, 10:24

Is that one of your pictures of Seattle......looks kinda surreal.

Robert / Seattle

Saturday 30th August 2008, 17:22

My town, but not my photo.

Off to Africa via Heathrow tomorrow. Be sure to stand outside your house a little before 1 PM -- I'll wave to you as I fly over (I'll be wearing a white carnation and carrying a copy of "Birds of Terminal 1").

Cheers,
Robert

joannec

Saturday 30th August 2008, 17:34

Robert / Seattle

Saturday 30th August 2008, 18:02

Have a great trip.......The Forum Restaurant awaits your return with the VIP table by the window booked for three weeks time.:king:

'Birds of Terminal 1' needs updating. Can we count on you to report your invaluable sightings?

Great observation, Joanne. That's why I always carry a well-worn copy of "Birds of Terminal 3". The species list is similar enough that it provides a good account of many of the birds likely spotted at T1. Either way, I'll do a comprehensive survey of the area, and report my findings in the scholarly journal, "Findings of the Royal Academy of Twitchers at the End of the Forum".

Ta ...

joannec

Saturday 30th August 2008, 20:28

Aaaah...'The Royal Academy of Twitchers at the End of the Forum'! We were threatened with being banished to the Naughty Corner, aka RF. Perhaps we'll now be elevated to the heights of the Rare Birds Forum.B (: :t:

Now........where is that puffin Jos saw?

Robert / Seattle

Saturday 30th August 2008, 21:25

Now........where is that puffin Jos saw?

I'm pretty certain Gordon Ramsay ate it.

Keith Dickinson

Saturday 30th August 2008, 21:38

Have a safe journey and a great vacation Robert. I'm looking forward to your reports on your return....I've always been a lurker but decided to pop up and post for once...LOL

Robert / Seattle

Saturday 30th August 2008, 23:33

Thanks Keith. Kind words ...

Will post as promised.

Cheers,
Robert

danehower

Saturday 30th August 2008, 23:45

to 2nd Keith's post - I hope you have an amazing trip/adventure Robert ! All the best to you friend.:clap:

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 31st August 2008, 16:14

to 2nd Keith's post - I hope you have an amazing trip/adventure Robert ! All the best to you friend.:clap:

Thanks Dave! A full report upon my return. (Departure later today, Heathrow tomorrow, Jo'Burg Tuesday, then on to Botswana).

And oh yeah, guess who I'm hooking up with in Germany on my way back?

joannec

Sunday 31st August 2008, 20:12

And oh yeah, guess who I'm hooking up with in Germany on my way back?

Easy peasy! Captain Tom of course!!! Probably he's gonna take you to an obscure uninhabited island somewhere near Hamberg full of rare waders and vagrants from Siberia and the back of beyond, throw in a few ducks........ and make us all the rest of us jealous! ;)

Bon voyage Robert!

Robert / Seattle

Sunday 31st August 2008, 21:50

Easy peasy! Captain Tom of course!!! ...

Clever Girl!

"See" you all in 3 weeks time.

Cheers,
Roberto

James

Tuesday 2nd September 2008, 19:37

joannec

Tuesday 2nd September 2008, 19:42

Well

(The plumage was a bit more winter than I expected but don't tell Robert I said that!!!).

James

3:-) I'm now intrigued!

Thanks for the update. I'd been wondering if you three had connected.:t: I was thinking about you and also that the weather wasn't too bad yesterday.

Joanne

Robert / Seattle

Saturday 20th September 2008, 16:19

Well

Robert did arrive and was allowed out of Heathrow!
I will let him tell you where we went on his return.

Suffice it to say that my wife and I now have this rare American vagrant ( first for Britain) ticked on our list for the BF200 club!!!!

(The plumage was a bit more winter than I expected but don't tell Robert I said that!!!).

James

Must have been my walker that gave it away. I just figured that adding racing stripes to the handles would convey a sense of vitality - so much for fashion, eh?

Great trip, everyone. Two and a half weeks in the back country of Botswana's Okavango Delta was exhilarating, even if grueling. Still, perhaps as many as 125 species of birds and lots of charismatic mammalian megafauna (including Wild Dog and Leopard) have been listed in my notes and will be posted in a new thread when I come back to life. 39 hours from camp to home has taken it's temporary toll.

In the meantime, James and Jeannine were the perfect hosts to your wonderful country. With mere hours to devote to our task, a little bit of England was found at Runnymede along the Thames west of Heathrow, culminating in 17 ticks (about a dozen of which were new to me). A casual tea and clotted cream with scones concluded the brief but memorable visit. Species seen were:

Rook
Carrion Crow
Jackdaw
Canada Goose
Egyptian Googe
Pied Wagtail
Common Coot
Common Moorhen
Mallard
Grey Heron
Wood Pigeon
Black-headed Gull
(European) Herring Gull
Barn Swallow
Common Chaffinch
Common Kestrel
House Sparrow

I'll be returning the favor just one week from today when James and Jeannine arrive in Seattle for their two-week birding tour of Washington State. Talk about winter plumage -- I'll be taking some pictures of my own when these English endemics arrive in my neck of the woods, albeit plane-assisted.

Finally, the opportunity to cavort with another BF'er presented itself when my return flight from Jo'Burg routed through Frankfurt. Ladies and Gentlemen, behold the clever and mischievous ThoLa! Here we sit in Frankfurt's famed Chez Terminal 1 - (the cafe at the end of the runway) - enjoying fine Swiss wine at 5 AM and flirting with a small but lovely Swiss woman named Heidi (inside joke to those of you "in the know" on the Forum). And my return couldn't be more timely - having glanced at some of the new threads and seeing precious little whimsy (what's all this talk about "bottles"? -- tsk, tsk). Fire up the kitchen stoves and dress the tables, the RF brigade is reassembled and ready for some meaningful "tongue-in-cheek".

joannec

Saturday 20th September 2008, 16:43

Fire up the kitchen stoves and dress the tables, the RF brigade is reassembled and ready for some meaningful "tongue-in-cheek".

Welcome back Robert....the forum has not been quite the same without you. :king: Glad you had a good trip and await with keen anticipation the full report.

Hello Tom, always nice to see what a new forum member looks like!

Joanne

ThoLa

Saturday 20th September 2008, 16:49

Hello Tom, always nice to see what a new forum member looks like!

Joanne

No, I DON'T look like that! Not even at 5 am after a night without any sleep.
Maybe there was something wrong with that camera .... the self-timer perhaps?

Tom

halftwo

Saturday 20th September 2008, 23:31

Welcome back Robert - well done on the Wild dog (mucho gripped).
Look forward to reading about Botswana.
Did you notice Bryan Ferry behind you?

seanofford

Sunday 21st September 2008, 22:08

Did you notice Bryan Ferry behind you?

Surely it's Phil Daniels - those pubs near Heathrow are a bit rough you know...

Alan227

Tuesday 23rd September 2008, 19:04

A casual tea and clotted cream with scones concluded the brief but memorable visit.

Essential!

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 23rd September 2008, 19:32

Welcome back Robert - well done on the Wild dog (mucho gripped).
Look forward to reading about Botswana. ...

Thanks, halftwo. Your airport advice was most helpful. And a full Botswana report to come soon.

... those pubs near Heathrow are a bit rough you know...

Good I opted for the tea house, then.

Essential!

Couldn't agree more. As iconic as it was enjoyable.

halftwo

Tuesday 23rd September 2008, 19:38

Thanks, halftwo. Your airport advice was most helpful. And a full Botswana report to come soon.

Glad to have of service.

joannec

Tuesday 23rd September 2008, 19:57

And a full Botswana report to come soon.

Good I opted for the tea house, then.

Couldn't agree more. As iconic as it was enjoyable.

..... I keep looking for the Botswana report!

When you come to Sussex, Alan (who is a friend of mine) and I will take you out for a proper 'Sussex cream tea'......that's after a day's birding of course. (But you would probably prefer the pub. ;))

Robert / Seattle

Tuesday 23rd September 2008, 20:32

..... I keep looking for the Botswana report!

When you come to Sussex, Alan (who is a friend of mine) and I will take you out for a proper 'Sussex cream tea'......that's after a day's birding of course. (But you would probably prefer the pub. ;))

Well, the time necessary for a good report has yet to materialize, as I've returned to three weeks of accumulated business logjams. But it will be well worth waiting for I assure you.

And as for tea houses vs. pubs, no need to compare really - as I'd enjoy them equally well.

Looking forward to your collective hospitality, truly.