h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Set off today at 13.30 and headed for Paddington, by Underground, except Paddington was closed for engineering works! So continued to Edgware Road and took 5 minutes to get up the stairs. Thankfully it was quiet! Then took a to Paddington. Saw the Elephant, and took a number of photos, then another to Notting Hill Gate. Saw the next Elephant, duly photoed, and on down the road to Elli 3 and 4, then realised I'd made a mistake. There were 4 at Notting Hill. Back again and found 2. Couldn't find number 4. .

Now off to Bayswater and another 3, but my stop is closed! . Now to make decision. Left or right? Took right. Wrong decision. Another trek. And I couldn't find the destination, so walked up a cul-de-sac, looking for The Hemple, a Hotel. I'd have thought it would be pretty or but really struggling. I then saw 2 lads sweeping the pavement, and the building had an 'H' on the two colonnades so walked towards it, and saw... An Elephant... Spoke to the uniformed concierge who invited me in, and also informed me of another in the grounds opposite. Doing well, if not a little foot-weary.

Another bonus was there was a small photographic gallery in the basement that was interesting. Jack Vettriano doesn't look a bit like I'd expected.

Next stop, Park Lane and the hotels. This was a stretch of the legs. First two were easy, outside the Dorchester. Had a chat with another elephant hunter and exchanged sightings, then continued down to the Dorchester, only to find a) the Elephants were on a raised flower bed and b) someone was sat on the spot I wanted to photograph! (This is an inherent problem, and tests the patience of any dedicated photographer! ) Eventually, after waiting 15 minutes they move, and I get half the shots I need. Time to walk around the back and onto the raised bed. NO!!! A couple have now sat down, and another eli-hunter has decided to chat to them. SHIFT!!! Of course, they are entitled to sit there, and I cannot really say anything. Another 15 minutes wasted.

On to Number 1, London, or Apsley House, once home of the Dook o' Boots, or more correctly Lord Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington, Hyde Park Corner. Not too bad. Now for Hyde Park. According to the map, there are six situated on the SW side of the Serpentine, near the Lido, so I head in that direction. Nothing. Continue... Nothing. I eventually ask an English-looking type: "Seen any Elephants?" Response "Two outside the Albert Hall!">
"Got those. Not six together?".
"Not that we've seen."

So head back the way I came. I can't see anything. I do find a congregation of people near an open-air bar, and spot a bit of blue through the foliage to the right, in a sort of dell, so head that way. Lo!!! 6 Elephants caged behind railings. Why do they do that? The second time this has happened in Hyde Park. 'They are ELEPHANTS! They should be free!!!' . It just annoys me. Elsewhere most elephants are available for easy or semi-easy photography... except one, and I will not touch on that one!!! . So begins a photography montage, interrupted by a cheeky squirrel on a post and a Rat!!! I had been talking to two more eli-hunters at this point, but interests were diverted. By this time, it was 20.00, my packed lunch was still in my back-pack, my fingers were turning blue, indicating my t-shirt was no longer suitable apparel for May, and my knee ached, so time to head home, hungry and tired.

The news? I hadn't bagged as many elephants as I wanted, being aware of my time restraints.

The news? I have now caught, on film (or should that be disc?) 157 elephants, out of 258. Not bad!!! And only 1,280 elephant-related photos. Although, maybe I should mention the 179 non-Elephant related ones as well! Most without human interactions! Phew!!!

And so to ...

And roll on Thursday and another bag to add to the collection!



MMF



*P.s. Anyone have a spare, workable pair of legs I can borrow, preferably lightly tanned? *

Great job!

Sorry to hear/read your leg hurt; I'm afraid I only have one pair of legs here, and I use them rather frequently myself, plus I'm not sure what the postage fee would be from France to Britain...

Perhaps you could send some 'legumes' instead SF

Lovely report MMF, and such fun except for your poor legs. I would lend you mine but they are not much good either, and certainly not tanned, they don't see the light of day any more, might frighten the horses (or elephants even!)

with Thursday's effort. It must be fun seeing other Eli hunters, but like you I find people often get in the way of a good shot and it is most annoying

Take care,

Websailor