Windsor Deer Park

Having failed to make it to Windsor Great Park yesterday, we try again this morning, only to find ourselves distracted by the changing of the guard - a big surprise as we didn’t even know there was such a ceremony here. 

Inevitable, we are drawn in to witnessing the ceremony; the band of the Coldstream Guards is magnificent, but Im also fascinated to watch the security arrangements. I still can’t get used to armed police on our streets, and feel a mixture of reassurance that they are there to intervene, sadness that guns are needed, and a sense of awe as these young officers survey the streets and area for any likely danger. As I’m photographing the band I think of changing lenses, but realise that removing a 600mm lens from G’s backpack right in front of armed police might be a foolish move! 

So then it’s on to tackle The Long Walk, the straight stretch from the castle to the bronze horse - statue of George III. I’m close to giving up, but we continue and we’re rewarded by encountering a large herd of deer - much more than I could have hoped for. They are such beautiful creatures. 

Copious photos are inevitably taken - and consequently, blipping decisions are once again difficult. In the end it’s a young doe that makes the main, with a bellowing stag in extras - together with a couple of collages. 

We’re in London now, and will be for the next two nights. I’ll catch up soon!