Our visit to the Queen's summer residence

The shaded walkway is flanked by the Queen's residence on the left and a public park to the right. The residence is set back about 300 yards, on top of a hill that looks out over the property that stretches all the way to the sea.

The Queen opens her land and gardens to the public when she isn't in residence. Otherwise the grounds beyond the hedge are closed and heavily guarded.

Leah tells us that the housekeeping staff and gardeners live on the property in homes that are pretty much shielded from view by the shrubbery on the right. The Queen's residence is up the hill.

Slightly out of sequence, but this is the Queen's pool. It is closed to the the public at all times.

This beautiful walkway leads to one of the many gardens. They grow their own vegetables and herbs.
Peg and I stand in front of the back of the house. This is where the Queen's guests are received.
Peg and Leah are miniature figures standing in front of the Queen's residence. Not bad for a summer cottage!

We take a break in the Vase garden. Garden benches like this are placed in a circle around the huge vase shown in the next picture.
This is obviously one of the world's largest ceramic vases. I can't imagine how it was formed.

This is a small garden pond (ok, it's a big pond) with sculptures displayed in various places. Max thinks this one makes a pretty good seat. I have to agree that it makes a better seat than it does art.
Just Max's size. He calls us over to see his discovery.

Pond with water
+ 3 year old boy
= wet boy.
Pants, shoes and underwear come off and daddy's shirt is substituted.
Sam enjoys Max's company. The baby wagon features a add-on platform with casters for extra riders. In fact it's called "Easy Rider".
One of the guard stations at the entrance to the grounds. Not a comfortable place to hang out.

Max tries it out.

Hatchback cars are everywhere. If it's not a hatchback, chances are good that it's a tourist.