The last days of summer

I went swimming in one of Hampstead Heath’s three ponds yesterday after a long day in a stuffy office. The sun was sinking below the trees and the air was still. It was a truly tranquil scene, a world away from the belching traffic and bad tempers on show in central London.

The water quality is pretty good (it regularly exceeds minimum EU bathing water quality standards) although the swimming guard said there were rats in the area. This may mean a small risk of Weil's disease. As the guard said it probably best not to swallow lots of water.

I didn't see any rodents. They must have all on their way to the Tory party conference or working late in the city.