Father's Day

Given the day it was decided to take it at a sedate pace, so after breakfast the presents were given

 and the photos taken.

 Even the Auld Fella got a card before we left for a mini tour

 of Bristol starting with the SS Thekla

and associate Banksy Graffiti.

 A decent Sunday Roast at the Pitcher and Piano

The Clifton Suspension Bridge

Isumbard Kingdom Brunel

Granddad, Granddad You're Lovely - Clive Dunn

An uneventful but 'late' train journey from Derby to Bristol, where I was met at Temple Meads by the family York except for dad who was at work. To introduce the readership

 ALEXANDER

Baggage Attendant

 Youngest son

BENJAMIN

 Senior Sibling

FREDERICK

Snakes and Ladders Champion

 and so for breakfast before Fred was bound for pre-school

while the rest of us embarked on our first nature Trek together.

 Daisies and

 Starlings were found before leaving the garden,

 followed by a Robin in full song.

 The first creature captured in the 

Magnified Insect Box

was a Bee followed by a Wasp allowing us all closer views.

 Quickly released unharmed we then found a 

Wood Pigeon and a

 Grey Squirrel

 before Mummy captured another specimen for close examination.

 This tiny Snail was much easier to get hold of

 and unusually bold staying out of its shell most of the time.

 Alex the Intrepid Bug Hunter

 Yet another Insect for the 'pot'

 then the first totally unassisted photograph from Alex.

 Blue Tit

 Blackbird

 and House Sparrow completed the hunt

 with just a little time left for Alex

 and Benjamin to enjoy

all the fun of the local park.

What turned out to be the favourite part of the day was the
giving of presents.

 A brand new pair of binoculars for each of the boys,

 and while at the moment they are a little too large

 it will be all to soon that they grow into them.

Chocolates and Port always seem to work for the parents.

Sweet Wine - Cream (Baker, Bruce and Clapton)

Having enjoyed a super day at Greenwich visiting the Museum, Observatory and Cutty Sark there was an even greater treat awaiting this evening as we arrived at the

The Antique Wine Company 

 

 to meet Friend, Founder and Managing Director

Stephen Williams.

 Having a mutual interest in Fine Wine, it wasn't surprising

that Andy and I were first drawn to this splendid array of

Chateau d'Yquem

 in varying size bottles.

Having flown himself over from his home close to Monte Carlo early morning and having been behind his desk ever since, he more than us was ready for a taste of something 'finer'! Directing us to his recently opened Wine Academy, Steven first invited us to taste a

 'white Burgundy' a

2009 Chassagne Montrachet

 followed by a 1995 'second growth' Bordeaux

Château Longueville au Baron de Pichon-Longueville

 Both 'classic wines' were enjoyed while viewing the AWC empire.

Stephen holds the distinction for having realised the highest price, 

in the world, ever paid for a single bottle of wine.

A Vintage 1811 Chateau d'Yquem, sold for $117,000 (£75k)

 By now the 'dinner gong' had sounded as we took a taxi to

 the renowned

Arts Club Mayfair
photos from Wiki

The meal started with 'collective' Oysters and Courgette Fritters, after which I diverted for something I have been promising myself to both catch and eat for years, RAZORCLAMS all accompanied by a fine Argentinian Malbec. Andy then opted for the Lamb Cutlets while we 2 choose Duck, all were superb but the Duck eaters agreed that the Confit leg was of the very best. These were enjoyed along with a 2008 Michele Chiarlo 'Borolo'.

We completed the evening with a bottle of 2005 Chateau D'Agassac, Haut Medoc Superieur before 'decanting' to our relevant hotels.

This wasn't just a fine meal with great company, but a continuation of a long learning curve for me. I would like to thank both Stephen and Andy for making it such a memorable occasion.