Botanical Gardens and East coast

I wake early and once again its a nice day, but I burnt the tops of my feet at the beach yesterday and the idea of hiking doesn't seem doable this morning so I take the easier one of the botanic gardens. They are a UNESCO world heritage site and when first established in 1859 spanned 23 hectares, six hectares being primary rain forest which still stand today although they actually span 82 hectares these days. Th gardens are separated into smaller gardens including the eco garden , the mist garden the spice garden and by far my favourite the evolution garden. Here there are stone trees L arge pieces of petrified wood are displayed at the entrance of the Evolution Garden, When trees are buried in mud, ash or other material, they sometimes become soaked in mineral-rich groundwater. Over time the minerals, particularly silica, can crystallise, slowly turning the wood to stone. Fossils such as these are used to study the history of life on Earth. As I turn towards the path I hear something moving and as I turn around see a big monitor lizard disappearing into the bushes. I know I like being in touch with nature but I'll give monitor lizards a miss thank you. One of the most famous parts of the gardens are The National Orchid Gardens. Just outside is a tree dedicated to Nelson Mandela. It seems quite a common theme here to name things after famous people when I enter the Orchid Gardens there are various orchids named after heads of states. Including the Queen and Princess Diana. The orchids collection is a paid entry about £7.50 and although the range is extensive I've seen something very similar at The Gardens at the bay. I walk to the other end of the Gardens past Swan Lake and catch the bus back. Daryl has suggested I head to the East Coast this afternoon. Its an area of promenade with small little beaches along which are bbq pits with seating around although they are closed at the moment due to social distancing. There are so many container ships in the harbour I have a little private chuckle they might have an scs sofa on board. When I arrive back at the hotel I can't get access to my room for police. The lady on reception explains there's been a death and asks me if I want to move. I don't want to cause her anymore stress so say I'll just go to the upstairs bar for a g and t I could do with one after that.Read more