Tower Hill (again) & Marathon

Ever since we got our royal palace passes we intended to go back to Tower Hill. We did so on the twenty-third. We alighted at the Tower Hill station to find we were near mile 23 of the London Marathon! Needless to say, it was very busy but a really great atmosphere. We found a spot along the route near the base of Tower Hill and watched the runners. What made it great was the majority of spectators energetically encouraging the runners as they pass. A fair amount of the runners were in costumes for various charities, for instance some were in Rhino suits for “Save the Rhino.” So spectators would call out “Go Rhino go rhino!” A legionnaire ran by with a laundry machine on his back; and a Yeoman Warder came out to clap. We made our way into the tower just to see a new armor exhibit and take a walk along the southern wall. 6pm came along pretty fast so we made our way out of the Tower and walked two miles down the Thames to Westminster. There were still a few pained Marathon stragglers making their way to the finish line near Buckingham Palace. Unfortunately, there were relegated to the Thames Path because the main roads were now reopened. Just another tourist like day for us augmented by a lovely surprise!