Here we are in Teddington Lock, there were more boats behind us as well! All of us going through to Brentford. This is only half the lock, they are able to open up another set of gates to double the capacity, apparently it's possible to get 50 boats in depending on size. Scary!
Here we're approaching Richmond Bridge, reputed to be the most beautiful one on the Thames. Note the blue boat ahead of us - he came out of the lock at least 2 boats behind us (a hirer) and decided that he didn't like queues (nobody told him about boating etiquette I imagine) and so he came hurtling past us (and the boats behind) then got stuck but still managed to overtake a further boat or two before Brentford. Some slightly rude words were said and his ears should have turned bright red. Not what boating is about at all.
This is the rather beautiful Richmond Lock building. It isn't used most of the time, just when the tide is at a certain point (not sure of the technicalities). Anyway it really is rather lovely I thought.
This is Syon House and Kew is on the other bank of the river at this point. I'm already planning our trip in 2 years when we will return to the Thames (Liverpool next year, we've promised ourselves).
After a restful night in Brentford, and some rain, we set out to once more do double locks, without the luxury of being able to leave the gates open as on the Wey. We didn't see another boat moving until we reached the 10th and last lock of the day, it's very quiet, especially compared to the bustle of the last week or so.
An example of a Horsefield bridge, reminiscent of the ones on the Coventry Canal. Very pretty, this one's just outside Brentford.
Of the 10 locks today, there were 2 then a flight of 6 all close together and then 2 more. This is looking up at the bottom of the flight - not quite Caen but enough when you're out of practise!
This is looking over from the top of that lock at the inlet where the River Brent joins the canal. Apparently at times it can be quite a current here but today it was unnoticeable.
This is the only example we've seen of a horse escape ramp! It is quite a large pound and obviously they must have had horses being pulled in the water enough times for it to be worth building this. There's a plaque explaining it John tells me but I was on the boat and he was on land and guess who had the camera?
For quite a long stretch of the locks there was the foreboding edifice of a former Insane Asylum, now most of it looks derelict and the rest looks like a prison, very strong mesh up and around all the space inside. Not a happy place.
Whilst in the final lock, a group of students from Elthorne Park High School came up to us, out on a field trip. Compliments to the school and pupils, they were well behaved, polite and interested and I found myself back in teacher mode hoping to enthuse them with an understanding of canals in the short time we were there. Here they were making their way onwards, as were we. No faces so hopefully no problems with identity for anyone.
This is one of Brunel's final pieces of work - it's known as Three Bridges because the road goes over the canal...
....and the canal goes over the rail!
We turned at Bulls Bridge onto the Paddington Arm of the Grand Union and.....
....believe it or not this is the scenery! We've looked on Google Maps and the whole area is full of houses and streets and urban life, and yet there's this wonderful green corridor running right through it and I wonder how many people realise it's there? Quite stunning.
We're now moored nicely in Willow Tree Marina, with electric once again. I've got the second lot of washing in and can't wait to actually use my iron! Paddy seems more serene - he was badly frightened by the boat banging against the moorings at Hampton (we had to move the fenders in the end) and he's been really off ever since. I actually had to take him out for a walk at 3.30 AM!!!!! at Hampton. Me in nightie and fleece - luckily there was no-one around! Anyway he seems more settled again and has eaten his food so hopefully he's over that.
Joy of joys there's a HUGE Tesco in a few minutes walk. I've been and just wandered around the shelves, buying very little but just enjoying the choices. Sad I know. I'm staying here tomorrow while John goes off with Malcolm to visit the Lowrie exhibition at the Tate Modern, then on Friday Susan and I are off to find my great, grandparents graves. It's my choice! Probably some alcohol involved in the evenings so I've got myself some Pimms and strawberries, just in case.
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