We can’t keep away!

Our guest today was Adam (nb ‘Briar  Rose’) who we were delighted to have aboard.  We got to Teddington Lock, where he joined us for the journey down to Limehouse Basin.  Yes we did the tidal Thames again – this time in the opposite direction!  Most of the pictures speak for themselves:

We were the first of eight boats in the lock at Teddington this morning – all of the rest were destined for Brentford but we were going for the full Monty.

Just as we entered the big lock, Elly and Mick on nb Parisien Star were entering the smaller lock after their trip from Brentford.

We had a good lunch on the way to Brentford.  Cheese risotto (Thanks Jaq)with mini pizzas and salad. (and wine of course!)

Swinging wide past Eel Pie Island.

Past the Harrods Depository.

Approaching Wandsworth Bridge.

Iconic of course – Battersea Power Station.

We didn’t notice on our last journey through the city but Lambeth Bridge has the most wonderful statues adorning its, already beautiful, construction.

We had to take this shot.

Two happy souls.

James with a very fast catamaran coming up on his blind side!

The Shard

We’re in the city – St Paul’s becons.

Its getting a bit choppy!

Look out James! another one approaching!

Sandwiched between HMS Belfast and a large restaurant boat as we approach Tower Bridge.

We’re betting closer to Limehouse and the it’s getting even choppier.  James had to negotiate three lots of wakes in succession which took us far too close to the lock entrance and we couldn’t turn fast enough to get downstream in order to approach it from downriver.  So it was “the ferry guide” technique which gave us no room for manoeuvre.  A good job James put his brown pants on this morning! 

Almost safe! Adrian on the bridge taking the pictures.

Nearly there!.

Home!

It was the most amazing experience to have the lock gates open and the water pour in! see the gap in the centre of the gates!

We held onto the ropes as the water cascaded in.

After we rose to the top we glided into the basin and to safety. A great day – we wouldn’t have missed it for the world.

We are now moored up in Limehouse Basin and off for a meal tonight with Adam and Adrian and the St Pancras Cruising club as weather permitting we are hoping to join them for the trip tomorrow to barking Creek – more excitement!