Friends, food and Remembrance.

On Monday friend David (acting DJ on our “Ventura” cruise earlier this year) came to see us.  After a very relaxing afternoon of G & Ts and chat we all went for an evening meal in Tiger Tiger before wending our separate ways.  We had a great time with you David and thanks for popping in.

We’ve moved moorings from the main basin at Paddington to make room for the winter moorings and we’re now right outside the railway station entrance.  It’s incredibly quiet at night ……..

…… and even in the daytime!

On Tuesday we made our way to see the poppies at the Tower of London again.  This time there were many more poppies  and many more people.  In fact, we took advice and didn’t go during last week’s half term as it was so busy.

It’s  really quite a sight and terrible thought provoking.  It certainly concentrates the mind on how lucky we are these days to enjoy the freedom we have and at the terrible expense of so many lives.

Here’s one wonderful old survivor who’s certainly not ready to give in yet!  He’s a true VIP among the thousands of souls around the Tower at the moment.

It’s a tremendous work of art and, in the sunshine, a glorious sight.

We took a walk along the Embankment where so many people pass this 3500 year old work of art and take very little notice.  “Cleopatra’s Needle”, quarried at Syene all those years ago, was given to British Nation in 1819 by the Viceroy of Egypt as a memorial to our “distinguished countrymen” Nelson and Abercromby.

After walking our legs off during the day,  in the evening we took the bus to visit friends Steve and Ivan at the their home south of the river.  We had great food, great company with them before leaving them to have their beauty sleep before heading to work in the morning.  Thanks both of you very much for the meal and your company.

It’s been another fantastic few days which will be coming to an end soon, so we hope to end on something special.

It’s a Whirl as Usual!

The last few days have not relented to give us any rest (who needs it anyway – we’re a long time dead!)  Friday at 11 o’ clock the bridge raising took place in the basin.

Also on Friday we had the pleasure of the company of friend Steve (who’s video productions of our boating antics have been very popular on the net!)

We had a get day with him having a bit of a chill-out and lunch out with him. God knows what James is trying to achieve here!

A couple of shots of the new end of the basin – all lovely and new and splendid …………

……. and very popular with the local work force during their breaks.

During our chill-out period on Friday, Nick  of NB Marpessa 2, arrived as Emma was out shopping, to partake in a G & T or two!and finalise plans for a Saturday night out in town.

On Friday evening the new footbridge at the end of basin was operated.  The five “fingers” that make up the bridge rise independently make a spectacular display (and forcing everyone to walk all the way round the basin!)

The other spectacular display that evening were the pumpkins on the front of “Chance”!

Saturday evening (like Friday) in Soho was a riot of Halloween celebrations.  After visiting a number of chic “hostelries” we went to Manbar to end a great evening with Nick and Emma. James, Emma and Nick enjoying the smoke and mirrors of the nightclub atmosphere. 

This takes some sorting out! James (encased in feathers), then two fantastic Halloween “birds”, Doug and Nick, with Emma taking the pic.  Good music, lasers, smoke, the odd drink and great friends made up a truly super evening.

On Sunday morning we had a visit from Phil and Helen from wb (wide beam) “Mrs Madrigal” who joined us for a cup of coffee and a very enjoyable chat. Nice to see you both guys….

This morning James attended St Mary’s Hospital for a routine heart check up – the first since his ablation in April.  Everything is splendid (so far) and he’s been taken off all medication.  That’s what he’s wanted to hear for some time as some of the side effects have been a bit tedious.  Needless to say, he’s a very happy bunny this morning!

To London town!

Yesterday, Wednesday, we had our last day on the Grand Union.

With London only a few hours cruising away there was still an air of peace and tranquillity about.  Black Jack’s Lock was very pretty with the old mill house beside it and a beautiful old thatched cottage above the lock (couldn’t get a pic.)

With just one more to go after Denham Deep Lock.  As it’s name suggests, the deepest on the GU at just over 11 feet.

There are always interesting and novel things to see – some more so than others.  This is a genuinely paddle powered boat as the chain drive take off from the gearbox is clearly visible.

Our last lock of the season – Cowley Lock, and just a little wet at this moment. After this it was another five hours cruising before arriving, and finding a space, in Paddington Basin.  James has a hospital appointment at St Mary’s Hospital next week so, apart from it seeming to be our second home, the basin will be extremely convenient.

This morning we were able to view the recently redeveloped (and almost complete) end of the canal basin.  Back in the spring, when we were here last, this was just a building site.  Now it has fountains, grass, seating and a very swish bridge.  The bronze statue sitting on the seat beyond the fountain depicts Sir Simon Milton, (1961 – 2011) Deputy Lord Mayor of London (2008 – 2011) and a major driving force in the regeneration of Paddington.

Although we met up with several friends last night (and hence a late night!) we were still out in force today.  While shopping in and around Tottenham Court Road, we found the best view of the Telecom Tower we’ve come across.

Oh the joy of a London bus ride!  This is the view from the front seat on a new “Boris Bus” (with yet another in front).  They are very quiet and comfortable and ideal to hop on and off – just like the old days.  Well done Boris!

The weather today has been superbly warm and we took advantage of it by lunching al fresco at “L’ ulivo” near Leicester Square ……..

……. where they laid on a Scottish pipe band for us right outside the restaurant. 

After lunch we popped into the Whitewall Gallery just off Bond Street.  We’ve been invited next week when the Argentinian artist Fabian Perez unveils his new collection in the UK.  Olivia and gallery manager Anna were in the middle of unpacking and hanging all the new paintings for next week but they still had time to welcome us and offer us a glass or two of champagne!  Thanks girls for the warm welcome and we’ll see you next week.

Tonight we are off out in town again, to bolster the capitals economy!

Double Family Fun.

On Sunday, to conclude our joyful family occasion this weekend, we took “the kids” for lunch to the ‘King and Queen’ in the village of Longcot, Oxfordshire where we enjoyed good food and especially good company. Vicki, James, Frances, Kel, Doug and Ian (all sitting opposite our partners) about to sample the finest of roast potatoes in all the land.

A very proud dad between his two roses!

Due to numbers one of the ‘roses’ (Vicki) had to be consigned to the boot for the journey back home. Well someone had to hold on to the pumpkins!

The pumpkins safely made the journey back to boat when we returned to Cowroast marina late on Sunday evening - and the big one now looks like this on the roof.

On Monday Doug’s parents, Derek and Vilma, ………

……. and sister Dawn, came to visit us on “Chance” and spent a gloriously sunny day with us. We had a marvellous cruise together from Cowroast marina to Berkhamsted. 

This morning, Tuesday, we left the “Port of Berkhamsted” at 7:30 for the longest day’s canal cruising we’ve done.  15 miles and 31 locks in 10 hours ……….

….. and the weather again was absolutely splendid.  We couldn’t match the collection of pumpkins which this lock cottage had to offer!

Way down the canal, through Hemel Hempstead, Apsley, King’s Langley and Hunton Bridge, we arrived at the stretch of canal through Cassiobury Park, just outside Watford.  It’s a lovely area now somewhat plagued by large numbers of unkempt canal craft.  This one was one of the more amusing ones – let’s hope the wind doesn’t get up! 

However, there are still stretches where the glories of nature can still be enjoyed untouched.

There are some architectural highlights to be had – like Lady Capel’s bridge ……..

…….and just beyond that is the glorious former mill building looking very nice amid it’s autumn framing.

Most of today’s locks we tackled on our own with just a few being shared with other boats.  Five locks were made easier sharing with Aileen and ‘Shady’ on nb “The Sharp End” (bizarrely we’ll be meeting them again in the New Year during another adventure!) …….

……. and just one lock sharing with trading boat “Hyperion” which we took further advantage of and bought an extra bag of coal (much easier when you’re in a lock together).

After Cassiobury Park darkness quickly set in and we found a very pleasant mooring on the edge of the nature reserve below Springwell Lock.  Another first for us  - we’ve never knocked in mooring pins in the dark before! 

Family Celebrations

On Saturday, after shoe-horning “Chance” into a temporary berth in Cowroast marina near Tring the day before, we set off in the car for Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire for a bit of visiting of friends ……….

………and to attend an evening gathering of family and friends, to celebrate with James’ brother Martin and partner Sue, their 10 years of being together.

As a number of us had guessed they announced that earlier in the day they had secretly got married! – and the ‘10 year’ decoration on the cake top had been swapped for one showing a Bride and Groom without anyone noticing.

Brother Martin and daughter Sophie (sorry to son Robert and both their partners for not getting photos of you all!)

James was up dancing instead of taking enough photos but here’s a chance one of daughters Frances (and partner Kel on the right) and Vicki and partner Ian in the middle. (they’re too busy chatting and enjoying themselves to pose for pics!)

In the taxi going home to Frances and Kel’s house (where we were staying for the night) a perfect shot to some up joy of the evening!  Vicki, Doug (what more can one say!) and Ian (who came amiss a week ago while enjoying his passion of cycling) who’s nursing a broken collar bone!

A great day was had by all.  Earlier in the day we’d managed to get to Bristol to visit our dear friend Becky in Frenchay Hospital who making the most wonderful progress after a very serious illness.  We were thrilled to see her.