Steadily up to Three Rivers land, Colne, Chess and Gade.

We had a little lay in this morning after our film night. We went to see 'The Hundred Foot Journey' that was a very lovely film that had tears and laughter and I highly recommend it.

The first lock of the day Uxbridge lock, that looks in the countryside but isn't.

Denham Deep Lock is a full 11ft 1" and is the deepest for a while I think. The sides definitely slope inwards towards the bottom.

We shared a couple of locks and then lost our partner to another. However this was okay as we were going to take on water at Coppermill Lock. This area has been a very industrial area in the past. There have been mills here since at least the Domesday Book Times. They were corn then paper and in 1802 the Royal Mines Company took over the mill near the lock. They brought in smelted copper from Glamorgan and rolled it to use on ship's bottoms. In 1803 the output was about 30 tonnes a week. It is also said that St Paul's dome was re-sheathed with product from here. However the Royal Navy moved over to iron built ships and the need for copper reduced and as the mill was so far from Glamorgan it was the first to close in 1863 and the mill was sold off. It then reverted to a paper mill for a short time and then asbestos factory and then to a rubber products. This was seen off by plastics. The site is being sold off for housing and you can see that they have had to strip a fair bit of soil off.  

This is the Long Room that was part of the Royal Mines Company. It is soon to be converted to flats.

Just up from the lock are these cottages. They don't look much from straight on but from this angle they have a certain charm and they must have been workers housing for the mills.

It seems that this farm yard is often used as a film set near Stocker's Lock

Lock Cottage at Stocker's Lock. We have noticed that folks in these parts don't readily seem to make eye contact and do not easily chat to you. This couple ignored us for the whole time we were in the lock, in line with most other people.

One thing we noticed in London was the very many people, men and women, who were openly drinking from cans and bottles. Often you see people drinking in groups round a bench but down in London they seem to just wander about swigging and being quite drunk. It seems that there is no embarrassment and it is also around here too.

Before tea we went for a walk into Rickmansworth. The main street is quite cute. It is not a big place but we found the Weatherspoons and it was nice to see we are back to a wine and a pint for under a fiver.

Rickmansworth with St Mary's Church. The Weatherspoons is named the 'Pennsylvanian' after William Penn from here who helped found the state. On the other hand Barbara Woodhouse was also from here.

Starting the migration north.

We went round to have a look at the new statue as Helen had 'googled' him and had quite taken to him. It is a nice setting and the new Paddington Basin, Merchant's Square, is kept spotless.

Sir Simon Milton's new statue.

Maybe you can see why I made the Obi Wan Konobi comment yesterday?

We set off before ten and started the slog out of London. It is a long trip with not too much to brighten the trip.

A lovelly scene that could be from the mill towns of Yorkshire but is at Kensal Town on the Harrow Road.

We stopped at the Sainsbury's at Portobello as just about all our cupboards were bare. And it let a couple of rather slow boats ahead pull clear.

The stretch of canal from the North Circular to Alperton is filthy with rubbish and needs a through clean up. Mind you I was expecting the area of towpath from about the Western Avenue to Southall to be even worse as on the way into London three weeks a ago it was piled high with garbage. When we passed today it had obviously been cleaned up. However, even in that short time, the rubbish is gathering quickly again. Why on earth do people do this. A lot of it is in plastic bags as though they have bought it here to dump!

As we approached the aqueduct over the North Circular there were glimpses on Wembley Stadium to the north.

We stopped for water at the Black Horse and I could have sworn it was Rick Wakeman on the boat there. (I think I may have said that on the blog for the way in, but they are still there!)

I didn't see this on the way in to London but it reminds me of the lighthouse near the Manchester Ship Canal. This one is near Western Avenue.

Bulls Bridge Junction with the Tesco supermarket in the background. The canal from Alperton is relatively moored boat free, but from Bull's Bridge to Uxbridge there are extensive lines of moored boats restricting progress.

We arrived at Uxbridge about 1730 ans had a quick tea. We are off to the pictures to celebrate our start of the journey north.

Plodding back to Paddington.

We aimed to be off by 0900 but by the time we had refilled with water, after starting a long delayed wash, it was 0950 when we entered the first lock of the day to start the climb up the Regents Canal.

Amy contemplating life and all it's mysteries as she waits for a lock to fill.

We met a few people coming down but it wasn't until Sturt's Lock that we had a buddy to help us. It was a very small 'London house boat' that was moving location. They didn't seem to be very talkative, maybe too early for them, and us.

This scene was just under a most un-presupposing railway arch. It was a lovely little haven set well away from normal eyes and looked very cosy indeed.

Islington seems to be been gentrified at the moment and this set of apartments looks very good alongside the the lock, willows and old chimney at City Road Lock.

 Down City Road Basin they are building these two tall and narrow blocks that make me think of Hong Kong. They are selling them as with a canal scape view.

There are only the moored boats, two abreast to mar the green view of the entrance to the Islington Tunnel. You wouldn't know you were in the middle of London from this photograph.

Next we came to the three Camden Locks. As the sun wasn't out it wasn't quite as busy as when we came down but there were still plenty of drinkers between the locks and tourists eating and gongoozling.

After Camden is the sharp turn at Cumberland Basin where it is not a good place to meet the trip boats thundering round the corner. We were lucky today and had a quiet run past the zoo. We actually saw some sort of dingo type dogs and warthogs. This is the view of the aviary as you pass the zoo gardens.

We were soon entering the Paddington Basin and as we turned the corner we could see no spaces. However as we progressed slowly down the arm we saw the behind a pair of double moored boats was a space on the pontoon under the hospital. It was the same place as we tied up a couple of weeks ago. Helen and Amy set too making cakes and biscuits to take to her boyfriend and I put all the river gear away, the anchor and chain, life ring long ropes etc. These mainly go under the dinette out of the way. The just fit and they also help to alter the trim a little and get the bow up. I also decided to dig out all the logs I had put in the bow locker from under the solar panels so that we didn't lose them when on the Thames. Late on there was a group of dignitaries around the new fountain. It turns out that they are unveiling a statue to Sir Simon Milton who had been the Leader of Westminster Council 2000 to 2008 and then became Boris Johnson's Chief of  Staff and Deputy Mayor of Policy and Planning until he died in 2011. It seems that it was he who drove the development of Paddington Basin and it has been the largest in central London. It is a bronze statue of him sitting on a bench near the fountain. In life he was a small person but the statue by Bruce Kemp makes him look like Obi Wan Kanobi. 

After the ceremony the new bridge was raised and if looks quite spectacular. The bridge deck splits like a fan. It was designed by Knight Architects.

To bloke arrived in the basin later with a very noisy boat, and they were very noisy too. Mainly because they were drunk I suspect. They passed and made a pigs ear of turning round and then approached us. The bounced of the side and passed, and then reversed for another go, and passed. They then tried forwards again sliding right down the side but continued on to the boat moored behind us. They were having none of it and saw them off telling them they couldn't moor alongside as it was against regulations. I full well knew that they knew it was no allowable. When they had eventually disappeared a young bloke came to the other boat and as nicely as possible told them that the rule has changed here. He also asked them how they would like it if they had been turned away. The fact was they never asked if it was okay, they were drunk and been rude and were hardly capable of steering their boat. I think we would be quite within our rights not to have somebody like that alongside you. If they want cooperation from folk they should act accordingly.

We walked Amy to the Tube later as she is staying her last night with her boyfriend. After something to eat we wandered off into Paddington and found the Victoria Pub that was very nice as it had a theatre and library bar upstairs. Down stairs was very busy though.

Change of plans.

We had decided to go to Syon House today as it was the first day it had been opened. Over breakfast we also settled on the plan to go back to Limehouse and then up to Paddington so Amy could see the Regents canal, do some locks and be close to the station for her train on Friday.

Syon House is owned by the Percy family who are the Dukes of Northumberland. They also have Alnwick Castle. The place started as a St. Bridgettine Abbey and then was handed over to the crown with the dissolution. In the end it became the centre of intrigue for the court of the Tudors as the Percy's were close to the crown. In fact the closeness continued as the Princess Victoria stayed here with the Duchess acting as her governess to to coach her in readiness for her coronation. The  last Duke and Duchess had the last King George VI and his family at their wedding.

The conservatory is absolutely gorgeous and was the first of its size in the world. They also supplied vine cuttings from here to start the  wine growing in Australia. The gardens were also beautiful

The conservatory helped to inspire the design of the Crystal Palace too, and you can see why.

Going on our departure yesterday I thought that that we would leave Thames lock about 1545 but as the lock keeper didn't come on until I couldn't check.  I thought that we would have to be at Limehouse about 1900 but when I called them they said they would not let me in after 1800. We therefore left as soon  as we could and actually entered the river at 1500. The tide was running strongly but we seemed to be doing okay.

Amy took the helm and did very well avoiding all the buoys etc but she did even better avoiding all the rowers that were on the river from the various schools boat clubs. They did seem to have many safety boats and as they mostly row backwards they can't see where they are going! Sometimes we had to leave them to port, and sometimes to st'bd and sometimes we went between them.

Detail of Hammersmith Bridge. (I think) that was built in 1883 by Bazalgette.

I was monitoring the speed and distance to go as the tide changed and our speed picked up, but it seemed that we would not make it until after the deadline of 1800. I increased the revs on the engine to 2500 rpm and we seemed to be flying. I was also cutting the corners rather than following the middle of the line. The traffic was pretty light, even the ferries seemed to be away somewhere. However when we got lower down the easterly wind over the outgoing  tide caused the waves to build up a little and made it quite exciting.

Vauxhall Bridge with the two tonne bronze statue of Architecture with a model of St. Pauls in her hand.

The evening sun was just right to illuminate Canary Wharf to best effect and display the sky line at its best. We crossed over the river behind the two ferries in the photo to get to Limehouse Lock on the north bank.

We had made it by the skin of our teeth. 1750 and we were there. The lock crew were quite firm about closing up at 1800 regardless. After this photo things went a little wrong. I had intended to swing round to port and stem the tide before letting us be set in slowly into the entrance of the lock. Instead I thought i would run in, at speed to compensate for the current. All went well until the bow got further into the lock and out of the tide. However the stern was still in the tide and no matter what I did the bow swung to port. We clattered the wall a bit and we bounced of and were then into the lock safe and  sound. I did wonder if we were going to make it and I didn't fancy a night out on the pontoon that you can see on the right as it would be quite bouncy through the night. All that was hurt was my pride. This  was the maneuver we had to do to get a big ferry into Immingham Lock on the ebb on the Humber. I made the mistake of allowing others to pressurise me into changing my plans at the last minute.

We were soon out of the lock and went straight to the jetty to take water as were were very low. There was a GRP yacht right next to the berth and with the wind on to the jetty the bloke on the sailing boat came out to make sure I didn't damage his boat. I'm pleased to say I managed to complete this job with ease and redeemed myself a little. We had Joe aboard for a good curry tea and he brought beer and cider and some strawberries  for pud. He can come again.

Just for Joe's Dad, 'don't forget  to wash your hands now.

An anchor is quite useful!

Very sorry for the late post. It was a very long day and we got back to the boat late. This blog is to cover Tuesday 9th September.

Helen and Amy decided that they would go into town for a bit of women's therapy. I had volunteered to go down to Limehouse with another vessel that couldn't wait for the delays at Hanwell Locks. I pottered about until about 1400 when we started moving down to Thames Lock. There we met a friend of Adrian's. We were let out of the lock about 1500 on a beautiful day. The tide was against us but we seemed to be making good headway.

The tide was coming on to springs so some of the paths and pavements along the Thames were submerged.

We had a good trip down with some good conversation and idle banter. We had to be at Limehouse before 1800 and we were easily going to make it on time. It was quiet on the river and as we passed the Police Pier I pointed out the entrance to Limehouse and said that we would be there shortly. With that breath the engine stopped! We looked at each other and then I looked at the throttle to check that that hadn't been knocked. We then lifted the engine hatch and found.... there was water two thirds up the engine!! I asked if he had a pump and he went to get that and as we were about two hours after high water we were being  driven down river rather rapidly. I went to the bow and lowered the anchor into the water. It seemed to take ages to bite but it did and held us steady in a could safe location. By the time I got back to the stern the pump was in action and seemed to lowering the level. I contacted London VTS and told them our situation and said that I would keep them informed by  what we found. The level continued to drop but as none of us were engines we thought that if water had got into the engine and we started it it may shatter the engine as water can not be compressed! We therefore asked for a two and eventually a PLA Launch 'Lambeth' came alongside and took us the half mile to the pontoon outside the lock at Limehouse.

Our narrow boat hipped up alongside 'Lambeth' on the way to safety.

Once alongside and after thanking the launch crew for their help, we continued to empty the water out of the compartment. There appeared to be no ingress as the level did not go up when we stopped. When I checked the weed hatch I  could only get one half turn on it but I have a feeling that the water came in there as the swell and the higher than normal revs. may  have forced water through a poor seal. I couldn't see anything else. The Captain decided to give the engine a try and after a few turns it took and started. That would save him a great deal of money and delays. I left them on the pontoon after an exciting end to the trip and went to find my girls.

I met them on Regent's Street and as we had a meal at Bella Italia I was told of their day. They went to Buckingham House to see booking a ticket but found that they could go straight in. They had three hours to soak up the place and were well impressed. My fear is that she will have some decorating for  me this winter. They then went off to the shops and each had a couple of bags with them and big smiles on their faces. By the time we had caught the tube and bus back to Brentwood it was gone 2230 so I didn't write the blog. In fact when I woke up this morning I found that I had left the hatch open!

Brentford and Old Isleworth.

This morning it seemed that we were to be stuck here for a while longer as the Grand Union was closed by the Police. I little later we heard that it was no longer closed but restricted so that they would allow boats through when ever they could. On of the boats waiting went straight off to get through. We needed milk so we went for a look around Brentford to see what we could find. By the time we got back we had a text saying that the canal was once again closed for navigation with no guess as to when it would reopen. There are other boats waiting and one, a single hander, has decided to go via Limehouse but was nervous about it. I volunteered to go with him and help with the lock. So that is for tomorrow now.

After lunch we decided to go for a walk to Isleworth and back following the Thames Path that travels each side of the river. The house was not open but we got a look round the garden centre and the gift shop and walk through the grounds.

The dome of the Syon House Conservatory with a plane bound for Heathrow.

West aspect of Syon House with the haw haw in front.

This is a grid where, when the tide goes out, a boat moored on it will settle on the grid and so can be worked on until the tide raises again.

Richmond Footbridge with a weir and lock. The weir was needed to maintain the level in the river between Richmond and Teddington. When the old London Bridge was removed in 1832 the tides ran in and out much faster than previously. The effect was increased by dredging in the lower reaches so much so that the Thames was just a muddy trickle at some states of the tide. It was officially opened in 1894 and for pedestrians it cost a penny each way. The lock is on the Surrey side. For two hours each side of high water the weir is raised and there is free passage under the bridge. Out side those times the lock must be used and has a maximum fall of 10ft.

Locking north from Town Wharf Old Isleworth with All Saints Church in the distance. The trees on the right are on the nature reserve that is Isleworth Ait island.

A street of lovely buildings in Old Isleworth.

Back in Brentford we found this secretive little mooring that is called Town Wharf and is found round the back of Brentford Ait and under a little bridge.

Thames traffic.

Again today there will be loads of photos and  not much  prose as it has been one of those days. Between us we must have taken  around 800 photos so I think another blog  with some other of the best photos on when I have sorted them out more. We just had time to go and get water before our pen out at 1000. In the end we were out on our own and away. The first thing we saw was the Royal  Barge under tow.

Leaving Limehouse Lock just around 1000.

The Royal Barge under tow to the Tall Ships Festival.

There is so much building going on and from the river it is obvious to see that there are so many places converted to apartments (nobody has a  flat in London) and many more being built new.

Converted riverside wharf and warehouse.

We were soon up amongst the iconic buildings and fighting our way through  traffic. We were just a little early for Tower Bridge to be lifted for us (other ships to come down stream). We did pass under the centre span though.

Spectacular remodeling of Hays Wharf.

HMS President painted in dazzle paint scheme as per vessels in WWI.

The London Eye.

Houses of Parliament.

Vauxhall Bridge has eight bronze statues on the piers each denoting various aspects of life. I think this one is education. Each one weighs 2 tonnes and they were erected in 1907.

Battersea Power Station has been bought by a Malaysian team to convert to mixed use building. I think originally the four chimnies were to be demolished but there has been such an outcry that they are to be saved. I hope so as the building would lose all context with out them.

Albert Bridge, Chelsea. It was built in 1873 as a cable stay bridge but proved unsound. Therefore between 1884 and 1887 it was rebuilt with elements of a suspension bridge. It was a toll bridge only for six years.

Harrod's Depository. I have only seen it on the Boat Race coverage previously.

This is the house, of  all the ones we saw on the way to Brentford, that we liked the best for our own. Mind you, there is quite a long list others that would fit the bill if this one wasn't available.

This is the approach to Thames Lock at Brentford.

We entered the lock to be told by the lock  keeper that the Hanwell flight of locks had been closed. It seems that the Police have closed it so that divers can search the area as this is where the girl that went missing last week was last seen. We are hoping that they will be open in a day or two. meanwhile we will site here and catch the  tube into London. Amy's boyfriend treated us to a meal at the Magpie and Crown that was very tasty indeed before going home for work. It has been a great day, in fact a fantastic weekend and there is a week still to go with our daughter. In the end it may mean we have to retrace our steps to Limehouse to go back up the Regents Canal.