Last leg of the Tideway

We woke up to the sound of wind and rain this morning, which didn't bode well for our final trip on the tidal Thames.

our Brentford mooring outside the BW offices (sign on door not changed yet!)

We weren't due to go through Thames lock until 11.15, two hours before high tide which would then take us up to Teddington lock and off the tidal water. So there was time to use the services, walk Jumble and visit the River for a quick recce, oh dear...

Half an hour before we leave and there's just mud below the lock!

on the mud at the boatyard

a great variety of boats here at MSO Marine, in various stages of build or repair.

Nevertheless by the time we got down to Thames lock and been let down by the friendly lady lock-keeper the tide had come up enough and we were soon back out on the Thames.

 Our first view up river today and look the sun is shining now and the wind has dropped.

NB Oliver's Dreams came out with us and was soon in front.

Isleworth

Planes overhead coming into Heathrow

Richmond half-tide lock, moveable weir and footbridge, the barriers just visible along the water line, holding the tide.

But at high tide they are raised, the barriers lift

right out of the water

and rotate up above

and we pass through. A great piece of Victorian engineering, built in 1894.

Heronry at Eel Pie Island, Twickenham

Richmond Bridge

Richmond Hill

Those clouds look a bit threatening, but the tree colours are amazing against them.

A bit of a contrast to the view of Richmond Hill behind us, looks like a Coot's nest, a recycled mix of rubbish!

Oh dear, is it coming this way?

Main House or Boat House?

Yes the rain came down,

Just as we got to Teddington lock.

But by the time we were leaving the sun was out again. We moored up for lunch and a walk round the nature reserve, hung up the washing which had been done on the journey and then were ready to set off again.

We wanted to stop at Hampton Court, all the free overnight moorings alongside the Palace were taken,

So we went up the lock and have had to pay (grrrr) for the night. We will go to visit tomorrow.

A shorter day for us today, after the mammoth day yesterday, (I just totalled up the lock miles! No wonder I slept like a baby).

There was time to make Chocolate Fudge Cake, yummm.

Monday

Limehouse Basin - Brentford - Bull's Bridge - Brentford

26 miles, 23 locks, Phew (In 11 hours, inc Tesco shop)

Tuesday

Brentford - Hampton Court

10 miles, 4 locks