Battlebridge

We were not in a hurry to make a start as we were waiting for Andrew to arrive at lunch time. Alice had time to do quite a bit of reading - Fatbag was proving rather amusing.

Late in the morning we all went shopping for a few food items - but the Sainsbury which we had not been to before was not able to supply all our needs so on the way back, Christine and Alice diverted via Paddington Station to find a post box and also to try for the remaining items at Tesco.

When Mike returned to the boat he discovered that the little bridge - more a decorative item than anything else - was being opened. Although the bridge is across a very short arm, and that arm was laid out with mooring rings, it is not actually long enough for most boats anyway!

The bridge operates via a series of hydraulic rams which case the eight sections to roll up into an octagon. Just for demonstration purposes (and probably for something interesting to do) the security guards open and close it on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon.

The weed and rubbish collecting boat was also out in action.

Andrew arrived soon after Christine and Alice - they all just missed the bridge operation - we set off up to Little Venice where we annoyed some film makers by stopping at the water and disposal station, just where they wanted to film a reflected tree!

As we reversed back to the junction where it is wide enough to turn around, we picked up some plastic bags around the prop which made reversing difficult and meant we had to come alongside to clear it away.

Blow Up Bridge

Off then along Regents Canal, passing the expensive and impressive mansions that line the park beside the canal. we also passed under Blow Up Bridge before reaching the Pirate Castle and soon after the top lock at Camden Market. As always there was a good crowd of onlookers - by now the sun was quite warm and many were sitting on the edge of the canal to pass the time.

Camden Lock

Just before Islington Tunnel we reached Battlebridge basin where there was a possibility of an overnight mooring so we pulled in but, alas there was no free space tonight. Luckily we had spotted a towpath mooring free just a short distance back so we returned there. Mike has to take Alice back home on the train and this is a convenient spot for Kings Cross station. Our aim of reaching Limehouse tonight was just too far, especially as we had a few delays in setting off. Perhaps we can make an early start tomorrow, although Andrew has to leave for a day trip to Peterborough and will re-join us in the evening - somewhere!

3.6 miles - 4 locks