Shepperton

Today's River : River Thames

Actually, we started on the Grand Union Canal for just a little more than the length of Thames Lock, where we moored overnight.

Although we were originally told to lock out at 6:30, the lock keeper came by last night and suggested that it would be better to go out at 7:30, not too early and we will still go up on the last of the tide.

Two other boats arrived after us yesterday but moored ahead so they went out first, one at a time, despite the lock being able to hold four. In fact, the tide level meant that we locked up to the river, by about 100mm.

The weather was grey and damp as we turned out of the canal onto the main river. Alas, this means that photos today will be less than brilliant - at some times it felt almost misty.

We were very noticeably under the Heathrow flight path with a constant stream making their early morning arrivals.

There are many grand houses bordering the river at every point. Syon House, one of the grander, is just above the junction where we joined the river.

Our first target was Richmond half-tide lock. The lock itself bypasses the tidal gates which hold back the water apart from a period either side of high tide. Boats from the canal are let through the locks on the basis that they will not need to use the lock but when the tidal gates are shut it is possible still to make a passage. Mike experimented on this trip with using the panorama camera option - produces a rather surreal version of the scene.

By the time we had passed through Richmond the tide began to turn and we slowed down very considerably. Speed through the water was one thing, over the round very different.

The Star and Garter Home on Richmond Hill is a prominent landmark but the effect of the rain on the camera is all too obvious.

Eventually, the Teddington Lock came into view and as we approached a green light beckoned us to the lock landing. The lock itself was in use, as the royal barge Gloriana came down.

According to the lock keeper, the barge has been in constant use since its original jubilee celebration and looked well-maintained.

Above the lock we had to moor for a short while. Christine had to see the lock keeper to pay for a visitor licence. She had tried to see whether we could upgrade our standard licence to a gold version but it seems that this is not yet one of the options which has been fully modernised!

At least we did not now have to be concerned about the tide but as the day progressed, the speed of the river flow increased significantly - there is now and amber warning for this section of the river up to Reading, not doubt as a result of the heavy overnight rains.

We saw a couple of pseudo trip boats - this one masquerades as a paddle steamer!

Overall, the river seems so far to have recovered well from the winter flooding but not all made it through. We were told later that we shall see more marooned boats further up the river nearer to Windsor.

The weather was not to deter rowers and several groups as well as individuals were out, battling against the river flow.

This boat really does deserve its entry into our Unusual Boats collection. (It is actually three alongside each other)

Hey, look what's behind you! This one is pretending to be a stern wheeler, more at home on the rivers and bayous of Mississippi.

After the long loop in the river through Thames Ditton, we reached Hampton Court with the splendid gold painted gates guarding entrance from the river landing.

Next in our sights was Molesey Lock where two very friendly keepers awaited us. Above the lock we used the water point and sanitary station. There was also an information panel about the extensive re-building of the weir which started last summer and will complete this year. Wonder how they coped with the floods?

A little further and we spotted a good visitor mooring where we could safely stop for lunch. We the river flow it is helpful to have an easy spot to come alongside.

The afternoon gradually became a little pleasanter, weather-wise, and the various dark clouds managed to hang on to their rain. For a short time we even had some patches of blue sky but they quickly disappeared!

At the EA dept where a large new dry dock is under construction, it looked as if the mini digger is having to be rescued from its precarious angle by its big friend!

The busy bridge at Walton was replaced by a new structure, the sixth at this crossing, and opened last year. Since then the old bridges alongside have been demolished and no sign of them remained.

Finally, we came along the Desborough Cut, a section that was created to bypass some lengthy and shallow bends. Blue sky - for a moment!

At the end of the cut is the confluence of the Rivers Thames and Wey, just below Shepperton Lock. We planned to stay overnight here on the visitor mooring, but they were just around the final bend. As we slowed to spot them, the river flow - all over the place because of the complex junction but also now remarkably fast, swept us to the side and for a time we were stuck in shallow mud. A passing boat offered to tow us off but by the time it had stopped, ready to turn around, we had managed to lever ourselves off the bank. Shortly afterwards we were - gratefully - safely moored on the bank opposite the lock.

Another boat moored in front of us suggested that the nearby pubs were good so Christine and Andrew went to investigate. Sadly, one of them was not only pretentious in its offering but pointed out that it was the last night for the advertised menu and did not deny that we might have to put up with 'leftovers'! The other one, which attracted Andrew on account of its CAMRA membership, sadly did not do food tonight!

16.4 miles - 5 locks