Another bright sunny morning, not quite as cold as yesterday and by the time we set off, before 9.30, it was a very pleasant temperature.
Before leaving our overnight mooring, Mike popped to Sainsbury for a newspaper and a couple of other items. Another chance to look at the new buildings alongside the canal which have sprung up since we first brought Take Five this way.
We had a two hour run into Little Venice where we hoped our mooring was still available for us!
Looking at the map recently, Mike realised that the River Brent passes under the canal just before the North Circular Aqueduct even though we had not noticed it before. This time we kept a close eye for it. No wonder we had missed it as the best we could do was to imagine what lies behind this thick hedge! (It is just beyond the far end of the aqueduct in this photo)
The plot just after the aqueduct is being cleared - whilst we cannot recall what was on the site before we certainly have not seen such a good view of the Wembley arch, even with a zoom. The name can just be seen on the outside!
The next photo was meant to be another entry in our unusual boats gallery (although we have seen a couple like this) but we only spotted the damsel in distress when we downloaded the photos later!
London may be under pressure to use every nook and cranny for living accommodation, but this seems to be taking the idea of a caravan park almost a bit too far.
A little later we were passing through the site of the former Acton Power Station. According to Wikipedia and also the photo here http://www.britainfromabove.org.uk/image/epw062154 the original complex on the north side was extended to the opposite side which no doubt explains why there are so many bridges across the canal. It opened in 1899 and ceased generating electricity in 1983 although some of the derelict buildings have been used as film locations. There is now just a substation.
Another new building. Not sure why it has this unusual form of structure but a longer view suggests that it continues much of its length.
There must be a reason why Mary Seacole is remembered on this almost inaccessible road bridge, but we have not yet discovered it. There are better memorials elsewhere, giving testimony to her complex and multi-dimensional life.
The Bauhaus Barge claims to be 'Solar-Powered Bauhaus Barge Offers Luxurious Living with a Low Carbon Footprint' and that it was built by Jurgen Huber, the zero energy Barge is designed to offer carbon neutral cruising & living at its finest! At least all those solar panels should be doing well this morning.
We arrived at the Little Venice service point just before 11:30 - long lines or moored boats on the approach slowed us down a little. After the usual servicing - the water tap is especially slow - we finally found our name tag on the allocated mooring ring and turned our thoughts to what we might now do!
Before lunch we walked into Paddington Station to find out about Oyster Cards. On past visits to London we have managed on day cards but, as the credit stays on the card indefinitely, we decided to try this method.
These are Rembrandt Gardens which give their name to these moorings.
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| Let's hope it works! |
After a wander around the local area, up to Leicester Square (alas, Christine turned down the option to see Fifty Shades of Grey) we returned to the church and cup of tea in the crypt before attending Choral Evensong. A small choir of nine Choral Scholars were just amazing. The anthem was an eight part piece by Tallis - fantastic.
We then returned to the boat before going to a nearby restaurant for a Lebanese meal.
2 comments:
Hi Mike, are the new moorings at Rembrandt Park permanent or visitor moorings? I understand from your blog that you’d booked the one you’re on now, who did you have to contact to arrange that and how long can you book it for? Regards.
Thanks for the question, Carol. This is a new experiment by CRT and offers just two places at a time. They are managed by a lady who also runs Stone Wharf permanent moorings just the other side of the bridge. You have to make contact by email to rembrandtgardens@gmail.com. Sarah is her name and she was most helpful indeed. The restrictions and other conditions can be found from through the CRT web site or simply by Google! I believe that the experiment is to be reviewed after six months.
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