We only planned a modest cruise today, mainly because we have to be in Little Venice tomorrow at 2 pm which would mean leaving Packet Boat around 8.30. Instead, we opted to go part way today, leaving a shorter run into London in the morning.
We did not plan an early start - at least that was one success. In any event we had a bit of a delay whilst we located someone to return our boat keys from the marina office. We had arranged for the annual RCR engine service to be carried out last Saturday. They had reported already by phone but the hard copy was also at the office. The main observation was that the domestic alternator seemed to be putting out a rather high voltage. We will have to arrange this to be looked at after this trip and before we come back again.
It was quite grey when we eventually eased ourselves away from the mooring, just after 11 o'clock with a short hop down to Yiewsley to call at Morrisons. Knowing that we would be able to do this meant that we did not have to bring quite so many supplies with us.
The weather forecast was 'two drops' rain all day. When we set off it had just begun to be wet but at this stage only very slight.
By the time we had moored and shopped at Yiewsley there was rather more rain but still not as bad as forecast. Nevertheless, not a day for spectacular photography! We came this was at the New Year so only really on the lookout for anything new happening.
At West Drayton station, work has begun in earnest at building the extended station which will serve the Crossrail line when it eventually opens.
Some while ago, the accommodation bridge over the railway line had been replaced by a huge foot and cycle bridge to give enough clearance over the tracks.
At New Year we noticed that the John Guest buildings between the canal and the railway were now unoccupied - they have splendid new units on the towpath side of the canal. (John Guest make plastic pipe fittings) Demolition in advance of the track widening is now underway and only the former Test Laboratory awaited its final fate.
Just before Bulls Bridge, another site seems to have been cleared - at least the former loading wharf can now be seen,although our historical resources do not show anything at this point. We do not recall seeing these features before but cannot remember just what has been taken away!
Meanwhile, Christine had been finishing off her winter soup for the day - chicken with plenty of chunky veg - which Mike opted to have in a mug whilst continuing to steer. By the time we turned onto the Paddington branch at Bulls Bridge the rain was much heavier, definitely worthy of the two drop description on the BBC weather page.
By three o'clock we were able to pull in to moor alongside Willow Tree Open Space. this is reasonably frequently used by longer term moorers but rarely entirely full. Even at this time of the year when many boats take up many of the free spaces close to London, we had a choice of spaces. It may be only mid afternoon but we were not unhappy that this was all we had planned to do.
6.6 miles - 0 locks
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