We will be only cruising the tidal Thames as far as Brentford because although it is possible to cruise upstream to Limehouse(in a narrowboat) it is advisable to cruise downstream thus going with the tide and not against it. The thought of cruising passed the Houses of Parliament appealed to one and all and this river boat did just that.
Here we are in Richmond Lock. When we cruise down in Arkholme we will be inside the 2 hours before and 2 hours after high tide when the weirs are raised thus allowing us to cruise though without the use of the lock.
This is the river at 4p.m, the level of the river taking us very much by surprise.
The islands have beaches.
As does Isleworth
The boats are well and truly aground.
Our captain struggled to find a navigable channel and told us that the Environment Agency, in their wisdom, have decided that the Thames is self dredging!!! He believes that without dredging this part of the river will be impassable at low tide thus bringing an end to river cruises from Hampton Court Palace to Westminster.
Fulham football ground.
The City of London is getting closer.
The iconic Battersea Power Station being transformed into modern day living and leisure.
A modern day London skyline.
Our first glimpse of the Houses of Parliament.
Mission complete....cruising past the Houses of Parliament!!!
Not forgetting the London Eye.
The boat trip was one-way so we had a little wander round, found a nice Italian restaurant that served delicious food and was Fen friendly. Then we braved Waterloo station and got a train back to Hampton Court.
A good time was had by all!!!!
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