And Finally..... The Grand Union Canal

Only two things of note happened during my pootling up and down the Thames, firstly I had moored at Walton

Side Hatch View

for the night but there was no phone signal, I decided to walk into town for some provisions when I got a phone call, my niece Tracey had been driving around the area trying to spot me, so once she knew where I was she arranged to come along and see me with her husband Lee and two of their children, Alfie and Phoebe, it was lovely to have an unexpected opportunity to show them my new home, thank you all for the visit.

The other thing was that I had seen a lovely widebeam at Hampton Court Moorings and then again at Molesey Lock where they were taking on water and when I arrived back at Kingston Bridge they were there again and this time I got the chance to chat with them, a lovely couple, I didn’t ask their names

Me in the middle Jakandan on the right

but the boat was called Jakandan (if I have spelt that correctly), they had the boat built for them and had been cruising for three months loving it, the lady said they should have started years ago, they were staying on the Thames and heading further into London, so we wished each other good luck before I left this morning.

Today.

After what seemed a very long time going back and forth up The Thames (although it was only 3 days more than anticipated) I finally set off for Teddington Lock at midday, I was about an hour earlier than I had originally planned but I was taking no chances, let’s get there, the river was on yellow boards (caution) and I did not want to wait and see if it changed to red (moor up and hope), so because I was early it decided to rain for just that first hour, when I arrived at Teddington the sun came out.

Waiting at Teddington Lock

Teddington Lock

Whilst waiting a narrowboat pulled up alongside me and asked if it was ok to breast up (tie up alongside me) I said yes of course, he introduced himself as Dave (NB Chavori) and I asked where he was off to, when he said Brentford I asked if he minded if I tagged along behind him as that was where I was heading, and I had reservations about losing the daylight and the turn into the Grand Union, he was happy to oblige and give some advice telling me as everyone had that the journey up the tidal stretch would be no problem, he was also with another boat a small cruise called Summer Breeze, I did not catch the young couples name but they were very pleasant.

At about three pm (we had to wait for the tide) the lockie’s signalled us to enter the lock, then we were through and away (no-one noticed, or if they did, mentioned my expired licence, and there were three of them.) I have to say it was all very simple, calm river, no traffic other than some canoeists just before Richmond,

Little Convoy Richmond Bridge

I must admit though if I did not have Dave to follow I may well haved missed the entrance to the GU, it’s a sharp left, a very tiny sign on the left, and a very uninspiring entrance, not much “Grand” about the first bit!

Then it was through Thames Lock, onto the Brentford gauging locks and through that to the visitor moorings, by now it was dark, Dave kindly pulled in to a very convenient mooring (well he was first) and I, rather well, squeezed into one a little further along, I surprised myself, but I struggled a bit to moor, the rings and bollards were not best placed for me and so I put pins in, I was cold, it was dark and I was happy just to get tied up.

They have showers here along with washing machines toilets and the usual boaty needs, so I took the opportunity of a free shower where I didn’t need to bend my knees to get under it, it was very pleasant.

I will decide in the morning whether to stay or move on, the weather may play a part.

Total today: 3 Locks : 8 miles