Fast Flowing Rivers

 Angela preparing to leave Teddington lock, and complying with notice

At 6am we were in the lock waiting to travel the 21 miles from Teddington to Limehouse- lifejackets donned and VHF radio tuned to scan the London VTS, emergency and Limehouse Marina frequencies.

 A cormorant tree in Richmond

 Putney Bridge

The river became wider and choppier as we travelled downstream. After passing the Brentford lock we were then committed to our Limehouse lock exit. Putney Bridge had many buses which stood out in the otherwise grey scenery

 This river is REALLY big!

Battersea Power station diminished by the width of the river as the sky darkened behind us

 MI6 HQ on the South Bank

 Approaching Westminster

 The Houses of Parliament

 Riding the waves as we approach the London Eye

Conditions became more turbulent with waves crashing against the front of the boat and water splashing the stern. The London eye was a dominant landmark which we passes directly underneath.

 Cleopatra's Needle

 St Pauls and the City

 The Millenium Bridge with commuters

 Passing HMS Belfast and feeling very small

 Wow! Tower Bridge looks imposing

 Tower Bridge from below

As we passed under Tower bridge Graham called Limehouse lock to let the keepers know we were approaching. They confirmed they were ready for us.

 A river bus bearing down on us

These huge cats create a wash which Graham turned banjo into to avoid being hit broadside. Even so it felt like we were on a bucking bronco but it was worth it for the fantastic sights.

 Limehouse Marina in sight at last

As we approached limehouse it looked a small entrance from the opposite bank. The lock keepers had it ready for us. Graham had to steer the boat past the lock, then across the river to face the oncoming tide and enter the lock. He executed the move with perfection.

 In Limehouse Lock as it starts to fill

This huge lock was not a problem even though it fills quickly- the last third by the doors opening and water gushing in through the gap.

 Looking back at where we came from

We must have appeared very small as we approached the lock. This view shows the width of the river and the height of the lock

And..... a family of cute brown ducks

We have moored tonight outside Springfield marina in Walthamstow. It rained heavily for the latter part of our journey on the Lee and the Marina staff allowed us to moor here. It continued to rain heavily and we turned on the heating as we were cold and wet. We could feel the boat listing to bank side and when we looked out the river was flooding and running at 4mph. Graham slackened the ropes so we levelled and we were securely moored on rings but the boats opposite were also listing badly due to the height of the water. Many objects floated past and it was worrying for a while but is now gradually reducing in height and speed. What an eventful day!