We reach base camp

A house passes by!

We were woken at 7 today by the sound of strimming - the nearby pub gardeners had arrived in force and kept at it for the next 3 hours!

A cute Ichneumon

Green parrots everywhere

Try as we might, we don't seem able to get a decent photo of a parrot. They keep appearing and squawking, but they datr back into the trees and it's really hard to see a green parrot in a green tree!

 One of the many islands on the Thames

There are loads of small islands along the Thames, which makes for a more interesting journey since you can weave in and out of them and see something different each time you travel along the river.

 A beautiful houseboat

 Hampton Bridge

 Hampton Court

We stopped off at Shepperton Marina to pick up a few things including shiny new lifejackets, ready for tomorrows tidal trip. We passed through Hampton, passing Hampton Court with its elaborate gates and massive grounds.

 Two cute cormorants

 Kingston on Thames

 Swans seem to be thriving

 A sailing boat in Kingston

We have passed loads of sailing clubs today, but virtually nobody has been sailing in spite of a stiff breeze. We did pass a couple of sailing boats in Kingston, but apart from that, nothing. Seems really strange given that it is the school holidays.

 A cute egyption goose

 Fabulous sunset over Teddington Lock

We moored up just upstream of Teddington Lock and went to discuss tomorrow's plans with the lock keeper. We are booked in for an 06:00 departure from the lock for what promises to be the exciting climax of the trip - passing right through the centre of London in our wee boat. Watch this space......