A Quieter River

It was windy last night and the willow tree we were moored beneath kept tapping on the windows all night and deposited loads of leaves on the boat - it was like autumn had arrived early on the back deck this morning. We set off, continuing downstream towards Teddington, planning to stop in Kingston for provisions. This section of river isn't as picturesque as is is further upstream, but the banks are still dotted with amazing houses.

A duck's des res

And another beautiful house and grounds

At Sunbury lock we stopped to make use of the facilities and while getting ready to move off, we saw this boat pass by. We had seen it yesterday, and here it was again - does anyone know anything about it?

Mystery boat

Further downstream we passed an area with lots of houseboats, some of which looked as though they wouldn't be afloat for much longer, whilst others look wonderful.

Houseboats

Fabulous houseboat

At Molesey lock we refilled the water tank using the best hose we have found on the Thames, filling the tank so quickly that the front deck became flooded in no time! Before long we were in Hampton, and the previously quiet river became busy with trip boats, ferries and pleasure craft. The reason became clear when we passed Hampton Court where the flower show was in full swing.

Hampton Court

... and the flower show

Then we were in Kingston, and deep joy, we found somewhere to moor on the main drag, near Kingston Bridge. We had some lunch and watched lots of rowing crews, trip boats and swans going about their business.

A Mississippi paddle steamer a bit off course

Dan and Harriet set off to find a supermarket whilst Angela and I sat and read for a bit and fell asleep! We were woken by the sound of a dog fight! Anushka and Lola were defending the boat (verbally) from an equally verbal small brown dog on the bank - a lot of noise but no contact! D&H returned with a stack of food, fruit, lemonade and Pimms. We all sat on deck enjoying Pimms in the late afternoon sunshine which was a great end to the day.

Angela taking a brief break

Swans on the opposite bank

A cute Jackdaw

Pimms o'clock

So, we are staying here in Kingston tonight, planning to head down to Teddington lock for 06:15 tomorrow morning . We have spoken to the lock keepers at Teddington and Brentford, and after a good deal of confusion between them, we believe we are booked in at the allotted times for each lock. Time will tell - if the lock keeper is not at Brentford at 07:15, we will literally be up the creek without a paddle! Brentford Creek which leads to the lock becomes nothing but mud at low water, and we will be stranded, stuck fast in the mud for 12 hours, until the next high tide!