"Wow... that was ultra cool!", said an onlooker. "This guy's a real expert!". I was supremely chuffed with myself, and bored Sheena with it, for the rest of the day.
Passed down through Shepperton, Sunbury and Molesey locks, before arriving at Hampton Court late in the afternoon. Where we got a nice mooring spot, right beside the golden gates of the palace. It's free for the first night, and then £5 per night after that. For a maximum of three days. An offer I think we'll be taking them up on, because there is so much to see and do around here. The royal park (dog friendly) is huge, with scores of deer roaming wild, through the trees, and over the golf course.
Must say that I'm really glad we've ventured down this far. Thought it would be much more built up than it actually is. What a nice surprise to find that it rivals the upper river for it's width, and variety of sights. If we do see another boat, it's rushing to get to the next lock, and then we have the river to ourselves again. There are quite a few free places to moor, as well. And people don't have their hand out as soon as you tie up, like they do in Henley & Remenham.
Highly recommended destination.
I like all the river, each section is different but enjoyable, the rural,bendy top end. The straights below Maidenhead, Henley has its own charm and then Tedington/Hampton Court. All the big houses to look at, Marinas, Windsor. the list is never ending.
ReplyDeleteBrian on Harnser who can't sign on to post sometimes
Hi Brian.
ReplyDeleteAgreed. It's only 11 miles from London here, but you would never know it. Reading was equally as surprising. Not a very nice place to walk around, but completely different when seen from the river. Don't know if we have a favourite reach yet, but this stretch is definitely a contender (apart from the constant rumbling of aeroplanes).
K&S