Monday, October 23, 2017

Boats! Boats! Boats! .... at Richmond

At and above Richmond (where had gone to visit the Richmond Bridge Boatyard) the Thames is non-tidal and becomes a pretty idyllic playground for boaters of all types.

Above are some afternoon kayakers and below rowers by the historic Marble Hill House, built for one of the mistresses of King George II:

I also spotted this steam powered launch:

Its smoky smell wafted quite a way down stream: while atmospheric it probably doesn't do much good to London's already poor air quality.

6 comments:

Joe said...

I knew there was a reason why I wanted to stay in Richmond instead of South Kensington.

JP said...

Yes, Richmond is one of the nicest bits of London - and recent survey identified it as the happiest borough in London:
https://www.homesandproperty.co.uk/property-news/richmond-crowned-happiest-london-borough-for-third-year-running-a114436.html

Joe said...

That's it then, I know where to pitch my tent. We will venture into the Big Smoke (apparently a Cornish reference for London..."Why would I want to go to the Big Smoke?") from there next year.

JP said...

London is more the Big Smog than Smoke now but still very different quality air from Cornwall.

Let me know if you need any top-tips for London

Joe said...

We'll be back sometime next year in the Fall...Autumn. What say you on the top-tips?

JP said...

How long will you be over here? Couple of suggestions straight away:
- boat trip on the Thames (great way to see the sights)
- head down to Greenwich for the Cutty Sark and the National Maritime Museum
- walk the Thames river bank in central London:
http://captainjpslog.blogspot.co.uk/2009/07/ultimate-london-walk-by-thames.html