It was 9:30 the following day (30th April) when I walked down to Shepperton Lock to set it for us ...
but found when I arrived there was a lockie on duty so I climbed onboard when George brought Still Rockin' in and we were soon on our way once more
Very colourful chalets line the riverbank
The EA's yard at Sunbury ... I wonder if they're taking private hires of the dock yet as it was closed to the public last year for health and safety reasons
Waiting for removal I hope by the Environment Agency
Entering Sunbury Lock cut with the lock showing self service
George waits patiently while I see a cruiser out and refill the lock for us ...
while in the meantime Chris on fuel boat Merchant has arrived below the lock
George comes in and I set the tail sluices to open and go down to let Chris know that I'll see him through ...
the lovely Stanley comes over to stay with me while George leaves the lock and Chris brings Merchant in. I close the gates on them and say cheerio for now.
Through Hampton ...
where the slum boats are now illegally moored, no licence, no insurance, no safety certificates and apparently with tiny rooms/cells let to the public ... a long ongoing legal battle with the EA and land owners.
Into Molesey cut and with the camera on zoom I can see that the lock is manned
Out of the lock and through the road bridge ...
that's where we heading for the night ...
and goodness ... there are no moored boats there!
That's where we'll tie up today
You can't get closer than this to Hampton Court Palace by boat
After lunch it's time for a walk ... not the palace, we've already done that a few times ...
but into the gardens and out again via Lions Gate ...
a short walk along the main road brings us to Paddock Gate and Home Park where today these horses were resting and completely ignored us as we passed by.
Although Hampton Court's Home Park is a walled garden there are hugh open spaces and even a golf course ... and in the distance I can see ...
free roaming deer which are descended from Henry VIII original herd
Avenues of Lime trees line both sides of the Long Water (Charles II) ...
and again on zoom I can see a group of dee at the end of the avenue
The Long Water at Hampton
There are deer over there too!
Water fountains at the far end of the Long Water shoot up in the air as we walk ... and we see lots more deer ...
Walking across the top of the Long Water ...
we can see this coot on her nest ... perhaps not such a good idea ...
is she wondering why ...
it's suddenly bucketing it down?
Has she given it up as a bad job I wonder ...
No, it just needs more sticks!
I love chimneys ... and there are soooo many at Hampton Court
A very rewarding walk.
Back on Still Rockin's deck with a glass of wine we relax for a couple of hours before dinner.
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