Hi All,
Seemed I have got my dates mixed up in the previous tale, I blame Mr Millin
and the early starts :-)
Wednesday 9th August (honest) The big day had arrived, TT day. We woke early
and it's grey and wet. Not good. Most of the work to prepare LT for the TT
was completed yesterday. Anchor in box on stern, securely secured twice.
Life ring placed on roof and secured to centre. Engine checked for any
obvious bits hanging off. I decided not bung up the external holes of LT.
The Mikuni exhaust has a large swan neck inboard and would be OK. I had a
thought, what went in, might not come out. Wendy and I removed everything
from shelves, put the TV's to bed, tied up all the cupboards and generally
secured the internal fixtures and fittings. Ready. At 11.15am we were called
into the vast lock. The sun has come out and it's hot with blue skies. We
had been joined by Nb Auberge, who had completed non of the preparations
apart the purchase of an anchor that very morning! Even the cratch covers
were up and staying up. I thought the locky might suggest a more water
repelling approach, but no. Albion was the last into the lock. Our original
plan was for LT to leave first followed by Albion. Mr Millin insisted on
this running order, recognising that LT is the more superior Nb and Albion
could follow have watched how it is done :-). In the event the locky
suggested Albion went first, followed by LT and Auberge. And so it came to
pass, the water very gradually left the lock by means of all sorts of clever
hydraulic push/pull things and soon the big gates opened and off we went. I
was expecting a whack as Albion crossed from then calm lock waters to the
Thames proper. A loud long blast of horn was let out and smooth as a babies
bottom Albion slipped into the steam. I followed with equal ease. We had
done it, no problem at all. We now had the wash from other much larger craft
to deal with. As each wave approached LT was turned into it and she rose
and fell in dramatic style. We never felt insecure and as Tower Bridge
approached, any worries dropped away, what a magnificent sight. And so it
went on, the first part of the journey had much 'cor see that' and 'look
over there' and other such phrases. Past the Houses of Parliament, what a
sight. BW at Limehouse had provided a very good pamphlet giving instructions
on how to pass under each bridge and what to look out for. Very useful.
After an hour or so the tide gradually had less of an impact and control was
easy. We sat back and enjoyed. Our speed, about 6 MPH. We pass Brentford
Lock after some 2 hours and continue place and bridge spotting. At Richmond
footbridge Lock and Weir we are treated to a rare sight, apparently. As we
arrive, passage is blocked through the bridge. After a few minutes, great
gates rise from under the bridge and we are instructed to proceed. This is
number 26 of the 29 magnificent and beautifully kept bridges, that we have
been under spanning the Thames. It's now 3.00pm and Teddington lock is
waiting for us. This lock easily takes in the three Thames transit Nb's, two
Thames trip boats and has room to spare. Our mooring is just up from the
lock and the locky informs us there is plenty of room and overnight is
5.50UKP. Great. Champagne of the conquers, followed by boat reassemble,
dinner on the towpath, fending off inquisitive dogs while I am trying to eat
Grrrrr and bed, satisfied with a fabulous day.
More later
Regards
Andrew & Wendy from The Cut
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