Brentford to Kingston Upon Thames, 8 miles, 3 locks, 3 hours 30 mins

Today we set off to get on the Thames, have to confess that we were a little apprehensive as the first part was tidal.  The lock keeper had advised that the lock would be open between 10:00 & 14:00, so to arrive at the lock for about 9:30, which we dutifully did, there were already 3 boats waiting, plus us and the boat that we had travelled through the gauging lock with. 

At 3 mins to 10:00 the lock keeper arrived, and we were able to enter the lock.  We were very naughty you are supposed to have an anchor in case you get into trouble, but we risked it without, wouldn't do that again, as if anything had happened to the engine we would have been in serious trouble.

The Thames is just around the bend!

We headed out of the lock, and made the sharp right hand bend that would take us upstream on the Thames.

Wow incredible, it is so big especially when you are on a canal boat, we felt like a cork bobbing on the wake of the boats heading in the opposite direction.

We carried on towards Teddington lock, which would be the point at which we would leave the tide behind.

For the girls in Swinford this is where I chose to launch the watch.

No more clock watching for me!

We arrived safely at the very large lock at Teddington.

We have moored up tonight at Kingston Upon Thames very handy for the shops, especially the large John Lewis (heaven!)

Sorry lots of photos today but so much to share. 

P.S this is for the Rectory close boys a picture of a Fairline Mirage like we use to have.

And for Michael & Tania a picture of a Pedro we saw.