Coming out from the Slough Arm we met a dredger. The 5 mile route into Slough is supposed to be quite shallow so at least some effort is being made to keep it clear.
Quite liked this boat. Cirrhosis of the River!
Passed the Nestle factory and down to Bulls Bridge for the left turn to London.
The canal was very quiet. Small clusters of liveaboards appeared occasionally but the bridges were few and far between which of course meant that liveaboards had no access to urbanisation. Although everyone enjoys peace there are times when access is needed.
Crossing the North Circular by aqueduct was satisfying as there were queues on the roundabouts and we were moving along nicely.
Odd sights punctuated the steady progress. Not sure how they got this caravan up here and wouldn't fancy sleeping in it!
These workers obviously didn't like the view.
North Acton power station straddles the canal and then we passed an iconic disused gasometer.
I wonder if they applied for planning permission?
Getting much nearer to London now which is obviously suffering from a bloom in Canadian Pond weed!
One way to cool the drinks in this glorious weather.
And so we reached Little Venice and Paddington Basin. Not a chance of any mooring. What to do? Return out of the centre to Kensal Green where we had seen visiting boats moored and try again tomorrow or continue on towards Limehouse and hope for the best. Fortune favours the brave so on we went. Past the Snowdon Aviary at London Zoo.
Past a dramatic Chinese restaurant at Cumberland Basin.
We reached the 3 locks at Camden which had a volunteer lock keeper to help and dozens of people watching us. Tourists are fine but not the many louts drinking lager by the third locks. The lockkeeper said that they don't cause trouble and the police are aware but that many more had appeared with the sunshine compare with previous weeks.
Time was getting on and no moorings appeared although I did manage this shot of the old and new London living together.
Finally at 6pm when we were still wondering what to do we spotted a place behind Kings Cross. A young man arriving home at an adjacent boat confirmed that it was 14 days mooring and said that it was as safe as anywhere in London. Were we relieved! There are plenty of cyclists, walkers and runners about and when we went out in the evening to eat we discovered that the whole area called the Granary complex had been transformed. There were lots of people sitting enjoying the sun and later the colourful fountains. A short walk to Kings Cross station showed us how this too has changed.
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