Walking with family: Greenwich to the Thames Barrier... and beyond

Saturday October 13, 2012.

Myself, Emma, Erin and Uncle Martin decided to take a trip to Greenwich. We took our usual route of the Metropolitan line to Finchley Road, where we changed onto the Jubilee line for the rest of our journey to North Greenwich. It was at this point that we were informed of a 'security incident' at Canary Wharf, meaning that the Jubilee line would terminate at London bridge. 

So, Plan B was quickly formulated; Breakfast at Borough Market, then the Thames Clipper to North Greenwich. This plan then changed back to Plan A, a few minutes later, when the 'incident' was resolved meaning that the train would continue on its merry way. 

Finally arriving at North Greenwich, we made our way into the O2 Arena, where had a coffee and a snack, before heading off to catch the Cable Car across the River Thames. Having an 'Oyster Card' meant no queuing for tickets, so we headed for the lift which would take us to the Departure Deck. The seats on the Emirates Air Line are comfortable and the entire trip lasts about 12 minutes. I took a short video of the first half of our journey, which offered amazing views of Stepney, the Olympic Park, the Thames Barrier to Thamesmead and beyond. 

We then walked around the Royal Victoria Docks towards the Excel centre, which next week will be full of Trekkers, Klingons, Ferengi and other species from around the Galaxy. We then traversed the Pedestrian Bridge at Royal Victoria Dock, in order to take some photographs. Unfortunately, no aeroplanes were taking off from London City Airport, so it was just views of the local cityscape that I could photograph. I did manage to get a shot of MillenniuM Mills, which I had last visited in 1988, when it proved itself as a worthy backdrop for Jean-Michel Jarre's 'Destination Docklands' concert.

From here we headed South onto the North Woolwich Road and into the Thames Barrier Park. This was my first visit to the Thames Barrier, so I took many photographs as I tried to capture the wonder of human achievement against nature. The Thames Barrier is the second largest movable flood barrier in the World and it was opened on May 8th 1984, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

From here we made our way to Pontoon Dock DLR station, where we caught the DLR to Poplar. We changed at Poplar and caught a DLR to Cutty Sark. After exiting the station we headed into Greenwich Market to grab a bite to eat. Eating on the hoof, we headed for the Cutty Sark and took many photos and I bumped into someone from Watford. After a quick chat, we went to buy our tickets, which was perfectly timed as the heavens opened moments later. 

Now, many people have gone on about the 'greenhouse' or 'carbuncle' that now surrounds the World famous Tea Clipper, but I found it added to the Cutty Sark, rather than detracted from her. It also opens up the drydock, so that you get a true sense of the sheer size and scale of this historic vessel. This also allows you to get some unique views and perspectives, for your photographs, that you would never normally get of a ship. 

Walking with Family: My 40th Birthday

The Old Royal Naval college viewed from Island Gardens.

"Age is important only if you’re cheese or wine. Or something collectable." - Solomon Short

"Forty is almost like being a grown-up." - Solomon Short

Sunday 25th March, 2012.

Although it wasn't my birthday until Monday 26th, myself, Emma, Erin, my mum and uncle Martin decided to go for a day out in London. Alysha had a dance competition in Hemel Hempstead, so wasn't able to make it this time. We were up early, which wasn't bad considering the clocks had gone forward, and left the house just before 09:00. Mum an Martin met us at the corner of our road, and we made the short walk to Watford Metropolitan station. After all the 'Oyster' cards were topped up, or purchased in Martin's case, we boarded our train. 

We changed onto the Jubilee Line train, at Finchley Road, and continued our journey to North Greenwich. We exited North Greenwich station and walked out onto 'Peninsula Square'. The weather was decidedly cloudy and chilly so, after a few photographs were taken, we went into the 'O2 arena', for a look around and to warm up. We walked along the length of 'Entertainment Avenue', which takes up over half the floor space at the O2, and waited for the coffee shops to open. At 11:00 we went into 'Starbucks' for a drink and to feed Erin. Once we had finished, and Erin had been changed, we headed back outside onto Peninsula Square. 

The weather had improved considerably, so more photographs were taken, before we made our way to the North Greenwich Pier, to catch the 'Thames Clipper'. Because we all had 'Oyster' cards, we all got a 15% discount on our fare. After boarding the 'Clipper' we all sat at the back and got our first glimpse of the 'Olympic Stadium' and the 'Anish Kapoor Tower'. We also saw the supports for the new Thames Cable Car. 

The journey to Greenwich Pier was quick and we were soon at the 'Old Royal Naval College'. More photographs were taken, before we headed into Greenwich village. As we passed the 'Cutty Sark', Martin told me the story of the ships figurehead. Something that I was unaware of. 

The Cutty Sark’s figurehead is a young witch named ‘Nannie’ who was a character in the poem 'Tam O'Shanter', by Scottish poet Robert Burns. The poem concerns Tam, a farmer who, after an evening of drinking, was riding home on his horse called Meg. On his way, he saw that the churchyard was occupied by a collection of witches, with the Devil himself playing the bagpipes. Tam saw that among the group of witches, there was one which was young and beautiful. Her name was Nannie, and she wore only a 'cutty sark', Tam was bewitched and, in his excitement, he cried out "Weel done cutty sark!" The witches then pursued Tam who fled for his life to the bridge over the river Doon, for he knew that witches could not cross running water. Nannie was faster than the others and, as the mare galloped over the bridge, she seized it by the tail, which came off in her hand. Hence, the figurehead is always shown holding a horse's tail in her left hand. After this, we headed to 'Greenwich Market'. Greenwich has been home to a Royal Charter Market, originally assigned to the Commissioners of Greenwich Hospital, since the 19th December 1700. It used to be situated at the West Gate of the Old Royal Naval College, before moving to its current location in 1831. 

After a good look around we sat down to feed Erin and I bought Emma a coffee, while I had a pint of 'Ghost Ship' Pale Ale, from the 'Coach & Horses'. Meanwhile, my mum and Martin went for another look around and bought some prints. When we were all back together, we headed to the front of the Market and bought some food. Emma, Martin and my mum had Roast Beef with all the trimmings, while I had a spicy beef stir fry with rice. We then had a look around some more shops and more things were purchased. We then made our way back towards the 'Old Royal Naval College', and went into the 'Discover Greenwich Centre'. More photographs taken, before Erin was changed and we made our way back to Greenwich Pier. 

Once again we boarded the 'Clipper' and enjoyed a trip down the River Thames. We passed Canary Wharf, Surrey Docks, Bermondsey and Wapping before alighting at Tower Pier. With the sun beating down, we walked along the Thames, in front of the 'Tower of London', towards 'Tower Bridge'. After crossing 'Tower Bridge', we made our way onto the South Bank and continued heading West. Lots more photographs were taken, before we stopped at 'Hay's Galleria' for a coffee, and to feed Erin. We then continued along the River Thames, passing 'Southwark Cathedral', 'The Golden Hinde', 'The Clink Prison Museum' & 'The Globe Theatre'. 

We then crossed the Thames, via the 'MillenniuM Bridge', and headed to 'St. Paul's Cathedral'. As we were all getting a bit tired, we decided it might be worth heading towards a station. Farringdon station seemed our best bet, as it was a Metropolitan Line station, and it was less than a mile away. So, that's where we headed, passing the 'Old Bailey', the 'Musicians' church' and 'Smithfield Market' before reaching our destination. 

After a few minutes we boarded a train bound for Chesham and took this to Baker Street, where we changed onto a Watford train. We finally reached home at 19:00, at which point Erin passed out. Then Alysha came home, from her dance competition, looking exhausted. Lots of semi-final places but no medals or trophies, this time. Next Sunday Alysha has another dance competition, so hopefully she will win a few there. So, some food was ordered in, before we all turned in for the night.

All in all another great day in the World's Best Capital.

Walking with friends: My Stag Day

Saturday March 3, 2012.

I was up early this morning, and I was looking forward to going to London for the day, with friends. After bathing, getting dressed, and after bathing Erin, I booked a taxi and headed for Watford Junction. 

I arrived at the station just before 09:00, and waited for Stephen Brown. Within a few minutes, he had arrived and, after purchasing our tickets, we made our way to the platform to await our train. We arrived at London Euston and headed into the labyrinth of tunnels to get the Northern line train to London Bridge. 

We arrived at London Bridge, just before 10:00 and headed into Borough Market and ordered breakfast at Maria's Cafe. I had a Steak bap, with rocket, olive oil and mushrooms. Beautiful. After breakfast, we had a look around the Market, before heading to the station to get the Jubilee line train to Canary Wharf. 

On arrival at Canary Wharf, we followed the seriously bad signage until we arrived at the DLR station. A few minutes later, and we were on our way to Greenwich, a place that I had not visited since I was at school. We alighted from the DLR at Cutty Sark station and made our way to the Old Royal Naval College. 

The Royal Naval College was based in Greenwich from 1873 until 1998 as a college to teach all aspects of naval sciences. More courses were added as and when new skills were developed. 

We walked around the grounds and viewed the buildings, before heading to Greenwich Market. The Market was packed with stalls selling wares of all kinds: Clothes, food, clocks, trinkets, magic tricks, paintings and coffee amongst others. I bought us both a coffee - Amaretto flavour for Stephen and Vanilla for me. I also bought 100 grams of Tia Maria flavoured ground coffee, for home. 

After leaving the Market, we headed for the Cutty Sark. 

The Cutty Sark was built in 1869, and, on February 16th 1870, the Cutty Sark left London on the first of eight trips to China. Throughout her working life, Cutty Sark transported cargoes such as Tea, wool and coal. She travelled to China, Japan, South and North America, Angola and more. In 1895, the Cutty Sark was sold to a Portuguese company, and her name was changed to Ferreira. In 1922, she was sold to another Portuguese owner, and she was renamed Maria do Amparo. She was then bought by an Englishman and, in 1923, her true name and nationality were restored. After being berthed in Falmouth and then Greenhithe, before being moved to her current, and final resting place. On May 21st 2007, a fire gutted the Cutty Sark, while she was having restoration work undertaken.

All around the ship, the paving and walkways are still being relayed, so it is difficult to see her clearly. The Cutty Sark will reopen to the public, next month. As time was getting on, we decided to head back towards the centre of town. It was at this point we decided to take the Clipper along the River Thames, rather than get the DLR and have to change trains at Canary Wharf. 

So, with the time close to 12:40, we boarded the Cyclone Clipper, and settled into our seats for our trip upriver. Having never travelled along this part of the River Thames, it was exciting to see the housing developments, and how each had been uniquely designed.

We arrived at Tower Bridge and disembarked the Cyclone Clipper, on the North Bank, in front of the Tower of London. After walking along the Thames, in front of the Tower of London, we came to Tower Bridge. We crossed the river here, and headed along the South Bank, towards London Bridge.