Sunday 9th May 2004
This cruise was hosted by St Pancras Cruising Club. There were 8 boats in all, taking part. Limehouse lock is large, but can only take 3 full size narrowboats at a time, so a plan was needed. The idea was for the first 3 to go out and moor up on the pontoons below to await the second group. These 6 would then proceed leisurely leaving the remaining two to catch up. Its always a thrill to see the large sector gates at Limehouse open up to let the water out, a little bit at a time. There are not paddles or sluices. One wonders what it would be like if they opened more quickly. This was the first time, though, that I had seen the cill of the lock. We were going out about 2 hours before low tide and its a long way down. Morring up temporarily proved not problem, even with the rush of water from the second locking. Then we were on our way after the usual long blast on the horn and crossing the fairway to the opposite side. The water unlike on previous occasions was surprisingly calm. Whether this is due to the slower pace of the ebb tide or the lower water allowing the wash of the trip boats to dissipate on the beaches at the side of the river I do not know. Rob & Chloe, their first time out on the river, were disappointed. Proceeding downwards we spotted the usual landmarks, Greenwich, the Trafalgar and Cutty Sark Taverns, the Dome (one doesn't hear much about that white elephant these days) and the entrance to Bow Creek, by this time almost dry. The great danger is being taken by the tide onto the buoys and piers which adorn the river. They sometimes give the illusion of moving out into the river to get in your way as you seemingly steer a steady course. Careful advance planning of the course is required to avoid these hazards. You cannot leave it to the last minute or risk collision. Planning for the cruise had all been taken care of including permission to enter the control zone up and downstream of the barrier. I have no doubt that VHF is needed this far down the river. Passing through the barrier and remarking on the sheer size when up close, we turned, crossed the stream once more and now at almost slack water, retraced our steps, first on back through the barrier agin and then up river. We were overtaken by a mock galleon full of tourists, some up in the rigging. Returning to Limehouse we were warned on approaching the lock that there was only a metre of water over the lower cill. "No problem". Thus ended a very enjoyable trip out. On return to our previous mooring we enjoyed a very tasty casserole washed down with some good wine. The captain and senior crew retired to "The Grapes" along with Eric, skipper of the vessel now breasted up on our moorings.
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