Chloe's party of friends arrived last evening, fortunately for them in a lull in the rain. They were meant to ake their own arrangements but joined me in the Grapes where I was waiting for my friends to join me. However, after arranging a table, they found that the fish menu was not to their liking so went elsewhere. Joined by my friends we finished our round and went in search of food elsewhere - finding a modern Italian restaurant on the other side of the lifting bridge. Excellent food and massive portions!
The plan this morning, because some of Chloe's firends had to be back home by 4 pm, was for me to just wake, get dressed and set off immediately single handed, leaving the girls to wake at their leisure ("Good old Dad"). The problem was that it was dark still at 6am, and pouring with rain, so the departure took a few minutes longer due to the need for full rain gear (top half). It was too warm amazingly for the full gear, so shorts and deck shoes was it. Actually, it was quite fun leaving in the dark - well actually not dark really because of the street lighting, but the headlight illuminates the lock nicely going up. Progress was slow but very methodical, since in the wet I am always worried about slipping and one top paddle might be all one needs to use. The rain continued until St Pancras. The girls were by now awake and out, totally soaked and it had got cold. So, muggins left them by the stove and completed Camden locks. The left hand top lock of the pair was open, so I used that - again a slow ascent single handed. A trip boat entered the other lock as we were about to leave. By Lissom Grove it was on my tail - they must go at quite a chat because I wasn't hanging around. To expedite the girls journey I went down the Paddington Arm to as close as I could get to the station. Really its very convenient and there is plenty of mooring. Having seen them on their way I dropped in at the Farmer Market for interest. Seemingly this is now a regular Thursday weekly feature. Then on to Kensal Green for the night to get a good getaway in the morning. This is a good spot to moor on the edge of Central London. Plenty of grass for the dogs and there are always other boats around for security. The next spot I would be willing to overnight at would probably have to be Greenford, although I would try and avoid even there.
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