Thames Adventure

Early this morning I met my Partner in Crime, BumbleBee for a ride along the river Thames. Our meeting point was Trafalgar Square at 08:00 but being fashionably late the actual rendezvous was slightly later.

It was quite a grey and cloudy start to the morning and it was a change from the last few days. As we set off their was little traffic and people around.

We cycled along the Strand towards St Paul's Cathedral and then headed across the Millennium Bridge. This is an old haunt for my riding Partner and I but the views never cease to disappoint.

Always a good view

As tourists took photographs, so did we. In fact some of them took photos of two people on brightly coloured Brompton bicycles too.

BumbleBee smiling as always

When we reached a favourite view of Tower Bridge the small jets of water in the floor were in operation and we wasted little time in taking yet more photos.  My riding Partner started to raise his hands up and down, as if to control the jets of water and resembled a Jedi. I have some video footage of this and I'll put it together at some point as it is priceless.

Using the force to control water

Tower Bridge

Passing City Hall we aimed for Tower Bridge and once across we headed for St Katherine's Dock. At this time of day the traffic over the bridge was pretty light but a steady stream forced us to cross most of it on foot.

At St Katherine's Dock we agin saw 'Gloriana.' This is Royal barge built to commentate Queen Elizabeth II for her Diamond Jubilee.

Gloriana

If we are being vulgar Gloriana cost a considerable sum to build and took part in the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant. (Have a look on YouTube or similar for footage of this if interested).

Shortly after this a few drops of rain started to fall so my trusty RX10 was put back in its case (despite being weather sealed) and didn't see the light of day again until I had returned home.

By the time we reached Edwards Park where there are some stunning views of Canary Wharf the rain started to fall a little heavier.

There are times when there is that distinct smell in the air that means it is going to pour down. Do you know the smell I mean or is it just me? Anyway, this smell was quite evident and and the amateur meteorologist in me was ready to predict a fairly detailed forecast for the next 40 minutes!

With the rain a little heavier than I have mentioned above we donned our waterproof jackets and pressed on. Reaching Greenwich we went under the Thames via the foot tunnel and at the other side looked at each other and decided to call it a day.

Heading for the Thames Clipper jetty, the sky became dark and the rain fell monsoon-like. Turning to each other we gave a knowing look and realised that we had made the right decision!

The Thames Clipper journey was as always very enjoyable and before long we arrived at Embankment. I needed to go to the Brooks saddle shop in Covent Garden in order to collect my 'Tweed Run' bits and pieces but before that we headed to Brompton Junction as I needed a new chain.

The weather by the way had turned and sun was out again. Heading towards The Mall we cycled as far as Buckingham Palace before going our separate ways...until tomorrow when we take part in the 'London Classic!'

As always it was great going on a little adventure with my Partner in crime and it seemed as if it had been ages since we had done so.

My my way back I made a slight detour to have a look at Carlton Tavern in Carlton Vale. This was allegedly demolished with no warning and without permission. There really isn't much left of it and who knows what the outcome will be?

Oh dear!

The map and ride data can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Map and ride data

Sky Garden Video

The Sky Garden at the top of the Walkie-Talkie building was great fun with some stunning views. I managed to capture a little video which you can find via the link below. As always watch in the highest quality you can.

Link to video

Visting the Sky Garden

This morning I paid a visit to the Sky Garden after hearing that it was open to the public via Anne when we were on the Brighton ride at the weekend. In fact I actually booked my slot on the train back to London.

The Sky Garden spans the top three floors of the new 20, Fenchurch Street building, perhaps more commonly know as the Walkie-Talkie because of its shape. Standing 160 metres it is the fifth-tallest building in the City of London and I have to say I have always liked it.

The Sky Garden is open to the public and free of charge. You have to book a time slot via the website and ensure that you bring photo identification. Standing at the base of the building I have to say I felt excited and was looking forward greatly to experiencing the views.

The staff were friendly and relaxed. Showing my ticket (on my iPhone) and my driving licence I then placed a small backpack and other metal items into a tray which went through security. Passing through another body scanner and getting the all clear I proceeded to the lift to the 34th floor.

The lift is swift to say the least and it didn't take long to get to the top, my ears popping as a result. The first view was a huge expanse of window with the most amazing view. The Shard dominated and the views obtained were stunning.

I wasted little time in getting to the outside balcony which offered some truly excellent views of the south side of the Thames. Large sheets of glass made photography difficult because of reflections but if the camera was held square to whatever you wanted to take, glare was not too bad.

Luckily I brought a polarising filter with me and this helped for some shots but was a tad hit and miss.

The Sky Garden wasn't too busy and I was pleased that one was permitted to stay up there for over and hour.

I am not really a fan of the panorama function on my camera but found it was actually pretty good and I was very pleased with the results.

When the Shard first opened to the paying public (you have to pay for the view there) I was decidedly underwhelmed. I am not really a fan of it and have likened it to one of those ghastly overpriced crystals cut into the shapes of little animals. I also hated the theme park atmosphere - photos, music. The Sky Garden and 20 Fenchurch Street are for me at least better in every regard.

Climbing the stairs you could view the other side and Tower 42, 122 Leadenhall Street and 30 St Mary Axe.

The great thing about the Sky Garden is that you can amble around at your leisure. Everyone was doing the same and it was lovely to just stop and look at whatever caught your attention.

I was really lucky as far as timing was concerned as on my second circuit the outside viewing platform had to be closed due to high winds, although I couldn't really detect them.

The plants in the Sky Garden are well tended and every so often fine jets of water were sprayed on them from above to keep them happy.

After spending about 40 minutes I decided to head back down. I really enjoyed the visit and think I might go again but perhaps when the sun is going down. No sooner had I stepped outside and tried to take the picture below, I was blown about by very strong gusts of wind - hence why the outside platform was closed.

Walking back I decided to take a few more photographs of 20 Fenchurch Street as I went.

I have to say that the Sky Garden is a really good place to visit. The views are wondrous and I enjoyed it a great deal more than the Shard experience. I cannot recommend it highly enough as a place to visit. I just hope that access to the Sky Garden always remains free for the general public to access as it is a pretty special location.