Last views on the Paddington Arm as we move onto a new waterway

Tuesday, 16 August 2011 19:45

Our visitors of yesterday may be familiar to some of you

We had a great catch up with Charles and Anne from Moore 2 Life

But today it was time to be on the move again; we had an interesting cruise ahead of us. First, we had to go down the Paddington Arm (Grand Union) yet again and this time we gained a passenger. It is amazing that no matter how many times we travel a familiar route we always find something new to see ......

This was the third time we had travelled this bit in the last two weeks. We said goodbye to our friend Simon, who had very kindly looked after Epiphany whilst we were away, and turned in what remains of the old Gas Arm (I think).

Gasworks Dock 1 (there is a rope roller above the entrance which you can just see)

Now we were facing the right way and approaching Ladbroke Grove Bridge. The houseboat on the left of the photo is an old Lee Lighter which has been adapted and is apparently lovely inside. I am not sure I would like my windows so near to the water.

Sainsbury's on right

Here is a better photo of the Lee Lighter

That strange tower by Kensal Green Bridge is a "Folly". Built by a local millionaire for fun, because he could!

Folly by bridge

Did you know that Elvis lives nearby too - he appears to be singing into a mike. Perhaps this isolated spot suits him as his fans cannot get at him whilst he is recording!

Elvis on the rooftop

The old canal-side houses near Kensal Town and the Harrow Road come to an abrupt end and are one of the few surviving examples on the London Canals. The modern flats on the other side are a stark contrast.

Old and new line the Paddington Arm

Someone had a rather good party by the looks of things

We called into the BW sani-station at Little Venice and our passenger was waiting for us - my sister Lois was joining us for the trip down the Regents Canal.

Lois took a photo of us arriving

Once we were all shipshape and done (let the reader understand), we set off across Browning's Pool towards Warwick Avenue Bridge: the first on the Regents Canal.

Browning's Pool and Warwick Avenue Bridge

My sister was about to get her first experience of a canal tunnel .....