London

So I've spent the last few days making my way from Kingston upon Thames into the city joining the tidal Thames at the famous Teddington Locks.  This is the barge lock which at 650 ft long is only used when it's very busy.  As it takes an age to fill and empty.

I was directed into the the more normal sized launch lock which, thanks to Monty Python, is the home of fish slapping.  The video is available on Youtube and shows the content taking place in front of this small hut which now bears a blue plaque to commemorate the event.

I chose to take the easy route so only followed the tidal thames for around 4 miles before turning off at Brentford to join the Grand Union canal.  Just above Richmond stand the impressive Star and Garter house - sadly now sold and converted to apartments.

After a night in Brentford, one is enough, I made my way up the Hanwell lock flight along with another boater which shared the workload.  This is one of of my least favourite lengths of canal as it is shallow and fairly stagnant which results in a lot of methane being generated by the rotting vegetation on the bottom.  This is released as the propeller stirs the water resulting in an rather unpleasant aroma.  After clearing the flight it was just a few miles to Bulls Bridge junction where the Paddington arm branches east into the city for the final 12 miles into Little Venice and Paddington Basin.

Little Venice is a a largish triangle of water where the Paddington arm joins the Regents canal.

And just beyond is Paddington Basin, somewhat dwarfed by the tall blocks of Merchant Square on the left and St Mary's hospital on the right, where Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin.

This will be home for the next week and I'm now looking forward to a visit from eldest at the weekend.