Royal Victoria Dock to Greenwich via the Woolwich Free Ferry

Clear blue skies from dawn to dusk for our long walk from Royal Victoria Dock to the O2 Peninsula  via the Woolwich Ferry. It is probably nearly 50 years since I was a foot passenger on the ferry - much of my earlier days were spent on the ferry crossing to the Royal Docks where, with my brother and friends, we played among the machinery and deep water (health and safety hadn't been invented). I have memories of the greasy smell, noise and sight of the huge pistons in the engine room of the ferry - now replaced with more or less silent and completely hidden diesel engines. Views of Woolwich Barrier, Tate and Lyle Sugar Factory, Gravel extraction Works, Emirates Airline and Canary Wharf.

Royal Victoria Docks, London, at Night

Two of our three nights staying by the Royal Victoria Dock were clear. Here photographs of the Yacht Hotel (1), The Excel building (2) , the high level footbridge (4) and the Emirates Line terminus building (7). The second image shows the light trails of an aircraft coming in to land at City Airport.

Walk London Bridge to St Paul's - Clear Blue Skies

By midday, the fog had just about cleared to give a crystal-clear afternoon and sunset. There was still some low mist patches around which gave some very strange effects at the Shard. We spent time in The Tate Modern enjoying the new bridges across the Turbine Hall and the Boiler Hall and the concrete structures in the latter. Final image on DLR Shadwell Station changes for our train to Royal Docks and our hotel.

Nostalgia - Fog Around Tower Bridge

I was born and brought up in London and much of my childhood memories are of foggy streets and rivers. The light was wonderful with the sun coming and going in swirls of mist.

Frosty, Foggy Morning for Our Journey to London.

It is annoying how ' interesting' photographic conditions seem to occur most frequently on days when I am unable to make the most of them. Certainly yesterday morning was one when I would rather have been out with the camera locally than on a train to London. Anyway, a quick roadside stop near Toft and a couple of shots from inside the Cambridge Station footbridge was a good start to the day

Christmas Day in the Miles/Ranson Household

Just the thing to work off a large Christmas lunch - thanks Matt and Ellie for an excellent meal - a bit of dancing to rotating disco lights. Sue Ranson proved a star at this. This involved a lot of changes of clothes for Meredith - here in Rapunzel wedding dress. Sadie completely loses herself in dance which is great to see. I tried some strobe flash but need to find out a bit more about getting the correct balance to not light the background. Only achieved the background disco lights in one or two images at the beginning - not sure yet what I changed!! 

Final two pics of girls unwrapping pressies for the memories book!! Similarly, one of Peter and Holly that I really like.

Seasonal Greetings

Wishing everyone the best for the festive break and for 2017.  

I am thankful that I am in good health with enough money to eat well, I go on fabulous trips and I have my friends and family around me. 

We are so fortunate to be able to enjoy life without being in fear of conflict, starvation or terror.

Hoping for a more equal and peaceful world in 2017.