Foggy Day Along the Thames

Friday was foggy all day as we explored both banks of the Thames. Although dull, the light was perfect for picking out people etc against the foggy backdrop. 

Walk from Greenwich through Docklands to Royal Victoria Dock

We finished our day walking back to the hotel through the Greenwich foot tunnel and Mud Chute Farm to Docklands and then round the bend of the Thames back to Royal Victoria Dock. The light was perfect for reflections and structures old and new. The first panorama shows how much building there is still being done in the area - the skyline is due to change even more (some comparisons with 13 years ago to follow).

 

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.