One very warm fall day during our recent stay in England, Mrs. Moore and I wanted to take the Thames Boat Ride UP THE THAMES to Hampton Court.  When Guests come to London, we always take them to Greenwich, DOWN THE THAMES, but Hampton Court is a different ride because it takes 2 1/2 hours each way and depends on the tide–the Thames is a tidal river.  I have gone to Hampton Court on the river only once before, so it was time to renew my acquaintance with the Chelsea Bridge, Richmond, Kew, the locks, Henley-on-Thames and my antique dealer friend, and all the locations where the 18th and early 19th century painters used to stretch their canvases and paint.  The day was perfect with beautiful blue skies, warm temperatures,  and somewhat sane tourists riding with us.  We brought a few egg salad sandwiches and chips from Pret because I am not too keen on boat snacks;  from all appearances our sandwiches were a good decision.  From the minute our boat left Westminster Pier in central London, my camera and I joined forces and delighted in all the beautiful views all the way up to Hampton Court.  I was fascinated with the locks on the upper Thames;  it was like going through a mini Panama Canal.  I always marvel at the over-engineered Victorian construction all over Britain which still work well, and the locks on this river are a good example.  Going to Greenwich is a “commercial” ride while going to Hampton Court on the river is an elegant and residential experience;  they are two different worlds.  Richmond-Kew-Henley all have an elegant 18th century feel with parades of houses with 18th century doorways, windows, and roof lines;  for people with sensitive eyes, this ride is a real pleasure.  Small pleasure boats of all kinds came along side our boat creating an almost “neighborhood” feeling on the river.  I particularly liked the racing teams who were almost beautiful flying on the water, practicing for some future event.  Wonderful.  Finally, I spotted the Tijou fences and gates of Hampton Court where we spent a fantastic afternoon.  I have written and posted an article about our visit to Hampton Court for this blog which I hope you will read.  I took “a few” images of this river trip from Westminster Bridge to Hampton Court which I would like to share with you.  I hope you will enjoy them.  I certainly enjoyed taking them.  THE OLD THAMES –LONG MAY SHE FLOW!

Thomas Moore   email:  TMooreSr@me.com    Telephone:  801.791.9918

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