Monday, May 10, 2021

A Long Canal Walk


I woke up yesterday and thought, I could do some gardening today. Maybe weed out the flower beds, get the wildflower seeds in the ground. Or I could take Olga to Hampstead Heath again.

Or, I could do something completely different.

And that's the option I chose. I decided to walk the Regent's Canal, from Regent's Park all the way to Limehouse in East London. I did this once before, back in January 2012, when I started even farther to the west in Westbourne Grove. I think yesterday's walk was about nine miles.


It felt great to get out on a nice day and just walk for hours. Our temperatures finally warmed up over the weekend, and yesterday was t-shirt weather. I even got slightly sunburned!

You can't tell from this photo, but the canal towpath was actually quite busy, particularly as I got farther east. There were lots of people out moving around and soaking up the sun. I feel like we're all waking up after a long enforced hibernation.


As usual, there was interesting graffiti everywhere. Here, we have the eternal clash between religion and science...


...and the somewhat scarred but still beautiful remains of a mural near Camden Town.


This surprising find reminded me of the movie "Sharknado." These sharks by architect Jaimie Shorten are installed in a boat basin in north London, and although they look like they should be a fountain, I think they're just sculptural. Apparently there was originally a plan for them to sing. Or maybe that's a joke.


I found a Viking vessel moored in East London near Mile End, but fortunately no sign of sword-wielding, horned invaders.


I saw lots of baby waterfowl. I guess our recent chilly temperatures didn't dampen the birds' amorous springtime tendencies. This is a moorhen, and it seemed to me it was ranging hazardously far from its mother for such a little thing, but she didn't seem concerned. There were baby ducks, baby geese and baby coots too.


The canal finally emerges into a boat basin in Limehouse and then into the Thames, above, where you can see a pretty good crowd of diners enjoying the view from that waterfront restaurant. I believe this was the first time I'd seen the river in about a year, since my walk through lockdown London last May. It felt really good to not only stretch my legs but reconnect with the city and get away from my home turf.

I caught the tube home from Limehouse, and was back here about 2:30 p.m. -- so it was roughly a five-hour walk.

And then, of course, Olga wanted a walk too, so we went out for a quick spin around the neighborhood, which seemed to satisfy her. No rest for the weary!

29 comments:

Moving with Mitchell said...

Such a beautiful walk and a great photo journal of it.

Linda Sue said...

Thank you for that decision! What a wonderful and very long walk! Jamie Shorten's work is fabulous- I do not understand the controversy - anyone ought to want them anywhere nearby. A five hour walk in London is about right- So much is jammed into that town and you seem to find the best. Great shots, thanks for the walk!

Anonymous said...

I thought YP's walks were an impressive distance, but nine miles is a very long over 14 km. I am not sure if I have seen those sharks or just photos of them. We certainly ate at that pub on the river during my first London visit.

Yorkshire Pudding said...

I love that first picture even though I disagree with the sentiment of the slogan. As for that shark ensemble - it reminded me of a little known singing group from Utah called The Osmonds. Interesting to see the point where The Regent's Canal meets The Thames.

Susan said...

What a beautiful walk - I love walking by water. It's so nice to see people out and enjoying themselves.

Tasker Dunham said...

It's good that in London, no matter where you walk, there is always an easy bus or tube back. With only a few exceptions here, walks have to be either two-directional or circular.

Bob said...

Thanks for the stroll. What a beautiful place to wander.

The Bug said...

What a lovely walk! I'm glad you decided to do something different.

Ms. Moon said...

Whoa, Steve! That was a great walk! Nice photos, too.
The graffiti one reminds me a bit of the old King Crimson album cover. Remember that? Probably not. You're too young.
And by golly, if those sharks don't sing they surely should!

Edna B said...

I love the photo of the canal towpath and the baby moorhen. Isn't it amazing how cities can be built right up to the water's edge? That was quite an interesting walk you had. It was so nice of you to take Olga for her walk too. You have a super day, hugs, Edna B.

Colette said...

The things you see on your walks! I am happy you share them with us. The sharks made me laugh a bit. I hope they sing someday.

Ellen D. said...

That was great, Steve! What a terrific walk and you captured such a diverse sample of sights for us to see! Love the mural with the beautiful swirling colors. Wow, there is a lot to see where you live! Thanks!

Anonymous said...

What a great walk on a beautiful warm spring day. Thank you for taking us along.

The bike shed said...

The urban waterways have a fascination - arteries of the city indeed... There is hidden canal in Cardiff that I walked recently - quite unknown by thousands of residents who live nearby.

ellen abbott said...

that was a great walk. and you always have such a great collection of pictures to illustrate.

Red said...

I think many people will enjoy that first getting out. I hope that the vaccine does enough to control covid.

Sabine said...

Your walks are always so very enjoyable. I hope you'll do more this summer.

Sharon said...

I'm so glad the weather was nice and you could get out for a long walk. I love the positive message in the top photo. Those fish do look like they are singing. It does feel like we are all waking up from a long slumber.

Margaret said...

There are actually people who believe that religion will protect them from a virus? A VIRUS? Glad your weather has warmed up for comfortable walking!

Catalyst said...

The Thames looked most inviting.

gz said...

A very good decision! And a lovely walk.

Steve Reed said...

The teeth are certainly similar.

Steve Reed said...

Good point! There is freedom in knowing that whichever direction I go, transportation awaits.

Steve Reed said...

I DO remember that album cover! I always thought it was super-creepy. I don't think I've ever actually heard King Crimson, though. How strange to be musicians more known for album-cover art than music!

Steve Reed said...

Yes, there's plenty of development along the canal, though in many places the banks are quite woodsy and full of trees and underbrush.

Steve Reed said...

Me too! They definitely LOOK like they're singing.

Steve Reed said...

I suppose they think that God will intervene and prevent them from catching the virus in the first place?

Steve Reed said...

Thanks for your comments, everybody! I appreciate each and every one. :)

The Padre said...

Hello Brother Reed,

Hope this finds you in wonderful spirits. Been thinking about Olga Girl the past few days and wondering how she is doing with the aging process. I throughly enjoyed catching up on the last week of your post and all the photos. The iPhone shots were entertaining. The old library books cracked me up. I mean a book dedicated to VP's??? Like WoW!! But hey, there could be a $10,000 Jeopardy questions between them pages there. The tiny head was a crack up and I do appreciate randomness. Anyway, I apologize for the lack of communication on my end. Enjoy your time with Mr Dave and relax in that garden with a beautiful gin and whatever suits you so well. Extra treats for Olga Girl and sending positive vibes overseas. Stay Strong

Cheers