Hampton Court

Rain !   But we don't do rain !   Well, we had to today, taking our time to get ready, hoping the rain that was forecast  for 11 o'clock and turned up at 7 instead would move on, it didn't, so we prepared for wet and set off.
A short cruise through 3 locks to Hampton Court, completed without any problems, so now it's a quick shower and explore.
Ali has been fascinated by all the wild Parrots around here, we started to see them around Windsor and they are here too, We have been trying to get a few pictures, but so far we only have managed to find a green & blue feather, Ali was a little sceptical when I told her about them, it's good to see them fly free, rather than be stuck in a cage for peoples selfish entertainment.
My faith in London has been restored a little, the mooring here outside Hampton Court is free for one night and £ 5.00 for the second, we are close to shops and restaurants, and of course the Palace, close...... we are moored virtually in the gardens !
Last nights mooring should have been fine, we were next to a dodgy boat ( tatty with no name ) and at 7 pm it started the main engine presumably to charge the batteries, and continued until after 10 pm, just not done if you are considerate boaters. We have been hearing via some of the other blogs, that the start of the Grand Union is cursed with continual moorers and the mess that is associated with them, the C& RT need to get a grip, for they give genuine continual cruisers a bad name, and will spoil this relaxed,interesting life style for all.
We may now stay here until Sunday morning, we have to be off the Thames by Monday, and this seems a good spot for our remaining time.

Hampton Court Bridge seen from the boat

A small part of Hampton court palace, the passion of Cardinal Wolsey and errr... taken over by Henry VIII

Ali waits for Baz to buy admission tickets, she will need a chair me thinks !

Micky Jay from the bridge

A nice lunch in Hampton

Of course a nice beer too

Another Mississippi type of boat, taken from the side hatch 

It's been a lovely day and after all the rushing (if you can rush in a narrowboat....) we've done this week we are enjoying the 'friday' feeling. Nice mooring, the sun is out and we treated ourselves to a very pleasant Italian lunch......oh yes, and Ali is very happy because there is an ice cream van about 200m away selling Mr Whippy style Italian ice cream - mmmmmmm.

Bye for now

Baz and Ali