YEAR 2006 - APRIL - MAY
		We set off from Packet Boat Marina on the Grand Union Canal on the 8th April, down the Paddington Arm and into the Basin and were most impressed at the new look with interesting water front buildings. We carried on through Little Venice and entered the Islington Tunnel - and stopped! We had run out of diesel in the day tank which took about an hour to fill and for Alan to bleed the valves. Meanwhile we drifted at the rate of about 3 feet every 10 seconds so by the time the engine started we were over half way through and fortunately no boat had entered from either direction! As we emerged into daylight we were hailed by a gentleman who turned out to be the new owner of our previous boat - the first Jemima. We moored up nose to tail and went for a drink and then supper to discuss boating. The next day we went on a nostalgic walk around Islington being where Alan worked for a good few years. We also took in Camden Market and were amazed at the extent of the markets and the goods being sold. As we carried on down towards Limehouse Basin it became obvious something was wrong with the engine which turned out to be a defunct alternator. Fortunately we were within about a quarter of a mile from a spare parts place so were able to get a new one. At Limehouse Basin we took a river walk down to Canary Wharf and up to the Docklands Light Railway. We travelled to Greenwich and then took the line to North Woolwich.We saw the Dome and Thames Barrier from another aspect. On the way back we went round the Docklands Museum which is well worth a visit. Travelling up the River Lee was not very exciting but improved dramatically from Waltham Abbey northwards to Hertford and up the River Stort to Bishops Stortford where we passed through some beautiful countryside. Back at Limehouse Basin we now locked out onto the tidal Thames taking our chance with the many river buses and trip boats. Suddenly a police lauch appeared from the rear and acosted us. Alan had to respond to their direct questions as to whose boat, where it was built, his christian name and mobile phone number etc. then they left. The water calmed down as we went further west and my sister and brother in law were on Putney Bridge to wave at us as we went by. It was a good journey up to Brentford and onto the Grand Union. We did not recognise Brentford as it has all been modernized since we were last here some 13 years ago. Posh and upmarket with a nice basin and restaurants! We spent two hot days visiting Syon Park and Osterley House then locked back on to the Thames going up river.
				WE STOPPED IN THE TUNNEL
						THE POLICE ACOSTED US