Monday 11th June
Now we’ve finally reached the photos taken from deck during the pageant proper – these cover the cruise downstream from Chiswick to the official start at Albert Bridge.
BUT if you want to see more photos of our trip from Limehouse to West India then check the album on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4203619295682.2177880.1440854080&type=1&l=261e3f3566
Richard and the special jubilee flag – given to each boat at the very last minute when they passed the final inspection that would allow them to join the pageant…
Breaking up the raft – the “go” command meant “GO”…
The raft breaking up behind us – it takes time to shuffle that many narrowboats into their formation but I thought everybody followed their instructions so we left the moorings punctually and in good order…
This photo has it all – the waving crowds. the young bugler and, in the background, one of the many giant screens showing the action at Albert Bridge – the official starting point…
Looking back as we get into formation…
Balconies lining the route were full of jolly spectators – as well they should be – they had a great view, a place to shelter and easy access to loos!
The rooftops were lined with revellers…
That’s a handsome line – Fulbourne, Tarporley and President….(left to right). This is at Barn Elms Reach – see the unoccupied mooring buoys – everyone’s gone ahead!
The little boat was a pageant trespasser – they were soon shuffled off the river by the RNLI and Police ribs…
We thought there were crowds on the riverside here but this was nothing compared to what was to come…
Look, no waterproofs! At this stage we were smiling because we (mistakenly) thought that the sky was brightening up……
Homer (aka crew ‘man’ Margaret) waving to the crowds…
Big Homer’s best minder…with little Homer, our jubilee mascot…
When you’re wearing Homer’s head you can only see your own feet, which is not good for your balance on the restless river – so Homer’s minders had to keep a hold of his lifejacket at all times!
Every moored boat on the river seemed to have a party on board – we got a great reception from each one…
Now there’s a tidy line of narrowboats…
Now the crowds are getting bigger – but we’re still a fair way upriver of the official starting point at Albert Bridge…
The bunting shows how breezy it was, but the river was so calm without the additional force of the tide..
Approaching the starting line – Battersea Bridge was one of the official viewing areas – spectators were carefully vetted before being allowed onto the bridge…
Still smiling and still no waterproofs – Kath had the important job of minding the throttle while Richard minded the tiller – it was a good arrangement for keeping our place in the line…
Is THAT a crowd? Almost….
I wasn’t the only one wearing a furry costume – we got such a welcome from the partying boats along the way…
Now THAT’s a crowd – Battersea Park – we’re finally at the ‘official’ start of the pageant (and the official start of the rain!)….
