Images of St. Katherine Docks Marina

Cheers,

   I learned the other day that we are in the Tower Hamlets part of London, looked at its website and found tons of information for self-guided walks and possible classes to take when we return in November.    And our friends Sue and Ed on Angel Louise arrived today!  They will spend the winter here too and as they wintered here last year, know lots about lots.  Tonight we are going out  for dinner to a favorite  pub or theirs also favored by Princess Margaret!  But we can wear our jeans so it’s okay. 

Ru

St. Katherine Docks Marina

http://historyofthedocks.com/ is a site about the area that encompasses the marina.

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We are in the West Docks marked in red.  Sue and Ed are in the East Basin

A map in the bouchure: Welcome to St Katherine’s Map and Guide

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View from our bow in our cozy corner…just doesn’t get much sun even on sunny days. 

But I’m sure we’re protected from any wind!  And it’s a really easy walk to the tube station.

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Our own version of Big Ben so we always know the time

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View from the stern; I’ve no clue what’s in that building.

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Our port side view of the renovation site; but it’s quiet so no problem.  Bottom row are more restaurants.

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Boats in the Central basin dressed up for the Thames Festival

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My favorite in the show.

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Our wonderful Roanoke friend E Fennel Phillips captained a 110 FT torpedo boat.  He had such stories to tell but was most proud of bringing food to the starving children in Rotterdam just a the war’s end. 

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The Central basin; the big read steam powered boat left today just before Sue and Ed came in.

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One of the bridges crossing the central basin to get to the East and West Basins and restaurant row.

Walk along the row and half way, turn right, under the arch.    Walk to the end and there’s a gate on your left; go through the gate and down the ramp, walk to the end and there we are. 

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When we get really homesick for Turkey we can step off the boat and go next door to this Turkish restaurant.    Restaurant row is just off our starboard side

Fridays are “food stall day” and vendors set up around the front side of the marina.  One day we’ll have to try out the Chorizo and also the Fish and Chips seller.

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Desserts too!

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The Coots, baby and mama who seem to live just near our stern. 

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She hardly has a chance to feed herself! 

When I hear the baby coot calling I run outside with our “now almost empty box of Honey Nut Krisyp’s” to feed both of them. 

“Coots are territorial and will swim menacingly towards any intruders on their patch. They are closely related to moorhens and, though found in the same highly vegetated lakes and ponds, the two species do not compete for food. Coots dive below the surface, to depths of up to two metres, searching insect larvae and other food. When they take off from the water, they run along the surface. They are sociable birds, often seen feeding together in flocks on ponds.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/life/Eurasian_Coot