London - Day 95

London - Sunday 14th August 2011 - Day 95

St. Katharine's Dock

Photo shows Selene tucked into the corner of the marina centre basin. This is a very pretty spot and of course, there are a lot of visitors moving around, although there are security fences and gates onto the pontoons.  Today is declared a tourist and crew change day.  Very sad to be losing Bill, who after joining in Hamble has been on board for three weeks.  Before going, we went to Weatherspoon for one last time together in the Liberty Bounds for Sunday lunch, then said our goodbyes at the Tower Hill tube station.

Merchant Navy War Memorial

Next to the station and behind the Tower of London is the War Memorial to the men of the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets who were killed during the first and second world wars.  Enscribed on the plagues inside the walls, along with the names of the ships are the names of each crew member who were lost.  It is a peaceful places surrounded by the hustle and bustle of the many tourists and the traffic going by.  I had a feeling of satisfaction at being able to pay my respects to those who had been lost at sea. 

Happy Sailor

The Tower of London and Bridge are a mecca for people from all over the world.  They appear very keen to queque and visit these spectacular attractions.  Like myself they are busily snapping photos of themselves at these famous sights.  The difference I found was how clean these areas are now. With many people at work keeping the places free from litter.  This was certainly not the case when I used to be in this area.  My new crew member was on board when I found my way back to the marina.  Jack Evans had returned after he had previously done the trip from Inverkip to Holyhead.

Prospect of Whitby

At night we walked along Wapping High Street and the riverbank to the Prospect of Whitby pub.  This is the oldest riverside pub in London, first used during the Tudor times in the 1500's.
It has fine views over the river and a new one to me since I was last there of seeing Canary Wharf lit up at night, which on a clear night is spectacular. On the way back we popped into the Captain Kidd.  This completed my day as a tourist which I had thoroughly enjoyed.