Watching the river in January

On the first really cold January evening I spotted a flotilla of canoes hugging the far shore identified only by flickering navigational lights with the mass of Manhattan-style skyscrapers of Canary Wharf.  Hardy sportsmen can be seen out on the Thames tideway gliding up with the tide, their instructors herding them along just like sheep.  My son Ben – a member of the Curlew Club – rows on the bleak Royal Docks on Saturday mornings where once his uncle John – a mate with Royal Mail Line ship Loch Ryan – unloaded frozen meat from Buenos Aires!!  (As I write, a telephone flood warning warns of an extra high tide!)

Earlier in the month Richard Albenese of Trinity Buoy Wharf spoke to the Greenwich Industrial History society about the fate of many historic vessels such as SS Robin which was built close by at Orchard House Yard; she now lies on a pontoon isolated in the Royals.  Other historic vessels can be seen at Trinity buoy Wharf, and further mooring space is sought for other endangered ships, perhaps in nearby East India Dock Basin close by which could indeed become a national centre.  This once-isolated ship building wharf is now home for the arts and is well worth visiting.

I have been know to drive the family to Trinity Buoy Wharf to the American Diner for breakfast and then explore the lighthouse and lightship, open studios and other historic craft gathered there.

A ferry from the O2 pier set amongst the lofty residential blocks with dramatic views up and down stream might appeal (10mns to North Greenwich Underground).  The speedy Thames Clippers are based here too!  The DLR also provides a passing glimpse for fair weather travellers around Canning Town.