The Thames must be one of the most famous rivers in the world. Boats have likely been using the river to travel inland from the sea for thousands of years, or at least ever since London’s founding in the year 47 AD. And now it’s Madrone’s turn.
As we often do before entering new waters, we researched what to expect on our passage up the river – we discovered that the Port of London Authority gives plenty of warnings about always keeping to the starboard side of the channel, always giving way to the numerous freighters, tugs and tows, and other commercial vessels, and always keeping a sharp lookout because of heavy traffic.
So imagine our surprise when we lifted the anchor from our peaceful overnight spot on the River Medway and pulled into the main Thames channel – not a boat to be seen underway anywhere. Maybe it’s just too early, we thought? Westward we motored, alone on the river except for one other small sailboat (who was tacking upriver into the wind, either oblivious to or ignoring the warnings to keep to the starboard side of the channel).
It wasn’t until we’d passed the Queen Elizabeth II bridge at Dartford Crossing that we saw our first small tug, helping a barge to its new berth across the river. And we saw a few river ferry boats, part of the London Tube system, as we approached the center of the metro area. But mostly, Madrone had the Thames to herself.
Past Greenwich we steamed, slowing down to enjoy the sights of Canary Wharf and the historic warehouses along the river. Around one more bend, and the famous Tower Bridge, decorated and glowing with its evening lights, welcomed Madrone to her winter home in London.
