Yesterday I continued my trek down the River Thames. Picking up where I left off before at Kingston Bridge, and following the river down to Walton-Upon-Thames. This was breaking into new territory for me as I have not been past Hampton Court in the past. It also meant I really had no idea how far it was to Walton, I do not. It’s a long way!
The Thames bends and twists through the counties, as all rivers do, taking the route of least resistance. This also makes it difficult looking at a map to judge distance. I have this thing as well, whenever I do or go somewhere new, I don’t like to plan, it takes the adventure out of things, and as I said to someone yesterday, life without adventure is life wasted. So off I went happily trotting along the Thames, my iphone fully charged for photos, a half charged ipad as backup, and the knowing there were a couple of train station along that way I could find to get back home later.
So we begin at Kingston…
….and start following what used to be the towpath towards Hampton.
The trees are full of Mistletoe at this time, their own leaves long gone with the winter, but this strangely beautiful parasite, keeping things a little green.
Running to the side we follow home park, which was Henry VIII’s private hunting grounds, the walls start as you approach the palace, but the river views get even better.
And then we find Hampton Court Palace, the home of Henry VIII, and a major tourist attraction in this area. And the bridge of course. These shots do not do the Court justice, there was not very good light when I arrived, the day very moody indeed. I’ll do some on the Palace and Gardens another time. I’ll focus on the river today.
At Hampton you cross the river to be able to follow the towpath. New territory for me as I said.
With some interesting curios along the way…
And finally the sky seemed to brighten up for a while…
Which as usual was when my battery ran out. It worked out well though as the day was moving on so I picked up the pace to Walton, then hiked inland a bit to Shepperton where I found the two things I desired most, a cup of coffee, and a train straight back home. Four hours walking, then 20 mins back!
firehorseworld 
Thank you for taking us along on your adventure, beautiful descriptive journey and gorgeous photography!
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Thank you so much. It’s great to be able to mix two of my passions together like this
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I can only imagine the exciting adventure Gavin, I would love to do this! I look forward to exploring with you vicariously!
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Thank you. My days with a backpack out in the world are, well on hold, but we only have to look outside our homes for something worth looking at.
I am happy you are along for the journey.
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Thank you, my best to you!
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Thank you for the hike – lovely sceneries you have caught and …somehow I recognize running out of battery…
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I think I’m doing fine, yeah, I;m doing fine, then how did that happen???
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?;-D
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Lovely walk, Gavin, and having to stop to provide what your surrounding is like. It felt I was there.
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Thank you Perpetua. It’s nice to bring a little of my home to the outside world. As it is to see the places other live.
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I’ll come back and look at the photos later. Got to go to Church.
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Ok. Be safe.
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What a walk! The photos are more contrasted in colors than last week. They’re gorgeous! Soo it will be sunny and full of flowers!
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Yes, I saw some bulbs pooking through. Not long till the colour starts
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In our garden all the green bits of the bulbs are out. I can’t wait!
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This was a lovely walk and thank you for taking us with you. My preference is for the moss and that first lichen or what is it. And that brick pattern!
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Yes, it’s just a lichen that lives on the stone. It really adds character to the bridge.
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What a wonderful wander to share. I watched an Acorn special on the Themes before we came to GB. So much beauty and history. Thanks
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Yes, I feel I am not doing it justice really. Thank you.
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Oh but it’s personal that’s all you need to be justified
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I enjoyed the gentle mood and varied textures in your photos.
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Thank you. Its a very peaceful walk, very beautiful.
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