Shepperton to Richmond on Thames - Day 10

Today we were anticipating a much easier day than yesterday, 14 miles instead of 25.  Last night we couldn't believe we'd ever walk on those feet again . . . but amazingly enough, we could!  Nothing like good drink, good dinner and a great sleep to revive your legs, feet and attitude.

Before we started, we had a bet on which route to the Thames Path would be quicker, back to the river and over the Ferry, or over the alternate route through Shepperton.   The girls took the Ferry and the boys took the alternate route and guess who won?   Of course the girls won!!!

The girls out of the starting gate and on the trail bright and early.

A little view of suburban Shepperton

The ever present rowers out for a morning row with their coach tagging along.

A few beautiful houses along the way towards Molsey.  The weather is obviously mild enough here that even some palm trees can survive.

 A team of 8 rowers, obviously novices, getting instruction from a coach in the back.

 A strange looking little goose family on the river bank.

By noon we were making very good time and had already reached Hampton Court, the palace of King Henry VIII, you remember, the guy who liked to behead everyone.  Here are a few pics of his Crib.

Rock Star Cover Album at Hampton Court!  Cool hikers, eh?

Layout of the palace.

Back gates of the palace grounds.

A swan family just past Hampton Court, with the little, grey Cygnets swimming with Mom & Dad.

The riverside is now starting to take on the character of a city instead of a small collection of villages and towns.  This picture was taken as we were approaching Kingston, the next large destination before our destination today, Richmond.  We stopped in a small pub in Kingston for a quick lunch and then headed back out to the trail.

Strange looking boat architecture parked in Kingston.

Cool tile mosaic embedded in the brick on an office building in Kingston.

Our Thames Path morale booster along the trail.

Don's typical light lunch in Kingston.

Teppington Lock.  From here on the Thames should become tidal.

First glimpse of Richmond from afar.

Marble Hill House, built in the 1720's for the mistress of King of George II.

Approach shot of our hotel as we walked into Richmond.  We are staying in the small white one below, not the big historic one up top.

We arrived at our hotel in record time today at 2:30 pm.  Time for a quick pint, then off to Richmond to buy food and drink for the open air concert we are attending nearby tonight.

Ever wonder where all those poppies are made for Remembrance Day?  In Richmond!

To night the gang attended an outdoor concert at the famed Kew Gardens.  The Kew is said to possess every plant variety on earth in it's seed library.  The head liner was Jools Holland, Jamie Lawson and Adam Double.  It was a fantastic evening of music and what a crowd.  We were joined by friends and former colleagues of Pete's, one of which now is in the business of making party foods.  Needless to say we had a picnic feast.  Have a look at some of the photos of the concert.