The big Thames path adventure . . .

Well, today I thought I would go in a different direction and see what was to be seen. . . So I set out for Ham (as in Farmer Giles of Ham by Tolkien?) via the Petersham Road from Richmond Hill. I hoped to knock around Ham a bit, catch the Thames path again (which was so tame on the way from Richmond to Kew) and see the sights!

The journey started out innocently enough, with a walk down the big hill from the deer park.

Quaint, pleasant surrounds (after I found a bathroom in desperate need early in the walk) all the way to Ham Commons and beyond. But then I lost my map, and had to ask my way as I walked down Lock Avenue. The funny thing was, the girl didn't know how to reach the Thames path. I walked half a block further and found the way marked clearly!

Still a beautiful day, as you can see, and no worries! Then I found the Thames again, and was relieved to be sure of my path home. Mmmm hmmm.

The locks were cool, and I headed along the path toward Richmond. Suddenly I discovered the basic physics of a tidal river, all over again! The flood plain was flooded, and I was trying to find a way through new watercourses as a result!

I actually reached several points where I was not sure I could get through at all. And was the tide going up, or down? Hmmm. I saw some pleasant sights along the way:

But mainly had to find ways around the water, and eventually through the water. Chilly!

Finally I found my way back to a path leading back up Richmond Hill. I stopped at a restaurant for a cup of coffee and a heat-up of my cold, soaked feet.

After walking up another long hill, I got a phone call. More problems. But you'll have to wait to hear about those!