A Morning Photowalk with Rob

Blackwalls Basis - Canary Wharf, Londonn
Copyright Andy Richards 2025 - All Rights Reserved

I MENTIONED last post that we would be spending a couple days with our friends, Rob and Carol, from Manchester. They have a daughter now living in London, and they love to visit the city (actually cities). Rob's mom and a sister also live in Cambridge, which is about 50 miles northeast of London, and about 100 miles southeast of Manchester, so it makes sense for them to do "on-the-way" stops. They drove to Cambridge and left their car there, riding the train to London.

Canal - Canary Wharf, London
Copyright Andy Richards 2025 - All Rights Reserved

WE HAD been planning this trip for well over a year, and as things got closer, we kept in communication. Their Paddington hotel was literally around the corner from ours, both immediately adjacent to the Paddinton Train Station, which was very convenient for us. One of the things Rob had mentioned to me was that - like I normally am - he is an early riser and would like to "tag along" with me on one or more of my morning photowalks. I use quotation marks because it turns out that Rob (who once lived in London back in his college days), was very familiar with many parts of the city and he and Carol made splendid guides (though we did have some fun showing them one or two things we knew of that they didn't 😊).

Blackwalls Basin - Canary Wharf, London
(This is the area that would perhaps yield some nice reflections with a nice morning sun)
Copyright Andy Richards 2025 - All Rights Reserved

ON OUR second day, I mentioned to Rob that I wanted to find a photo-spot called "Blackwall Basin" that I had seen online and heard made for some nice reflection opportunities. Unfortunately, during most of the first part of our stay in London, sun (especially in the morning) was a scarce commodity, and I didn't get the reflections, but I do know now, where it is and how to get to the photo spot, for another trip. Rob said "I know where that is. It is at the Canary Wharf." The Canary Wharf was once a busy commerce harbor on the Thames, know for shipping - perhaps especially fish and fish processing. Over the years it fell into disrepair and was often described as "derelict" (presumably not an area you would want to frequent). In the 1980's a Canadia businessman concieved the idea of turning the area into a financial and business district. Obviously (from my visit there) pretty successful, the area is now somewhat sought after by businesses and residential dwellers alike. And, of course, it has become expensive. There are a couple "Tube" stops there and we easily found our way from Paddington. Walking around the wharf area, we could see where I wanted to stand - just not how to get there. I made a few shots and was really kind of ready to give up. But Rob is tenacious. He was sure he could find us a way there. And he did! It was a nice morning, Rob. Lets do it again soon somewhere  (and by the way, you are welcome for that cup of coffee 😁).