There’s a calming rhythm in cruising down the river, even when the skies turn dull and the rain falls relentlessly. Today, we set off from Tilly Mint, our trusty narrowboat, with Neil at the helm and Naomi, his ever-watchful companion, by his side. Our destination: the iconic London Olympic Park, navigating through the historic River Lee Navigation. The day began sunny, but as we approached London, the sky grew steadily greyer.
The day greeted us with that quintessential British drizzle—persistent and indifferent to our plans. As we pushed off, the riverbanks seemed to blur in the mist, giving everything a muted, watercolour-like quality. The soft patter of rain on the boat’s roof quickly became a constant background melody, occasionally interrupted by the call of a waterfowl or the sound of raindrops meeting the river’s surface.
Neil, ever calm and collected, manoeuvred Tilly Mint expertly through the narrow waterways. The rain hadn’t dampened his spirits in the slightest.
As we cruised further, the urban landscape slowly gave way to pockets of nature—overgrown reeds, clusters of trees leaning over the water, and the occasional heron standing sentinel. The River Lee Navigation holds a blend of both old and new, weaving past industrial relics and pockets of regeneration, always hinting at the vibrant history and transformation of East London.
The rain may have been persistent, but there’s something undeniably peaceful about travelling by boat in this weather. The water’s surface rippled gently, and the reflections of the buildings and trees distorted in the soft rain. Even as we neared the Olympic Park, with its towering structures and modern architecture, the journey still felt like stepping back in time, carried by the flow of the river.
By the time we reached the park, soaked but content, it was clear that this cruise had been more than just a journey between two points. It was a reminder of the simple joys of slow travel, where every moment on the water is an opportunity to connect—with the surroundings, with the boat, and with each other.
And despite the rain, we wouldn’t have had it any other way. Other than Neil who needed a break.
— Until next time, from Tilly Mint, Neil, Napmi, and me.