Monday 2 July 2012

A ride on London's first cable car

 A new river crossing opened this week connecting the 02 at Greenwich Peninsula with the Victoria docks near Excel convention centre. I couldn't wait to try it out. It can carry 2500 people an hour across the Thames. Not quite sure how useful its location  will be but I think it will be one of those things that you just have to do to get a different perspective of the Thames.



This shows the Thames Barrier which is London's most effective flood barrier.



Even in the rain the Thames looks beautiful from this height




Now we are above the Royal Victoria Docks no longer used for their intended purpose but used now for leisure activities.

Decided to take the return journey so I could see the views from the other side of the cable car.





A great view of the Docklands light railway which uses a tunnel to cross the river.



This shows the Olympic stadium in the distance with the red Anish Kapoor observation orbit overlooking the Olympic park.


 Here you can see the bend in the river as it flows past the Greenwich Peninsula -  dominated by the white 02 structure. This is now used for concerts and large events. On the other side of the river from the 02 is Canary wharf with its high rise office blocks.




We are looking down at Greenwich pier where you can pick up a passenger boat to take you into London. Next to the pier is a sculpture - 'The cloud' by Anthony Gormley. It is a steel structure which I had heard that looking at it in a particular way you can see a figure in its midst.




After my cable car ride I took a closer look at 'The cloud' and yes I think I could see that elusive figure.


For anyone who is interested here is a map showing the new crossing.

21 comments:

  1. I see the figure also. Great way to see the River. Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  2. What a great way to see the Thames! Thanks for the tour!

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  3. This is great you already made the tour.I had read about it, but it is so nice you were so quickly to show us already the views. From above the world always looks so different, like in an aeroplane.

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  4. You do get to see lovely views from the cable cars. I think I see a figure in the distant sculpture. It must be exciting to have the Olympics in London. Thanks for sharing, great shots.

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  5. I could actually feel the magnitude of the various heights through your lovely photos. The cloud sculpture is, indeed, a fascinating work of art. And like a real cloud many visuals can be imagined, although there clearly is a figure at the center. :)

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  6. I am so happy that Fun60 is taking me to the Olympics! All your posts and pictures are simply wonderful. I too think I see the figure in the middle of the sculpture. :-)

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  7. Interesting experience and you have captured wonderful images all around you.

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  8. I must take this trip across the Thames when next in London .... It gives a beautiful birdseye view of the different areas along the river. I'm sure it will be well patronized by us tourists

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  9. You are certainly sticking to your guns and having some adventurous outings - good for you!

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  10. Wow --you got great views on both sides, didn't you??? What a neat way to see the city from 'above'... Thanks so much for sharing. Hope you get to partake in some of the Olympics.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  11. Oh yes ! that's very interesting for me ! I'll try to get there before I go to Eastbourne.

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  12. ...these are great photos of London, many years ago I was there, I have to go there again ...

    Greetings from Geli

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  13. Thats another new thing I'll have to have a look at one day.

    Have you tried the bells on the web site?

    Stewart M

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  14. I so admire you and your 10 year project. It looks to me like you are having a ball. You are also laying a trail of wonderful things around London for me to follow!

    Mollyxxx

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  15. I would love to take a ride in that bubble and get those great views.

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  16. That looks like a great ride and I can definitely see a figure in that sculpture. I've ridden on more cable cars and chairlifts than I can count, since I live in Colorado and used to ski.

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  17. Thatz a great photo tour, wish I could do that in live too!

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  18. Looks like a fun ride. I might do that instead of the London Eye.

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  19. Although I have a fear of heights, I love taking cable cars cause they provide great views of the city. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos.

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  20. Yes, I could see that figure in the sculpture too! What a neat perspective from which to see the Thames. I especially loved the 6th photograph from the end. I read your previous post as well. I hope you enjoy the olympics as much as I did when they were in Vancouver.

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  21. Ohhh! I have to try that out next time! And I too could make out the figure in the sculpture! :o)

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