Not a bad office to work in

So here I am, at work after nearly 3 months' rest, and to my surprise I have a most spectacular view from my 8th floor office windows. Actually, it's better than these photos, but I didn't have my camera with me today. There is a view directly over the River Thames. If this were an apartment, it would be worth a fortune with such views.

The Woolwich ferry.

This leaves from just up the road. It is a free ferry that takes cars across between South and North Woolwich. There is also a foot tunnel nearby, and one a few miles the road at Greenwich.

This is a probably a part of my view, but it's difficult to pin it down. The river is very wide by the time it gets to Woolwich.

The Thames Flood Barrier is to the east of Woolwich. This picture shows it raised against potential flooding. I don't know the official names for its parts, but the piers are a permanent fixture, the walls between roll up when the water is high. The Thames is a tidal river, and exceptionally high tides are a constant danger - and a more frequent one these days. It may not be enough for much longer.

From closer up you can see the boat-shaped piers, which look a bit like those of an old-style bridge. You can go on boat trips to the Barrier and there are also guided tours. (I never took one).

Of course, Woolwich is where they filmed Full Metal Jacket, creating what they needed at an old gasworks. There are also glimpses in the film of the Royal Artillery Barracks, which will be in my next post.