Shepperton to Laleham - from floods to farmland

Jeremy and Rachel Colenso with family, Shepperton
 Thames River Scoot supporting the British Red Cross

This week we took the chance to trial our new micro-scooters from Shepperton to Laleham. - Two places that have received recent global attention as flood waters rose to record heights, wrecking homes and causing thousands to be evacuated. The prime Minister, David Cameron waded through the flooded roads in his wellies captured on news-clips with a look of disbelief and exhaustion. (This had been a rather arduous and wet tour of southern Britain!) I can only imagine that someone in his position must have a very firm and rational mind, because I would definitely have spent the next two weeks having nightmares of floods and storms.

Rosemary and Jasmine scooting through Shepperton, Thames River Scoot

This section of the Thames was recently under so much water that we were stopped nearly a mile from the Thames by what we thought was a river that had burst its banks. It wasn't. It was a low lying area that had become part of the Thames river itself, flowing across the road across the fields and through people's homes. (See our photo!)

Rachel Colenso with family
Shepperton to Laleham on our new micros Scooters for the British Red Cross

Now remnants of stretches of water forming lakes in nearby fields is what remains. In all the previously flooded areas what is remarkable, is how people have recreated their lives, and how resilient nature is to the great disasters it has suffered. Daffodils line the riverbank, people with the help of aid organisations like the Red Cross have made great efforts to clear out and clean out debris. We even saw someone moving back into their home, with family helping to transport the finishing touches of potted spring flowers by boat across the river.

We scooted passed by a pretty home with a roadside stall, selling homemade jam to support their local charity. Delicious damson jam for breakfast!

Thames River scoot on our new micro scooters, Shepperton to Laleham

As far as a family scoot or walk goes, this section, despite recent catastrophies rates high in scenic beauty, with many idyllic spots to take a breather or enjoy your picnic lunch.

Examining a fallen tree