- Leo No2 battling the Thames at London Bridge - 

I was lucky enough to take part in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Pageant organised by the St Pancras Cruising Club in early September 2011. I was delighted to hear on 30-December-2011 that Leo No 2 had been invited to take part in the real event on 3-June-2012. Here's a few pictures of the practice. We transited the Pool of London six times in three days to undertake two practice runs. It was great fun. I am so much looking forward to taking part in June-2012 but need to bear in mind that some people who put a lot of effort into applying and practicing were not selected. I am not sure what the selection criteria was but no doubt that will become apparent in time.

I think the experience of taking part in what is suggested is the biggest event ever on the Thames is quite amazing and is wonderful recognition of HM The Queen's (in my view) selfless dedication to the Commonwealth (being of course a Kiwi and therefore a Commonwealth citizen).

There's a 'blog' of Leo No2's wanderings here.

Port of London Authority (PLA) tug Impulse. The PLA were so helpful in looking after us and did comment that we had the 'best' practice.	Some of the 24 narrowboats getting into position - 4 wide and 6 'deep' before the Saturday practice and being part of the Thames Festival	The Sea Shepherd boat Steve Irwin was in West India Dock when we were there - seen in this photo in the company of Indigo Dream. Steve Irwin is currently chasing Japanese whalers in the Antarctic Ocean (Jan-12).	A seal which popped its head up to visit us just upstream of Tower Bridge - shows the Thames is clean.
Rod and Val's Hazell Nut in West India Dock - dwarfed by the skyscrapers.	A 'head on' view of the Cruiser HMS Belfast in her Arctic camoflauge - quite inspiring	My friend Val, looking aprehensive before setting off up river for another practice	Andrew Phasey (SPCC) about to undertake a debriefing session in West India Dock - please note we all still have our life jackets on.
Rodney and David on Orlando whilst we wait for the tide to 'flow' a bit more and make the moorings at Barn Elms Reach usable.	The narrowboats mustering in Barn Elms Reach waiting for the tide to turn.	From the back Orlando, Hazell Nut, Indigo Dream moving into position before the start of the practice.	The magic of being moored in West India dock at night is a fantastic experience