The Cable-Car On A Very Cold Day
At about eleven this morning, I took the Emirates Air-Line, across the Thames from south to north. I had hoped that the very cold day and a forecast for bright sun, might lead to some very good pictures.
As you can see, they would have been better with sun, but it would appear that a cold Sunday morning may be the time to get some superb views. One of the staff I spoke to, said that it is very good to cross at about four in the morning, as all the lights come on. But of course the cable-car isn’t open.
If we have a cold and sunny day in the next couple of weeks, I’ll get my camera out again.
The Emirates Air-Line Was Surprisingly Busy
There wasn’t much of a queue at the ticket desks on the Emirates Air-Line today, but you had to wait a minute or so to get on and the cabins seemed to be fairly full. Perhaps more people are doing what I do and using their Oyster cards.
I was also able to take this view of the Crossrail site at Limmo and the conveyors taking the spoil to the barges.
The Crossrail Site At Limmo
Considering the weather, the visibility wasn’t too bad.
It Was Busy On The Cable Car
The Emirates Air-line was busy today, as the picture shows.
It Was Busy On The Cable Car
The caption says “Pharmacists – North London” if you can’t read it. It’s one of a series they show to the waiting passengers.
I suspect it was busy because of the clear weather. I took this picture looking towards the Heron Tower.
Looking Towards The City From The Emirates Air-Line
The Heron Tower is the one left of centre with the mast on top. There was also a good view of the Olympic Stadium and the Orbit.
The Olympic Stadium And The Orbit
My picture could be better though.
Wheelchairs On The Emirates Air-Line
I’ve already commented about bicycles on the Emirates Air-Line, but today there were a few wheelchairs. One is shown here.
Wheelchairs On The Emirates Air-Line
Obviously they can cope well, as the cable-car has lifts and wide cabins.
Is The Popularity Of The Emirates Air-Line Falling?
The Emirates Air-Line wasn’t as busy as I’ve seen it, but for a rather dim Sunday in October, it was doing brisk business. There was a big queue to get on. And this despite the fact that there was no DLRb to the northern terminal!
Is The Popularity Of The Emirates Air-Line Falling?
On the other hand, some critics are being very gloomy about the cable-car’s future.
I think it’s going to be fine, especially as the charges seem to have been updated with a sort of cash-back scheme for frequent flyers.
But then politicians will always play silly games.
Medway Thinks About A Cable-Car
According to this article, Medway is thinking about it’s own version of the Emirates air-line.
I doubt they’re the only place that’s thinking about it.
The Spectacular View From The Cable-Car
Today was exceedingly clear and I was able to take this image looking back to where I had walked earlier.
The Spectacular View From The Cable-Car
It’s just a pity the reflections got in the picture.
A Surfeit Of Ice Cream At The Cable-Car
If you like ice cream, they had lots of it at the north terminal of the cable-car today.
There’s also a stall at the southern end.
Is It Best To Go North-South On The Cable Car?
The Emirates Air-line does seem to be slightly antisymmetric, with more steps on the south side than on the north.
So this means it might be easier to use the cable-car going from the north to the south! Although, there are lifts both end to get you up to the gondolas.
Bicycles On The Emirates Air-Line
Although, they say it’s possible on the web site, but I’d never seen bicycles being carried across on the cable-car before today.
As you can see, the seats tip up and the bikes are strapped in by the attendant.
I was in the gondola behind and there was no hold-up at all.
The Anonymous Widower 