This time a week ago...

...we were anticipating our team building event.

(Lots of photos so you might want to grab a cuppa).

Our office is just across the railway line from the Queen Elizabeth Park (Olympic park) and we had been planning on taking a river boat trip through the park since last year but by the time we had a date that everyone could make, the tours had closed for the Winter.

The tours reopened at Easter so we were able to organise our team outing.

We decided to cut through the residential area by the office rather than battle with the crowds in the Westfield Centre so this was the first view of the park from the road...

 ...the Olympic Stadium is now the home of West Ham United football club.
We go quite 'up close & personal' to the Orbit...

 ...which now has one of the longest slides wrapped around it (quite expensive and not something most of us would want to do).
We needed to be at the boat before the tour time to confirm numbers so some of us dashed ahead...

 ...the rest brought up the rear.
The boat moorings are in what is called "Waterworks River"...

 ...and easily accessible.
Whilst waiting for the others to catch-up, we spotted a mummy duck and her babies...

 ..."Dad" was waiting ahead of them and "Mum" was trying to ensure that all 11 of her brood were present & correct.
The tour boats can accommodate 60 people...

 ...there were 10 of us and we had the boat to ourselves.
Hot & cold drinks were available (including booze)...

...and although it was a lovely bright day, the wind had an edge to it - so tea & coffees all round.
The boat slowly makes its way through the park and there is a commentary about what is seen...

 ...and how the park has tried to be as eco-friendly as possible by providing nesting boxes for bother birds and bats in the underside of all the bridges that cross the river. Lots to see...

 ...and lots of interesting facts as we poodled along.
This is where the Waterworks River joins the River Lee...

...there is a lot of work going on around this lock and an extended tour will be available later this Summer.
Despite the horrid weather forecast we had a lovely time...

 ...and the sun was shining off the water.

 The amount of land cleansing and replanting that took place in the park is astounding...

 ...and at every point of the tour there was something to see...

...even these magnificent reed beds.

These photos take you to roughly the half-way point - I'll share some more photos tomorrow...............................................