With the wind blowing and rain threatening, Sue and I opted out and instead ventured down Riverside Road. But where to start?
Let me set the scene: imagine you're standing in Morrisons' car park. Got it? Now hang a right into Blackwall Reach, past a strange mix of terraced housing, new build, industrial garaging, overgrown wasteland, collapsed walls and general urban spew. You're right - it's not the Riviera and yet, situated in the heart of town and with views over the river, the area is not without a certain rundown charm.
Onto the High Street and after passing Koolunga House and the 121 mile marker to London, it's all downhill to Riverside.
Immediately the temperature drops five degrees and with eyes at half mast, we head on past the moorings, quays and storage units. Squatting on the hillside are a couple of luxury homes built to enjoy the river traffic, and I guess the freezing weather, come January.
Next up it's the former home of Halls Precasters - unfortunately the site now resembles downtown Beirut after it's been overrun by some new form of triffid. Shame.
The wonder of Riverside Road is up next. Situated at the rear of Morrisons' car park and standing higher than the Taj Mahal is the most goddamn awful block of flats you have ever clapped eyes on. The true wonder is that anyone saw fit to grant permission for a monstrosity better suited to Southbeach, Miami. Some might think the building ripe for detonation.
Let's not forget the south end of Riverside which has plenty to offer, especially should you want anything, painted, welded, fitted or fixed; it's also good should you have a sudden desire to dance, box, join the cadets or help out with the RLNI. Nice if you like that sort of thing.
Turning into Bell's Marsh Road and the clouds suddenly turn darker than Dulux's Matt Black. The sudden heavy, rain is a timely reminder of the brave (some would say foolhardy) people who live on Riverside. When time and tide combine on a February night, I wouldn't want to be the first line of defence when the North Sea starts cuddling up.
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