On to Newbury.

The weather was decidedly wet when I awoke today with constant rain, but it eased off ready for our departure from the 48 hour moorings at Thatcham at around 10:50am.

The day got off to a good start when we found an unofficial lock volunteer at the first lock of the day, Monkey Marsh lock (90), what a lovely name for this 6’ 8” deep turf sided lock, and as Karl and I chatted on our respective boats waiting for it to fill I completely forgot my camera.

It was another pleasant cruise,

What seems to be typical Kennet & Avon canal so far.

We missed most of the showers, the only problem we encountered was one of the swing bridges which Karl had a real struggle trying to open, so much so that in the end I tied to his boat and assisted him, it was really heavy with very little balance, and every time you eased off with pushing it moved back a bit, anyway we got it open in the end.

Leaving the offending swing bridge behind.

A slight wait at the last lock of the day.

Approaching Newbury it was nearly 2pm and we decided to take the first available mooring, so we have stopped just after Greenham lock (86) about a 5 minute walk from the town itself.

Having moored and got sorted I took a quick stroll into town to find an auto spares shop and purchased oil and filter ready for the next change, due in about 70 hours, while it was on my mind.

We are not far from various grocery superstores so tomorrow will be a ‘big’ shop to stock up, the wine is running low J and a look around the town, weather permitting.

Tonights mooring

Totals today: 3.5 miles : 5 locks : 2 swing bridges