Goodbyes.

So after one extra day to remove the sunken vessel in Fobney lock we finally left Theale this morning, but not before a little drama last evening, evidently a motorist was not happy that a boater had operated the swing bridge just ahead of us and forced his way through the barriers, resulting in a non-operable bridge, traffic jams, and irate motorists and boaters until they sorted it out after about an hours delay, still at least the original motorist got through ok :-(

So that was our first obstacle this morning, beautifully dealt with, Karl opened, I went through, Karl followed and I closed, no fuss, no trauma, no irate motorists, I think!

Karl opening bridge, me right there ready to get through.

We had a couple of good locks as we went on our way with boats appearing in time to prevent me needing to close gates.

First lock of the day,Sheffield lock (101) 2' 2" deep.

It was then through Garston lock, the turf sided lock, and again someone waiting to come up, and then passing below the busy M4.

and on through bridge 17 a slightly smaller and prettier bridge.

Passing the permit holders moorings just past Burghfield Island and boat club.

to arrive at the lock where the sunken boat caused such a long closure, Fobney lock (105) 7' 8" deep and long, only one paddle was working so it took a while to fill but a boat coming up made up for the delay again.

Fobney Lock, no sign of the sunken boat.

Heading into Reading we did pass a small sunken cruiser, once someones pride and joy.

This last section into Reading is not particularly pretty but the odd sight can lift your spirits, this boat amused me for some reason.

High and dry, almost hiding in the trees.

And then it was on into Reading, through the bridges and the last lock under Canal and River Trust's control with the traffic light controlled section through The Oracle shopping centre, so it's almost goodbye to the Kennet and Avon, and we are now under the control of the Environment Agency, one more lock to do tomorrow (for me) before joining the Thames.

I stopped at the first available mooring which is 24 hour, Karl wants to stay longer so he went a bit further to find a 14 day mooring.

Tonights mooring:

Totals today: 7 miles: 6 locks : 1 swing bridge

 After a walk around the town and a quick stop in Homebase I went off to meet Karl for a farewell drink in 'The Outlook' which was the nearest pub and I think the only real choice unless you wanted to get a taxi, tomorrow I will be heading back to the Thames and turning left towards Oxford and later on Karl will head off and turn right, he's heading for Brentford and the Grand Union. No doubt we will meet again as boaters do whether by arrangement or just by chance, it's been an interesting summer cruise, now I need to start working on the boat and plan for my winter cruise.