....not all in one day though, part one.
I woke this morning to very light rain and thought I might get a bit of a dousing but I was wrong there, it soon cleared and was a lovely day.
I set off 30 minutes behind schedule, well not really, I didn't have a schedule but I did had an extra cup of tea, so I was 30 minutes after when I thought I might set off :-) anyway it was 9am!
Passing Karl's boat Lizzie Jane the curtains and bow doors were open but no sign of life, so I just waved goodbye to Lizzie.
It was then a short distance to rejoin the Kennet main line (as I was moored in the loop by the Abbey).
I was surprised and pleased to see my (almost) neighbours from last night still preparing the first lock, Blakes lock, only 3' 6" deep and paddles operated by large steering wheel type things, so I just held back and cruised in when beckoned, a good start to the day.
Then as the lock was almost full my actual neighbours arrived and so as we left they closed up, even better.
Continuing behind them for the short distance to the junction with the Thames and saying goodbye to the K&A as I went.
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| They too were turning left for Oxford. |
Then it was my turn to turn after checking it was clear, well as much as I could see.
Once I got out I could see a big plastic cruiser approaching from behind so I took Quinquireme up to 2000 revs just to get clear and over to the right hand side, I bet she thought what's he doing we cruise at 1100 normally!
It wasn't long before they caught up though and passed me by, life in the fast lane ;-)
I caught them up at Caversham lock, there was a bit of a queue with the narrow boat I had come along with and me both needing licences for the Thames visit, but by the time I had parted with my £61, 7 day licence the queue had gone and I was next in the lock.
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Heading towards the lock on the left, passing a boater who was waiting for
a friend to arrive. |
So back into the large lock keeper operated Thames locks, easy-ish, except when you trip over your roof hatch for the first time ever, must not do that again, embarrassing.
On through Caversham, I did briefly consider mooring up for a look around but decided against it, and continued on.
Past the little boat house, I think I pictured this on the way down, no work has been done on the roof.
Along the straight section through Tilehurst I was overtaken by two at once, but again I caught them at the next lock ;-).
Mapledurham lock next , and a longish wait here as the lock keeper organised a multitude of vessels coming down, varying in shape and size, to get the maximum boats in, it looked very crowded in there from where I waited on the landing, and a queue formed in the channel behind me as the landing was landing was full.
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| Caught you up, not for long though! |
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| Mapledurham Lock and Weir |
He then squeezed a number of us in, behind me was a small cruiser with a very confused lady aboard, she apologised for bumping me, I told her "not to worry, mines steel yours isn't", she then asked me how far Newbury was as they were going to see friends there, I said "at a guess 20 miles, but it's back the other way on the Kennet and Avon canal", she said "what canal is this then I thought we were on the Kennet?", oh dear.... oh dear....oh dear, After some more exchanges she said " never mind we have friends in Oxford, we'll visit them instead".
A couple of open river pics, forward and behind just before Whitchurch.
I then spotted these weird looking sheep in a field.
Ok so they are not sheep, just small humpless camels :-)
Plan A was to stop at Pangbourne meadows at Whitchurch and I was pleased to see a last free spot ahead, just right for me, I was less pleased to see a cruiser coming towards me turn around and take said spot, oh well Plan B then.
On through the quite small Whitchurch lock, nice helpful lock keeper and just two boats fitted in.
Then passing The Swan pub by the weir which looked very busy.
Plan B was for a mooring at Beale Park and there I found a suitable 24 hour free mooring available.
Overall a good first day, hope it doesn't rain as forecast tomorrow.
Views from the side hatch tonight:
Totals today: 9 miles : 4 locks
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