Henley to Oxford

Sun 25^th May

Henley to Reading

Our central heating unit performed well this morning, coming on at 7am, and heating the radiators properly.  This has never happened before!

We wandered in to town and found a wide choice of cafes and coffee shops for breakfast.  We had croissants and lattes before going to Henley Baptist Church.  There we found Roger Cole leading things through.  He is the brother of Ben Cole, who used to be at Pioneer with us, and who teaches at Heathside School in Weybridge. Last time we saw Roger was at Abingdon Community Church a few years back.

Roger Cole at Henley Baptist Church

The welcome was good, and the worship was good.  There was no bible-based talk, because there was a report back from a team who had visited Malawi recently.  We didn’t stay for coffee as we had to move on to Reading. 

It was very sunny, and a lot of boats were about, so we had a lock queue at Marsh Lock with a 30 minute wait.

 A busy scene at Marsh Lock

Then upstream through Wargrave, where Paul Daniels got flooded again.  He was refused permission to raise his house up on stilts after the last flood. Now I wonder if the council will pay for his damage this time?

Past the two islands where we often moor – Hallsmead Ait and The Lynch, and through Sonning.  There was a fast crossflow by the bridge, which required some careful judgement and some strong power to get through.  The boat behind us, a white cruiser, had a bit of trouble and took three goes at it, but got through OK in the end.

Then up the long straight into Reading, turning into the mouth of the Kennet and through Blakes Lock.  We managed to get three narrowboats in the lock, including Chavori – a chap called Dave, who we have met before in Oxford.

We moored in the loop by the prison and the abbey ruins, and in the evening we took guitar and bodhran to the local folk club – Readifolk.  The theme was rail and sail, so we sang Windmills, Drill ye tarriers drill, and The man who calmed the sea.  Good fun.  We met someone else who is going to the Seekers concert next week.

4 locks, 7 miles, 3hr45

Mon 26^th May

No boating today.  Got James’ phone sorted out at Phones4U. It needed new software apparently.

We went into the Oracle hoping to use a Nando’s voucher or Pizza Express, but they were packed out with people waiting. Instead we retraced our steps to an upstairs Indian Buffet restaurant in St Mary’s Butts - £5.99, eat as much as you like.  The food was excellent, and we were the only people in there who weren’t of Indian origin.  Loads of Indian diners, which is a recommendation in itself.  The only drawback were the steep stairs to get in.

Back to the boat for zzzzzzzzz as it was raining hard. It was a 24hour mooring, but we stayed two nights.

Tue 27^th May

An early start (0750), with a rapid return to the Thames due to the flows.   

 The Forbury Loop

 Blakes Lock in Reading

We didn’t stop at Tesco, but after Caversham Lock (self-service) we paused to visit Aldi, and then crossed to the island to visit Caversham Boat Services for fuel and toilet blue.  We forgot to ask for coal, which we also needed.

Then on upstream through Mapledurham (Cassette, rubbish). There was a queue for water so we decided to leave it until Cleeve Lock.

Past the Alpaca farm, and Pangbourne Meadows, through the bridge building site to the waiting are for Whitchurch Lock.  There apparently was a problem with the lock gates which would not open. It was on Self-service, so a phone call was made to Mapledurham, and a lock-keeper arrived a while later and sorted it.  One of the other boats waiting was Roundabout, the people to whom we gave a BCF leaflet in Maidenhead.

It was disappointing to see a notice here to say that the water point at Cleeve Lock was out of order. They really need to put this notice at the last water point (Mapledurham), not just two locks before the broken one. This happened last year with the Elsan at Days Lock, which they should have told us about at Abingdon where we could do something about it, not Culham where it was too late.  Grump! Humph!

Up past Beale Park in the rain. Thankfully our canopy serves us well, although it is hard to see through the front window of the canopy when it is raining.

We arrived at Goring and decided that we had gone far enough in the rain.

4 locks, 12 miles, 5hr20

Wednesday 28^th May

Goring to Abingdon

No crayfish in the traps James had set.  Remains of one mouse from Hugo.  No emails received.

Set off as the locks opened, 0905.  In Goring Lock, Hire boat Mississipi came alongside, and a FMC (Fellows, Morton and Clayton) boat came in behind us.  James held his bow line as he was on his own.

At Cleeve Lock we established that the water was definitely unavailable, as it had been tested and failed.

We paused at the Sheridan Marine at Moulsford, but they do not stock coal.  FMC overtook us.

Somewhere near North Stoke we spotted a little egret flying overhead.  We also saw Eric and Sue Lewis on Remus, travelling downstream with the flow.  Only just time to say hello.

At Benson Lock we caught up with FMC, and also Tawny Owl, from Pelican Wharf, with it’s new owners, who we had met briefly on the Wey.

We passed Shillingford Bridge, and Days Lock. Wittenham Clumps were shrouded in rain clouds. The terrapin we often see at Burcot was absent.

 Clifton Hampden Bridge

The weather was not too bad so we continued past Clifton Hampden, and through Clifton Lock and Culham locks.  Still no sign of any kingfishers, which are usually frequent just here.

We paused at Kingcraft in Abingdon for coal, managing to get on their low level mooring. The lady in charge said that was a private mooring, and they had lowered their visitor pontoon in response to requests from narrowboats.  The low parts were still level with our roof!  And they didn’t sell coal!!!

As we set off a large white cruiser passed us and decided to moor in the very spot that we had chosen so that Hugo could get off and into the bushes.  We moored a little further along.  They also had a dog which they set loose on the recreation ground, where dogs are not allowed.  There is no notice to say this on the river side, and there should be.  It was a very small dog, wearing a harness and a life jacket.  The owners could pick him up by the handle on his back, like a handbag.

We phoned Redline, a little further back to see if they sell coal. They suggested going to B&Q! Not easy by boat.

After a quick shower and a change, we walked into town to meet John and Barbara Froggatt (Canal Ministries) who had come from Reading by car. They took us to a Chinese Restaurant in Oxford for an excellent meal. We couldn’t decide between us what we wanted so we chose the “Let us decide” option.  Good starters, a mountain of crispy fried duck, and five other dishes plus rice.  All very well prepared. A good time of fellowship.

Back to the boat, where we put out the fire to save coal when we went to bed.  Crayfish traps out.

6 locks, 19 miles, 6hr20

Thursday 29^th May

Abingdon to Eynsham

Two small crayfish in the traps this morning. One trap has a broken zip.  That leaves two, plus two new ones, still in their wrappers.

Cygnets getting a free ride in Abingdon

Hazel went to Waitrose, and managed to use some or our John Lewis Vouchers. Then we set off up through Abingdon Lock, where there was no notice about Cleeve Lock water.  The lock keeper did not know, and promised to put up a notice, as this is the last water point before then. The next one is Mapledurham.

We filled up with water (slow), emptied loos, and chucked rubbish before the long run up past Nuneham and Radley to Sandford Lock.  Heavy flows approaching Sandford, where we noticed yellow boards were out.

After Iffley Lock we had to wait a short while for a rowing race to begin.  Quite entertaining with all the rowing eights from the different colleges.   

 Rowing regatta in Oxford

We managed to negotiate our way upstream through the chaos, under Folley bridge and into Osney Lock.  Above the lock there was a considerable flow, and we paused there for lunch on the moorings.  It was sunny, so we took down the pram hood.

 Osney Bridge, the lowest on the Thames

After lunch we continued up past the Port Meadow, where there are hundreds of Greylag geese.  Through Godstow Lock, past all the sharp bends leading to King’s Lock, and then the long stretch past the lovely Wytham Great Wood to Eynsham, where the moorings downstream of the lock were taken so we went through the lock and moored above.

We put the pram hood up again, and soon had a heavy rain storm.  Good timing!

Heavy rain at Eynsham

We had a call from Mark Walker at Aynho to say they couldn’t service our boat engine after all – not for two weeks.  Earlier (at least two weeks ago) they had said that they don’t book more than a week in advance. Frustrating!

Sent a message to Tooley’s Boat Yard in Banbury to see if they can do it.

The two new crayfish traps strangely don’t have bait pouches.  We found something to put the bait in, and put all four traps out.

Hugo very happy – in and out all evening.

7 locks, 14 miles, 5hr20

Friday 30^th May

Eynsham to Farmoor

Inspected the traps this morning.  There was one crayfish in one of the new traps, and none in the second one.  The old traps had 6 and 12 respectively.

We made a leisurely start (1045) against a strongish flow, and visited Oxford Cruisers.  Quite challenging to get onto their fuel pontoon, and we could only tie on with a centre line.  James walked round the basin to the office to collect some coal. NO COAL!  Perhaps it’s the wrong time of year.

We arrived at Pinkhill Lock – self service except there was a helpful bloke there who was a camper.  We moored at Farmoor Reservoir.

We went for a walk across the lock and then in a rectangle, North, West, South and East.  It was very uneven underfoot and Hazel’s hip was playing up after she fell off a stepladder at home.   

 Going for a walk!

We went past some lovely buttercup meadows, and at one point we saw a fox crossing one of the fields.  There were also skylarks. 

 Buttercup meadows

 

When our path returned to join the Thames Path at the river, our map showed a footbridge, but it was missing.  We walked north to cross over by the lock again.

We heard cuckoos, and later James went up to the reservoir, and saw one fly overhead.  Then he saw another sitting on the angled steel cable stay for a telegraph pole.  A wonderful view of this normally invisible bird.

Up at the reservoir he saw large trout leaping, and a very large one in its dying moments, feebly flapping its tail.

Beautiful views over the buttercup meadows.  Sadly no barn owl this time.

Crayfish traps out – two old ones. one new one.

1 lock, 1 mile, 0hr50

Saturday 31^st May

Pinkhill to Oxford

James got up early (too early, Hazel says) and checked his traps.  10 in one, 5 in another. None in the new trap.

 Pinkhill Lock

Back downstream through Pinkhill Lock (self service) then past all the buttercup meadows, where we saw Cetti’s warblers, and a reed bunting.   

 Passing the buttercup meadows

At Eynsham Lock we shared with an Anglo-Welsh hire boat.  Emptied loo and rubbish. 

Swinford Bridge

There was a fast cross flow as we left Eynsham Lock, causing us to zigzag. Then a tickover cruise to King’s Lock, followed by all the sharp bends down to Godstow, which was on yellow boards.  James despatched the crayfish on the way to Osney Lock, and at Folley Bridge we found the big regatta going on – Oxford Eights.  We turned to face upstream, and moored just by the finishing post.  The finish marshall looked tired of standing, so we lent her one of our plastic chairs.

 Before

 After

Crayfish and lettuce sandwich for lunch, while watching the racing, accompanied by lots of high spirited silly happenings. 

 Grandstand view of the regatta

 High jinks

  

Then we walked to the Botanical Gardens to have a look round.  These are the first Botanical Gardens in the world, and of course are historically significant, and very compact.  They don’t compare to Wisley or Kew, but there were some lovely plants and flowers. It was a relaxing time, also an opportunity to see the punts at Magdalen Bridge on the Cherwell.  Strong flows meant punts in bushes quite often.

 

Botanical Gardens

From there we walked to the centre of Oxford where we checked our bank balances and found that our money from the letting has not yet been paid in, despite an email from the agents to say it has.  In fact we were slightly overdrawn which we remedied.  We had an early evening meal at Pizza Express, thanks to Weybridge Methodist Church.

We found a WH Smiths where we wanted to buy a book “Android for beginners”, using a book token we had.  They wouldn’t accept it, saying it was a magazine, not a book!  We will try somewhere else.

Back to the boat where we saw the last race of the day, followed by lots of people, particularly coxes, getting thrown in the river. Then a noisy party, thankfully finishing at around 8pm.

Hugo was introduced to the cricket club over the fence where he was happy.

5 locks, 8 miles, 2hr50

Sunday 1^st June

Folly Bridge, Oxford, to Roundham Lock

Some people don’t realise that when they walk past boats in the middle of the night, there are usually people asleep on board.  So they talk and laugh loudly and then there aren’t any people asleep on board.

And then there are the rowers….  There is nothing like an early morning row, with a chap on a bicycle hurtling down the towpath, megaphone in hand, ticking off Sandra for not getting her blades flat enough on the return.

And so we got up early.

We had time to despatch the rest of the crayfish before walking to St Aldate’s church for the Sunday service. There was a little of everything – two Christenings, an engagement, and the sad passing away of a lady in her 40s.  The worship was good, and the talk was about Joshua, returning with the other spies from Canaan. Are we to focus on the grapes (God’s promises) or are we to feel like grasshoppers, too afraid to achieve anything?

 Charlie Cleverly in action

 The worship team

 St Aldates

A brief stocking up in Tesco, followed by a sandwich on board, and then we set off upstream under Folly Bridge, with Hazel steering, and James cleaning the crayfish.

Osney Lock and Osney Bridge not nearly so fast flowing.  The lady at Godstow Lock seems to be a bit of a control person.  She gave out a card yesterday telling me what yellow boards mean.  Today she told me about the red and green markers further up, ticked off two cyclists who hadn’t dismounted, and then undid my stern rope without asking, when the lock was not even full, and the gates were still shut, and I hadn’t switched my engine on.

Then up through the zigzags, where we encountered lots of horse flies.  Normally they go for James, but this time, possibly because it overheard when she called it a hover fly, one bit Hazel.  On went the anthisan cream and down went an antihistamine tablet, as we know that insect bites and Hazel don’t get on together.  The bite went very red very quickly, but then settled down OK.

At King’s Lock we met Martin and Rosie, from Quantum Leap, last seen on the Fens three years ago. Lovely to see them again. They are heading for London.

After King’s Lock we turned right into Duke’s Cut, bound for the Oxford Canal. 

 

The junction of the Thames with Duke's Cut

Today’s Thames journey: 3 locks, 4 miles

Today’s Oxford Canal journey: see next entry.

Weybridge to Henley

Sun 18^th May  Hazel’s Birthday

BBC to Weybridge Wall

Another late start after a tiring day yesterday. Hazel saw the mouse that Hugo had brought in yesterday, so we had a bit of a hunt before catching it and releasing it.  There were also the remains of another to add to the tally.

We had planned to take the boat to Town Lock and come back by bus to collect the car, but instead, James drove to New Haw lock while Hazel took the boat.  A boat was just coming up which was handy, setting the lock for us.

Car and boat again to Coxes lock, where two boats were coming up.  A third was waiting so James was able to get on Gabriel and go to the water point where the car was.  After filling the water tank, Hazel drove to the Town Lock Car Park, while James took the boat and moored just above the lock.

We drove to church where people were surprised to see us.  We had brought cake as it was Hazel’s birthday.  Then we drove to Portmore Quays for the last time, where we assembled all the items to do with the car.  We went to number 7 for a lovely lunchtime send off from the neighbours.

Portmore Quays send off party

Tricia and Suzanne

Sid, Trevor, Christine

 

Paul and Rosie

 

Birthday girl

James in the shade

Dave and Caryl came to collect the car and we completed the paperwork.

Boats were getting stuck on the sandbank in the middle, and this caused a bit of a lock queue.  Fortunately when we finally brought Gabriel through we avoided an undignified grounding, and departed with much hooting of horns and brandishing of football rattles.

Boats getting stuck on the sandbank

At Town Lock we handed in our Wey Licence for a pro-rata refund, and moored on the Weybridge Wall.  We noticed quite a strong flow.

5 locks, 4 miles, 2 mice

Mon 19^th May

Weybridge to Staines-upon-Thames

We cruised over to Shepperton Lock where we discovered some maintenance work still continuing, so there was a wait for the lock.  We emptied a cassette, and disposed of the rubbish and bought a 2 week licence (£139) for the Thames

Shepperton Lock

When we finally got going, we headed up through Chertsey Meads, where we noticed a high water mark on the information boards, left over from the winter flooding.  We could see similar marks on the walls of some of the houses as we passed.

We visited Penton Hook Marina for fuel, where we had to wait while a diesel tanker made a delivery. We moored alongside a Dutch barge Laura-Jo, owned by Lynne and Dave.  They had brought this boat through the Kennett and Avon Canal.  They said they would never do that again. They had had to get the steam pumps working at Crofton to raise them off the bottom. They gave us a coffee. Lovely hospitable people, unofficially resident in the marina, who don’t allow liveaboards.

Being friendly in Penton Hook Marina

We went also to the chandlery, but they were closed. James left a cheque for the invoice he had received. We have decided that the estimate of £700 to fix the Webasto is outrageously expensive, so we will try to find an alternative engineer, who returns phone calls and emails.

Penton Hook Lock was on self service – this gave us time for an ice cream as it was very hot and sunny.

We cruised up through Staines to our usual Lammas Lands mooring.  The river levels were fluctuating, causing the boat to  list at one point, so we slackened the ropes.

 Our Lammas Lands mooring in Staines-upon-Thames

We had a phone call from Mick regarding the solar panel regulator and the Webasto heater. The Webasto is to be done under warranty which is good news, but it needs to be sorted out by Stephen, the engineer at Chertsey Marine. This could mean delaying a bit more, which is a bit of a shame as we were hoping to get to Lechlade and back with our 2 week licence. We will call them in the morning.  The new regulator is to be sent to us by Mick for me to fit.  We are gradually getting things sorted out.

We sat in the shade under the trees in our comfy chairs.  Later we walked to the folk club in “the Bells”  We sang “A long way down”, “Well well well”, and  “Miles and miles of poly”.  Mary Sibley came.  A good evening.

Tue 20^th May

A day in Staines.

Cruised to mooring behind town hall. Going downstream much easier than going upstream. Phoned Chertsey Marine.  Stephen not in yet. Left message for him to call.

Bought bible study book at Canaan.  Bought Hazel’s earrings, and some food supplies. 

Phoned Chertsey Marine.  Stephen replied.  James explained our timing schedule, trying to get to Lechlade and back to Oxford on our 2 week licence. Stephen promised to take the old one away this afternoon for cleaning and testing.

Had buffet lunch at Pizza Hut. Back to boat for zzzzzzzz.

Stephen phoned to say change of plan: he will install the new burner as he takes out the old one, probably on Thursday in Windsor area.

Heavy rain shower around 8pm.

0 locks,  1 mile,  0hr10

Wed 21^st May

Staines to Dorney

Shopping first.  BHS / Debenhams etc for a throw to cover our dinette cushions. The one we have now is marginally too small.  No success.  Market day.  Bacon roll at Greggs – not v good.

Then cruise to the Sainsbury’s mooring and a visit to Homebase.  No turn buttons.  Bought a doormat.

Then cruised through Bell Weir Lock.  We saw some Dunkirk Little Ships travelling downstream near Runnymede.

Dunkirk Little Ships at Runnymede

A yellow amphibian vessel in Windsor

Through Old Windsor, Romney and Boveney, mooring at PG point by the Dorney rowing lake.  Lots of long grass for Hugo.  It is not marked as PG Point on any maps that I have seen. Someone has painted the name on the piling.  Perhaps the initials PG are the guy who installed the piling? No idea.

Flourishing rape plants on the Thames Path at Dorney

Walked back to the EA mooring to check car park arrangements for Webasto engineer – looks possible for him to park fairly close to the boat.

4 locks,  10 miles,  3hr50

Thu 22^nd May

Two boats left from the EA mooring, so we left PG point and cruised 10 minutes back to moor up more conveniently for access by Webasto engineer.

Heavy rain for most of the day, so we caught up with some changes of address correspondence.

Chris and Diana on Ultreya came downstream and paused for a chat, dripping in their wet gear, standing under our canopy at the stern. It was good to see them. They are on their way to Little Venice / Paddington.

0 locks,  0 miles, 0hr10

Fri 23^rd May

Dorney to Marlow

Cloudy threatening skies, intermingled with odd spots of sunshine.

At Bray Lock we found Louis doing his relief lockkeeper job.

At Boulters Lock, we shared with a narrowboat called Roundabout, and they asked for a BCF leaflet.  Rob the Christian lockkeeper there, prayed for a lady in the bows for healing for her arm.

We passed the islands in Cliveden Reach without stopping, and only spotted one boat moored.

Cliveden Reach

We filled up water at the excellent powerful water point at Cookham Lock, while Roundabout went on ahead.  We passed them again at the mooring near the Spade Oak pub.

We continued to the EA mooring at Marlow. It was just starting to rain as we moored up. Good timing.

Stephen rang to say he had the Webasto part and would come this evening.

The rain stopped in the evening and we walked into the town to buy milk and other bits from Sainsbury’s local.

Stephen rang to say he would run out of daylight if he came this evening, so he will be with us first thing tomorrow morning.

3 locks, 10 miles, 3hr35

Sat 24^th May

Marlow to Henley

Heavy rain from 5am onwards.  Our wedding anniversary.

Stephen, the Webasto engineer, arrived at 0830 to sort out the heater and replace the burner.  Thankfully, with the canopy, he could work under cover, although the gutters at the stern had blocked and water was dripping into the bilges.  We cleared the pipe with a wire coat hanger and the dripping stopped.

Norman Woolley on Bruin went past, shouting something like: “Can’t stop, I’m heading for Liverpool to do the Mersey!”

When the Webasto was finally installed and working, and Stephen had left, we set off through Marlow Lock at 1115.

At Temple Lock we were swept sideways by the current which was making a large circular movement caused by the flow from the weir.  At Hurley we used the facilities – loo, rubbish, water.

When we arrived at Hambleden Lock, we saw a yellow warning board displayed.  These apparently apply now from Shiplake down to Boveney.

Red Kite at Hambleden

We made good progress round to Temple Island and we followed alongside the regatta course and under Henley Bridge.

As it was our anniversary, we had decided to moor in Henley despite the £9 mooring fee, and go for a nice meal out.

We moored and put up our canopy just as the rain was starting.  A widebeam called Moonshine pulled in behind and James helped them with their ropes. They recently met John and Barbara Froggatt at Newbury.

We looked online and made a booking at “The Square”, a Portuguese restaurant specialising in sea food.

When the rain paused we went shopping and checked out restaurants and pubs. We decided we had made the right choice with The Square.

After a brief zzzz back on the boat we went for our meal.  Fresh grilled sardines, plus prawns wrapped in bacon, followed by grilled lobster.  The house white, which had been recommended on Trip Advisor, was excellent.

The rain had returned by the time we left, so we appreciated our brollies for the half mile walk back to the boat.

Plans for Henley Baptist Church tomorrow, then cruise to Reading. Folk club in the evening.

4 locks, 9 miles, 3hr15

Getting ready to leave Weybridge

Wed 14^th May

No boating today.  We left the boat keys with TLC and visited the house to waterproof the decking and wash clothes.  Colin, the boat engineer, drained the fuel (65 litres!) and fitted a shut-off valve, so he could remove the diesel gauge sender. 65 litres returned to the tank, plus and extra 20 litres.

A second night at the boat club.

Thu 15^th May

Byfleet Boat Club to Pyrford

An early start by car to the house where Hazel sorted the last few items out, and met our tenants for a further walk through.  Meanwhile James was at the Holiday Inn at Shepperton (used to be the Elizabethan) for a four hour AA course about speed awareness.  He got home in time to see Elena and Ali at No 8 where Hazel had taken them to introduce them to Paul and Rosie.

Then we put preservative on the uprights of the pergola, before J went for a routine appointment about his abdominal aortic aneurism, which was all clear.

Then back to the boat where we cruised to Pyrford, seeing a deer and a grass snake on the way.  We were followed by Gordon on Catherine J and Ian on Yum Sing, who both went into the marina.

0 locks, 1 mile, 2 mice, 0hr35

Fri 16^th May

Pyrford to BBC

An early start to get back to the boat club where we left the boat for Mick to look at the Solar Panel regulator. One the way (Wey?) we saw a Greater Spotted Woodpecker and a deer.

We drove to the house and Hazel went to see the practice nurse to sort out medication.  We went for the last time to a charity shop and the dump.

We saw Maggie May (used to be owned by friends Roger and Mirjana) going up through Town Lock and James went to speak to them.

Dinner with Sid and Christine at Osso Buco, where we had an excellent meal.  Free drinks and coffees, courtesy of Ali and Elena, our new tenants.

0 locks, 1 mile, 2 mice, 0hr30

Sat 17^th May

No boating  

We tried putting in the steel windows, and this made it a lot darker, so we overslept.  We were therefore later that we had planned when we left to see Hazel’s Dad in Southampton, and we found ourselves in heavy Saturday morning traffic in Guildford.

When we arrived in Southampton, Amanda had arrived 30 minutes earlier.  We all went to the Cromwell Arms in Romsey for lunch.  We returned via Oliver’s place in Farnborough where we took the final items for storage.

When we got back to the boat at Byfleet Boat Club we were too tired to move the boat as originally planned.

Hugo was looking at the fridge a lot but we couldn’t find anything.

No boating.  Busy day tomorrow

Fleet to Byfleet

Sunday 11^th May

Fox and Hounds to Mytchett Lake

We put on the immersion heater and moved half a mile to Reading Road Bridge, where James had a shower before we walked to Fleet Methodist Church.  The initial welcome was good as we came in the door, but no-one came to speak to us after we had found a pew.  Doreen joined us later and it was good to pray with her after the service.

The music was led by a keyboard player, with a bass guitar, drums, and a guitarist, whose volume was too low. Two vocalists completed the team, and the songs were modern.

It was all age worship and we had the kids crawling around pretending to be sheep.

Good congregation numbers, and they have three services on a Sunday.  We didn’t stay for coffee as we needed to move on.

We went to Waitrose in the shopping centre to buy some bits, including a lovely olive baguette which we had for lunch.

We travelled on to Ash Lock, where we couldn’t get through the side gate to use the facilities, so we had to dispose of rubbish at Ash Wharf again.  Johnnie McDougall came to visit us there, and we had a good catch up session.

 Approaching one of the flashes near Ash

Then we moved on to Mytchett Lake where we found Hazell Nut and Thatwey on the new moorings.  There was also a boat called Sarah, from Crick. They are six monthers. Lovely sunny evening. We saw a common tern and a cormorant.  Hugo happy to be allowed out, but the crows weren’t so happy.  Hugo didn’t like the trains, and ran inside every time one went past.

 Moored at Mytchett Lake

1 lock, 8 miles, 3hr10

Monday 12^th May

Mytchett Lake to Brookwood Park

When we emerged from the boat Thatwey and Hazell Nut had gone. We never heard a sound, although the boat did knock against the side at one point, which we thought was due to the wind.

We paused at the Canal Centre to empty the cassettes.  A work boat on the facilities mooring and rowing boats on the water point meant that Hazel had to keep the boat in one place while James went ashore to do the necessary.

When we arrived at Lock 28 we were the last, and we tied alongside Orion’s Wey.  The ranger was 30 minutes late, which was a pity as it was a lovely sunny morning and it would have been good to get off early, particularly as wet weather was forecast for later.

Waiting for the ranger at lock 28

Lock 25 was still full of weed, and we couldn’t get the gates open fully.  We ended up having one bottom gate open, and one closed, and flushing the water (and weed) through by opening a paddle on the top gate.  If enough welly was applied to the prop, mostly the weed succumbed.  However, we hauled out large piles of the green stuff on the sides of the lock.

Brian doing his best with the weed

 The weedy challenge at Lock 25

As we descended the flight, the sound of marching bands came from the barracks.

Petronella in the lock in front of us was very slow, so the whole exercise took a long time.

Not so bad further down. Sharing with Orion's Wey.

When we arrived at Brookwood Park, we sat around in deck chairs and discussed boat toilets and similar.  Meal on board.

Hugo sat on our plank for ages deciding whether to go ashore, and he then made a dash for it and crossed the path, hiding among the low leaves of a lime tree, where he stayed for about two hours.

6 miles, 17 locks, 6hr55

Tue 13^th May

Brookwood Park to Byfleet Boat Club

We had been told 0930 at the locks, only 30 minutes away.  For some reason there seems to be a competition among some BBC members on cruises like this to see who can get up earliest and creep away without being heard.

We didn’t see the hurry so we left at 0815, were at St Johns locks at 0850, but we had to wait until 1000 before we could get going into the first lock.  We were sharing with Orion’s Wey, and we kept catching up with Petronella who was sharing with Hazell Nut.

We decided to break for morning tea at Bridge Barn where we moored up for 25 minutes, hoping to allow Petronella to get away on the Woking Pound.  We should have waited at least 45 minutes, because we caught up with Petronella again well before the first of the Woodham locks. Ultimately Hazell Nut went first and Petronella came separately in the lock behind.  We followed with Orion’s Wey.

The green canal at Woodham

Thankfully the forecast showers were only minor.

We got to the boat club at 1605 – a long day.

11 locks, 8 miles, 1 mouse, 6hr15