Thursday 31st August 2017
Boveney Lock to Chertsey
22 miles, 5 locks
Monty and I started this bright and sunny day by walking to Windsor whilst Chris followed in the boat. The challenge was 'where to get back on?' Chris tried a couple of places on the meadow where there are moorings, but it was too shallow. I then spotted a couple about to leave their lovely widebeam 'Uriah Heap'. I asked politely (of course!) if Chris could pull alongside, so Monty and I could cross their back deck and get back on board. Being the usual lovely boaters they were happy to oblige - it did not quite go to plan as their canvas door on the port side of the pram cover fell into the river! Thankfully Chris managed to rescue it with the boat hook. So if you see this, please accept our grateful thanks for disturbing your day.
Today was a day of five locks and this seems a good time to note how well tended most Thames locks are. We heard one lock keeper talking to a couple and commenting that a lot of the money to keep his lock so wonderful came out of his own pocket. This one had a plethora of dahlias - a plant I cannot see without thinking of my mother in law.
Shades of France last year - a much needed sun shade
One lock has a army of tall sunflowers
with very heavy heads
Then there was the lock keeper sporting a different type of head gear.
No flowers at Bell Weir lock, but instead a celebration of its geographical location just after Runnymede
There were mooring spaces at Runnymede - a wonderful place to stop, but not for us today
especially as our favourite mooring was taken
It looks as though some serious work is taking place at the Air Forces Memorial high up on the hill.
There is no doubting that Heathrow is not far away
And then about 30 minutes after we left Bell Weir lock we passed a fellow blogger, however, I only realised it once we had gone past, so there was not even a 'hello'!
Our timing had been perfect at the first lock of the day - the lock keeper saw us coming and the gates were open and waiting for us. A slightly longer delay at the next lock, but it was manned. Lock number three was our first unmanned since our first day on the Thames. There was a narrow boat waiting - they were helping a widebeam lock up - a nice easy ride for them with two of us to do the work for them. When the gates opened they just sat there for what seemed like ages, so much so that the narrow boat in front of us moved in, followed by Chris. The widebeam crew were very put out and, I am afraid, received a bit of advice from Chris about 'just how much space did they require'?! By this time there was another widebeam and two cruisers also waiting to lock down with us, so a nicely full lock and many hands to help with working the sluices and gates.
The plan was to stop at Staines for a quick trip to Waitrose. Perfect timing yet again - we had just moored up and headed out of the door when the heavens opened, so we popped back in to ride out the storm.
The Waitrose is huge, but once again we timed things right - for all you boaters out there who use this store, please note in your guide books that it is shutting on 19th September 2017.
Moving on we passed this man and we have no idea what he was doing - not fishing for a bow locker lid (see here!) that is for sure. The burning question - what, if anything, was he wearing?
Perfect timing yet again as this lot dropped their load almost as soon as we had moored.
Friday 1st September 2017
Chertsey to Pyrford on the River Wey
6.5 miles, 5 locks
The sun was back today with a clear blue sky. Just one more lock on the Thames at Shepperton. We were too early for the lock keeper, so self service it was. This man on his way to work was happy to push buttons to close the gates for us.
Two years ago the sign to the Wey was more than a little obscured
I am glad to say that things are a lot better now. I believe a hire boat got into bother a while back and went the wrong way, so I wonder if that is what prompted the 'trim'?
Through Thames lock, having paid our dues. What a wonderful place to sit and work (top right) - and in case you ask, we did get a wave!!
Next comes Town Lock just after a very tight right hand turn. I had gone ahead to prepare the lock and met a man who was worried about a pen with cygnets as the cob had gone down below the lock and he was concerned that the rest would not be able to join him. Would I let them down the lock was his question. I promised to review the situation,
but they marched along to the end of the lock
and sorted it out for themselves with a giant leap to the water below, some more elegantly
than others
The mooring for the night was near The Anchor Inn Pyrford where we were due to meet the first of our visitors, our brother in law Mike. He arrived with a Tesco delivery we had had sent to his house - Chris made the comment that the Tesco van had gone up market (BMW) and I retorted that I did not usually get a kiss from the delivery driver! We spent a very pleasant evening in the pub enjoying good food and great company before repairing back to the boat for coffee and more chat.
2 comments:
Some fabulous photos as always Jennie.
The photo of the clouds about to burst almost looked as if you'd shot it in black and white mode. Pleased that your timing was good and that you didn't get wet.
The white house is stunning isn't it?
Hoping for better weather for you tomorrow.
Thanks Lynn. Today was dull and misty until midday (when we moored), but a lot better than yesterday, thankfully. Yes it is a fabulous house - you just have to hope they have self cleaning glass! Jennie xx
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