Lunchtime Cruise

Saturday, 3rd December 2011
Drove up to 'Many Meetings' and drilled a hole through the weedhatch wall below the waterline. Used a rubber sink plunger to seal the hole from the water-side while I drilled it and fitted a bulkhead fitting and a tap. I then attached the pipe from the stern gland to this fitting.
Sailed up to bridge 177 and turned just south of Copper Mill Lock, where we stopped and had lunch.
Returned to Harefield. The stern gland neither squeaked nor leaked.
Hours 111.1 - Miles 4 - Locks 4.

A KIngsground Day!

Thursday 1st December 2011
We drove up to 'Many Meetings' and waited for Simon and Jon to come from Kingsground. They were coming to complete a few bits that had not been done before the launch - in particular we still had no mirrors on board.
In the event only one of the four mirrors arrived. Still Jon was able to tidy up a few of the carpentry issues and Simon serviced the engine and checked the stern gland.
It was nice to see them - we had missed our regular Friday visits to Kingsground.
Discussed the stern gland issue with Simon and told him that I intended to try moving the pipe location to below the waterline.

Weedhatch Test

Wednesday 30th November, 2011.
We have continued to have problems with the stern gland leaking and squeaking.
Axiom, who make the prop say its not because of their prop.
Vetus say its not their stern gland. However, their fitting instructions for the gland state that the pipe that is connected to the inboard end of the gland should be connected to a fitting below the waterline. Apparently, despite these instructions, it is common practice for narrowboats to terminate this pipe in the weed hatch above the waterline.
Logic would expect the area immediately in front of the prop to be a low pressure area and so this area would produce suction. It seems possible that with a 'normal' prop, which is very inefficient, this may not be the case. However, with the Axiom prop perhaps this low pressure is causing the stern gland to suck air down the pipe - thus causing friction, squeaking and then leakage.
To test this idea, and to see what was actually happening, I built a clear perspex weedhatch cover.
With this in place, my grandson Jamie and I watched what happened at various rev settings in forward and reverse, both moored up and in motion.
What became very clear was that in forward gear no water was coming out of the pipe in the weedhatch - so no water was flowing through the stern gland. In reverse gear a considerable amount of water was flowing through the pipe into the weedhatch.
Next we disconnected the pipe from the weedhatch and put it into a glass of water. In forward gear the glass gradually emptied. This clearly showed that there was suction in the pipe and, when connected above the waterline, it would have been sucking air into the stern gland.

Cruise to charge the batteries.

Sunday 27th November 2011.
Drove up to Harefield and took 'Many Meetings ' north on the Grand Union to charge up her batteries. Went up to Bridge 177 just south of Copper Mill Lock, where we turned.
Still having problems with the stern gland squeaking and leaking. The squeaking stops if you run it in reverse for a while. Have decided to investigate as neither Axiom (who make the prop) nor Vetus (who make the stern gland) are being helpful.
Hours 104.7 - Miles 4 - Locks 4

A Bit Flat...

Friday 25th November, 2011.
Dropped in to Harefield on our way back from The Lakes to check on 'Many Meetings'.
Found that the domestic batteries were almost flat! We had left the Hurricane heater on 'frost protection' in the belief that if the voltage did get low it would lock out (as it had done twice on our cruise down the Thames). However, it seems that as the voltage dropped - instead of locking out it kept on trying to light and flattened the batteries.
Ran the engine to put some charge back into the batteries and to warm her up. Made sure everything was switched off before leaving.

Arriving at Harefield, MM's Winter Mooring

Monday 7^th November, 2011

Left just after 8:00am. Very grey day and quite cold. Mick had said that there were two great lock-side cafes – so Robin didn’t have breakfast before leaving (anticipating a treat in store). Unfortunately one café opened only Thursday through Sunday out of season and the other was closed on Mondays.

Went through the three locks without any problem. Only used one gate to make it easier. The third lock at 11ft 1in is the deepest on the Grand Union. Took it very gently but it was actually a lot easier than some of the locks on the Wey and Arun.

Arrived at Harefield Marina at mid-day and tied up at the entrance. Took on water, did a pump-out and filled with diesel. 98 litres for £95.44 on a 40/60 split (more heating in the winter).

Then took MM to her winter mooring in the Marina. When we arrived and switched off the engine the hour meter read 100.0 hours. Perfect timing!

Checked the engine compartment to find that there was quite a bit of water and a slight drip from the stern gland even when stationery. Dried out the water and put the red kitchen bowl under the drip with the bilge pump in the bowl – so if the drip continues, any water will get pumped out more quickly.

Also checked the weed hatch and found several bits of plastic bag wrapped tightly around the prop shaft. Removed them all. Cleaned all the leaves off the roof.

Finally sat down to a brunch of porridge and juice.

5 miles and 3 locks – 3.0 hours

Total 190 miles and 107 locks – 100.0 hours

From Hanwell to Packet Boat Marina

Sunday 6^th November, 2011

Woke early again. Early to bed and early to rise seems to be natural on the canals. Expecting Mick to join us – driving to Packet Boat Marina, where his boat is moored, and then cycling on his Brompton folding bike to Green Lane – about seven miles. Mick arrived at 9:00 and after a cup of coffee we started up the Hanwell flight of six locks that raises the canal by 53 feet. Or at least we would have started had MM not run aground and then got a branch caught in the propeller. To add insult to injury, the glass in our lovely red cafetiere broke as Marion was making the coffee.

Luckily, just at that moment Rory and Catherine appeared in nb ‘Charlotte’ on their way up to their winter mooring on the Paddington Arm. They towed us off the ‘mound’ in the middle of the canal on which we were aground, we tied the two boats together and went into the lock side by side while Robin pulled the branches out of the weed hatch. They were also joined by a work colleague to help them up the locks. The two boats stayed lashed together through all six Hanwell locks. With Mick on his bike riding ahead and Catherine and her friend on the paddles and gates we got through the locks in record time. The fourth Hanwell lock was MM’s 100^th since she was launched.

After the next two locks after the Hanwell flight we stopped for lunch. We then continued to Packet Boat Marina where we moored up opposite the Marina. Mick collected his car and took Marion back home to Reigate (she has a choir committee meeting to prepare for).

Robin stayed on MM and will take her the final few miles to Harefield tomorrow. Robin went to the ‘Water’s Edge’ pub for supper at 7:30 – almost deserted except for one other table – everyone round the table seemed to be very LARGE!! Still the food was OK even if the well-done flame grilled asparagus was a little unusual.

7 miles and 8 locks – 4.1 hours

Total 185 miles and 104 locks – 97.0 hours

First Time on the Tidal Thames

Saturday 5^th November, 2011

Woke early and prepared to go back to Teddington lock to see if anyone else had booked passage to Brentford for the morning high tide. As we are supposed to have an anchor easily available on the tidal Thames, Robin carried the 16kg anchor, its long chain and rope from the front bow locker, where it is normally stowed, to the semi-trad rear deck (he sounded like the Ghost of Christmas Past as he rattled and clinked from one end of MM to the other). Just as we were about to leave another narrowboat called ‘Ruffian’ went by going towards Teddington. They said that they were booked to go through to Brentford – so we got ready to set off behind them. Then Robin’s phone rang. It was Brentford to say that there were four other narrowboats booked through at 9:30 and we could join them. As we were pressed for time we decided not to stop for breakfast.

We sailed back to Teddington, where we joined ‘Ruffian’ and were soon joined by three other narrowboats. At 9:30 we all five squeezed into the centre lock. By chance we ended up as the last boat out of the lock – and so took up the position of tail-end-charlie for the convoy that headed down the Thames.

Half an hour out from Teddington there was a loud and persistent beep-beep from the direction of the electrics panel. Fearing the worst Robin checked the engine panel, but everything was still green and it was not clear what had caused the alarm, which stopped after 10 seconds. We carried on – admiring the fantastic views of Richmond and then Syon house from the river.

In just an hour we all arrived at Brentford lock, which could only take two boats at a time, so we had to hover outside the lock for over half an hour to wait our turn to go through. It was very difficult to keep MM still as the wind kept taking her and blowing her sideways.

Eventually we got into the lock (on our own as the fifth boat) and rose very slowly. The lock keeper, who was very helpful, explained that there was very little room to wait before the second “gauging lock” just a few hundred yards up the canal – so there was no hurry as the other would still be going through.

When we did go through, the two boats in front of us were just entering the gauging lock so our timing was excellent.

Marion didn’t like either of the locks at Brentford as they were not in a nice area and were quite aggressive when filling.

We continued up the Grand Union Canal and through the next lock, where we stopped for breakfast. Well it was 1:00pm by then so maybe we should have called it lunch. Hobbits don’t mind a second breakfast at 1:00pm – although that is a bit late. But to have FIRST breakfast at 1:00pm, that’s too bad. Dear me, No!

After Brunch we sailed on up to the foot of the Hanwell flight of locks where we moored up for the night. When we had moored up Robin discovered that the alarm that had scared us both had been the Hurricane boiler for the central heating that had had a ‘flame out’. Robin checked the instruction book and found that a ‘reset’ button had popped. He reset it and the heater started working again but we need to keep an eye on it to see if it does it again.

We went for a walk up ‘Green Lane’ past the Fox pub around the back streets of Ealing. Remarkably the houses next to the canal are almost like a small village – and the canal is very quiet (except that it is November 5^th so there are a few bangs about).

We phoned Jackie and Mick and Mick is coming over tomorrow to give us a hand up the Hanwell flight of 6 locks plus 2 lifting us almost 68ft.

8 miles and 5 locks (including the tidal Thames) – 4.6 hours

Total 178 miles and 96 locks – 92.9 hours

Up to Teddington

Friday 4^th November, 2011

It rained all night but in the morning the sky brightened and we even had blue sky and sunshine. Went through Sunbury lock and Molesey lock and passed Hampton Court Palace. Moored up for lunch at the end of Hampton Court Park, just before Kingston Bridge.

Continued on up to Teddington lock where we moored at the visitor’s moorings just before the lock. We walked to the lock and saw the lock-keeper to get a one-day Thames EA License and to check on the passage for Saturday. He said that Brentford was only working on an advanced notice basis – so we must check with them before proceeding. Back at MM we decided that the mooring was too noisy as it was opposite the wier, which was very loud. So we backed MM down the cut (she does reverse so very well), turned round and sailed back about a mile to Steven’s Eyots (island), where there are EA visitor’s moorings. On the way we called Brentford and left our details on the answer-phone as instructed.

On Steven’s Eyots we moored up next to a very new looking wide-beam dutch barge called ‘Josephine’, whose owner said that he was going to Limehouse through Teddington lock in the morning. Later in the evening we saw his tabby ship’s cat on the prowl. One look at us though and she scuttled back to her wide beam home.

The original idea was that once we heard from Brentford we would call Jackie and Mick, who had offered to come over on Saturday to help with the tidal Thames transit.

In the end we did not hear anything from Brentford lock – so we talked with Jackie and Mick and agreed that it didn’t make sense for them to come over if we were not sure of being able to get through.

Went to sleep to the explosive lullaby of Guy Fawkes fireworks.

10 miles and 2 locks – 3.6 hours

Total 170 miles and 91 locks – 88.3 hours

Off Again, Back on the Thames

Thursday 3^rd November, 2011

Drove to Pyrford – it took about 40 minutes. Left in MM at 11:45. Sailed up to the Pelican where we moored for lunch. As it was still quite early we decided to go onto the Thames to reduce the time pressure tomorrow to get to Teddington. Went through Thames lock, helped by the lock-keeper, and left the Wey for the Thames. We had only seen two boats moving on the Wey all day. Marion steered up the Thames. Stopped and moored just upstream of the Star pub in Walton-on-Thames (where we watched the Mikron Theatre with Angie and Jane). We moored about an hour before sunset and just as it started to rain – good timing! Greeted by a raucous cacophony from a flock of parakeets – could be noisy in the morning! After dark there were several rowing eights and fours practising on the river with their coaches in launches (all carrying lights of course). They made a lot of wash as they go very fast. Strange to see them zipping along in the dark.

7 miles and 5 locks – 3.3 hours

Total 160 miles and 89 locks – 84.7 hours

Shopping for Lifejackets

Wednesday 2^nd November, 2011

Robin went to Halfords in Redhill to get the scratch cover polish and then went to Shepperton and bought two lifejackets (£116.50) and a life-ring (£30.62)for MM for the Thames tidal transit. Also went to The Shed and bought some bits for MM.

Fetching the car from Enslow

Tuesday 1^st November, 2011

Robin took the train up to Heyford where Ben met him and took him to Enslow to pick up the car. Robin then went to Kingsground (stopping off to buy biscuits on the way) to see Tiffany and the guys.

Robin then dropped into Capture and went on to Pyrford to drop off a couple of bits on MM. Checked the 12v power and ran the engine for an hour to top up the batteries. Then drove home.

To Pyrford Marina for a few Days

Monday 31^st October, 2011

Started off at 7:30 heading north. Stopped for a brief breakfast at Bower’s Lock as another narrowboat was coming up the lock. Arrived at Pyrford Marina, where we had lunch and took on water and replaced our empty gas bottle with a full one (Kingsground had given us one full and one empty bottle). Went into the Chandlery and bought three mooring stakes with hooks and a third ‘armco’ hook (£60.70 including the gas). Also paid for three nights mooring (£60). Moved MM to her mooring, backing her into the slot. She does go backwards well!

Chris came down in her car and picked us up to take us home.

9 miles and 8 locks – 4.3 hours

Total 153 miles and 84 locks – 80.4 hours

Pam and Trevor Visit and Goodbye to Guildford

Sunday 30^th October, 2011

Gentle start to the day, weather rather grey and with an extra hour in bed due to the end of British Summer Time we had a relaxing morning. At about 11:00am we sailed into Guildford, winded and moored up upstream of Millmead lock. Then we went shopping in Guildford for supplies including a new shower head with a broader spray pattern.

Just after mid-day Pam and Trevor arrived from Aylesbury and after tea and coffee we sailed down to Guns Mouth where we winded and then returned through St Catherine’s Lock to the water meadows where we moored up for lunch. Lunch was a bit later than planned and went on a bit (delicious!) - so it was after 4:00pm when we set off for the centre of Guildford. We went through Millmead lock for the last time and then dropped Pam and Trevor off before continuing as far as Dapdune, where we moored up for the night as it was getting dark. Plenty of activity still going on there as they had organised a ‘ghost night walk’ for the children, which was very well attended.

5 miles and 3 locks – 2.7 hours

Total 144 miles and 76 locks – 76.1 hours

Adrian and the Boys Visit

Saturday 29^th October, 2011

Fairly early start and then sailed down to Millmead lock to wait for Adrian and the boys. They were due any time after 10:00 but actually arrived at nearly mid-day. After they arrived we went through the lock and up to Dapdune wharf where we moored and took on water while Adrian and the boys looked around. Met a lovely old gentleman in the Gunpowder house – an old seaman who had done all sorts of fantastic knots. Marion bought a beautiful coaster that fits the coffee pot perfectly. We then sailed on up to Stoke bridge where we winded and then went down through Guildford, up through Millmead lock and moored up for a late lunch at the water meadows.

After the main course (paella, lasagne, sweet-corn, chips and extra potatoes) we went on to St Catherine’s lock, winded and returned to the water meadows for dessert. When it got dark we walked Adrian and the boys back to Millbrook car park.

We returned to MM, cleared up and had an early night – although tonight we have an extra hour of sleep as the clocks go back.

6 miles and 2 locks – 3.0 hours

Total 139 miles and 73 locks – 73.4

A Kingsground Day!

Friday 28^th October, 2011

Got ready to sail down to Millmead lock when we were passed by a working boat and butty. It’s a coal selling pair run by a charitable trust. The lead boat was Nuneaton and the butty was Brighton. We followed them down to the lock where they paired up to go through – but there was a narrowboat coming up the lock so they had to back away to let them out. Nice to see a proper working pair. They had come down the Oxford and the Thames just before us, but had gone briefly down the Kennet and Avon, which is why we didn’t see them on the Thames. They were on their way back up to the Thames and then onto the Grand Union to finish the season.

We went through the lock after them and down to Dapdown wharf, where Simon arrived to do the first service on MM. He spent the morning with us – it was so nice to see to see him – another “Kingsground” Friday! We had bought biscuits and buns as we thought that John would be there too, so we have quite a few left over!

The service went well except that there is something not right with the stern gland that needs to be investigated.

2  miles and 2 locks – 1.6 hours

Total 133 and 71 locks – 70.4 hours

A Visit from Chris

Thursday 27^th October, 2011

Picked up Marion’s friend Chris at Millmead in the morning and sailed up to Gun’s mouth where we winded. We stopped at St Catherine’s lock for lunch and then sailed back to the water meadow mooring. Chris and Marion went off to the train station to go back home. Marion wanted to check the house and pick up the mail. I took a later train and met Marion at the Harlequin Theatre in Redhill where we watched Oliver performed by Reigate and Redhill Opera Club – it was an excellent show with some extremely good performances. We caught the 10:30 train back to Guildford and MM.

5 miles and 4 locks – 3.0 hours

Total 131 miles and 69 locks – 68.8 hours

A Lazy, Rainy Day

Wednesday 26^th October, 2011

A lazy day that started with torrential rain that looked to be set in for the day. The Kingsground team was supposed to come down today to do the first service and to bring the missing items such as the mirrors, vent surrounds and shower door. However, when Robin phoned Tiffany on Tuesday evening she said that they couldn’t make it.

Wrote up the skeleton of this log on the laptop.

Sailed to St. Catherine’s lock when the sun came out in the afternoon. Winded there and came back to the water meadow moorings facing into town ready for tomorrow morning. As we were mooring the rain returned with a strong wind that blew MM away from the bank. With her high straight sides and small draught she is easily taken by a strong wind and difficult to hold! One of the rowing coaches from the Guildford Rowing Club just along the river was passing and helped us get her back to the bank and moored her successfully.

Walked into Guildford to do some shopping at M&S. The rain returned again as we were returning so we took refuge until it eased off a bit.

2 miles and 0 locks – 3.0 hours (2.0 to charge the batteries and run the washer/dryer).

Total 126 miles and 65 locks – 65.8 hours

Kerry, Phil and Family Visit

Tuesday 25^th October, 2011

Sailed into Guildford and winded above Millmead lock waiting for Kerry, Phil, Ben, Sam, Jo and Phil’s parents Ken and Megan. They arrived at about 11:00am by train from Reigate. We sailed down the Wey to the Manor Inn just before Trowers Footbridge where we moored up for lunch.

After lunch we winded at Farncombe Boat House (difficult as there were boats parked in the winding hole) and started to sail back. At St Catherine’s lock on the way back the heavens opened and it poured with rain. The first real rain that we have had during the day since we set off. Robin on the tiller got very wet, Ben and Phil were helping with the lock and so got wet too. Ben was brilliant and managed to open and close the gates largely on his own! The rain soon stopped and we sailed back to Millmead where we winded and dropped them off.

We then returned to the water meadow to moor for the night.

7 miles and 4 locks – 4.2 hours

Total 124 miles and 65 locks – 62.8 hours

Godalming and Back

Monday 24^th October, 2011

Late breakfast and then sailed down to Godalming – the southernmost point on the canal network. Stopped at Farncome Boathouse and filled up with diesel. 143 litres (£185.90) at 56.3 hours – so we have averaged 2.5 litres per hour. Went on to Godalming where we took on water, had lunch and went shopping in Waitrose.

Sailed back to the moorings at Guildford water meadow.

8 miles and 6 locks – 5.1 hours

Total 117 miles and 61 locks – 58.6 hours

Party Day 2

Sunday 23^rd October, 2011

Up and breakfasted in time for a 9:00am departure. Winded at the wide turn at the end of the water meadows and then again under the Friary Bridge (with about 18in to spare!). Moored up at the Town Wharf at 10:00am.

Over a wonderful day all forty people that we expected arrived. As on Saturday the sun shone and the party in the White House was a great success. Not a lot of food was left at the end. We did take doggy bags of sausage rolls and chicken wings back to MM. Sandie and Pete arrived about 4:00pm along with Sue from Utopians – so we took them with us back to the mooring where they stopped and chatted for a while.

2 miles and 2 locks – 2.5 hours

Total 109 miles and 55 locks – 53.5 hours

Party Day 1

Saturday 22^nd October, 2011

Early breakfast, leaving at 9:30 to go through Guildford and wind at Dapdune Wharf, looking for other winding places. Arrived at the Town Wharf steps opposite the White House at 10:05. Spent a while making sure that MM was securely moored up with the stern close in to the steps. Sat and had a coffee while waiting for the first people to arrive. Grant, Katie and the children were first, arriving after 11:30!

In due course all 25 people that we expected duly arrived. The buffet in the White House went well and everyone seemed to get on well. There seemed to be a lot of food left over. By 4:00pm everyone had gone and we sailed back to the Water Meadow mooring for the night. Talked to Mary at the White House and suggested the buffet lunch should start later on Sunday at 1:00pm instead of mid-day.

2 miles and 2 locks – 2.5 hours

Total 107 miles and 53 locks – 51.0 hours

A Gentle Day Exploring the Wey and Arun

Friday 21^st October, 2011

Nice gentle day. Went on down the Wey to see where the Winding points were. There were several places where winding was possible. Just before St Catherines lock we winded and came back to the Guildford water meadow mooring – but this time pointing into Guildford. Spent the day making sure that MM was looking her best inside and out.

2 miles and 0 locks – 2.3 hours

Total 105 miles and 51 locks – 48.5 hours

A Housekeeping Day

Thursday 20^th October, 2011

After a leisurely breakfast, Marion caught the No 32 bus back to Reigate.

Robin worked to clean up MM ready for the parties at the weekend. Including touching up the green paintwork where MM had a few scrapes from the locks and generally cleaning her outside. Also dried out the bilge, which had accumulated a pint or two of water.

Went into Guildford to confirm the arrangements for the weekend at the White House and to search out the best mooring. There are steps leading down from the Town Wharf that are used in the summer by a Guildford Boathouse trip boat. Went to Guildford Boathouse to check that we could use it over the weekend.

In the evening Marion came back on the bus and we went to Wagamama in Guildford for supper.

Ran the engine for 2 hours to charge the batteries.

Total 46.2 hours

Guildford at Last!

Wednesday 19^th October, 2011

More leisurely start in the morning. We stopped at Dapdune Wharf on the outskirts of Guildford and took on water.

We arrived and moored up outside the White House in the middle of Guildford at 3:30pm after 43.7 hours cruising just one week and one and a half hours after starting from Enslow.

We went shopping in Guildford at Robert Dyas and M&S.

We continued on to the water meadows just south of Guildford town centre where we moored up for the night.

5 miles and 5 locks – 4.6 hours

Total 103 miles and 51 locks – 44.2 hours

To the New Inn at Carterbridge

Tuesday 18^th October, 2011

In the morning we had breakfast while waiting for Jackie and Mick to join us. After some difficulty parking their car we set off together.

Opposite the Pyrford Marina we stopped for lunch.

As the locks on the Wey and Arun are broad locks and the gate paddles are very aggressive, it was very nice to have extra help through the locks while we got used to them and how they work best.

At Carterbridge opposite the New Inn we moored for the night and dropped off Jackie and Mick. Jackie’s brother John picked them up and drove them back to their car.

7 miles and 6 locks – 4.5 hours

Total 98 miles and 46 locks – 39.6 hours

Onto the Wey and Arun Canal

Monday 17^th October, 2011

A very pretty morning with the moon still high in the sky.  After an early start, we went through Eton and Windsor.  Our breakfast stop was by Windsor Home Park with a view of the castle for breakfast. The Royal Standard was flying, so we assumed HM was in residence and we expected Her to open a window and call out “Nice boat! Can the corgies and I come for a ride?”  However, she didn’t; she must have been washing Her Hair or something………….

At Penton Hook Lock, we stopped for lunch. As we approached the lock at 1:00pm, the lock switched  to “self-service” and the lock-keeper left for his lunch. He had been kind enough to close the top gates and open the top sluices for us before he left to fill the lock. It seemed to take a long time for the lock to fill – until Robin realised that the keeper had left one of the bottom sluices open as well!!

We continued down the Thames to Shepperton Lock, where we turned off onto the River Wey.  Here we parted company with nb “Strathmore”, who had been our companion off and on over the past few days.

The entrance to the Wey is an extremely tight right-hand turn; you almost have to double-back on yourself.  This is followed immediately by a stop-lock and a very deep, intimidating 8ft 6in lock, fortunately operated by a lock-keeper. As we draw 2ft draught, he had to flood the stop lock to raise the level by a foot so that we could get into the main lock. All this was watched with great interest by two delightful, eccentric characters (see photo above).  There was a boat coming down the lock and they warned us that the Wey and Arun locks going up are very aggressive, with strong currents generated by the gate paddles. This indeed we found to be the case so when going up we very carefully only opened the paddles a few inches at first. In fact there was another lock almost immediately with another very sharp right-hand turn; this one was unmanned, so we took our time.

The Wey and Arun Navigation is owned by the National Trust so we had to pay a separate licence (£98 for 21 days). The lock-keeper also lent us a special paddle key which was slightly longer than normal. We moored up for the night outside the Pelican Pub at Coxes Mill just past Weybridge.  Robin popped in for a glass of wine “Just to be sociable”!

16 miles and 10 locks – 7.2 hours

Total 91 miles and 40 locks – 35.1 hours

On to Windsor

Sunday 16^th October, 2011

After the lovely clear skies of the previous evening, we awoke to a very foggy morning.  There were many rowers on the river and Robin, who could only see about two boat-lengths through the fog, had to take care not to run them down.  He proceeded very slowly with the navigation and tunnel lights on. The rowers were much faster than us and we kept well into the side.

At Hurley lock we had breakfast and took on water. After five days the tank guage still showed 3/8ths full, so it has lasted very well.

After Cookham, we had a wonderful view back to Cliveden House on the hill above the river (see right hand photo above). We stopped for lunch just before Maidenhead and Boulter’s Lock. It seems that we moored up with the stern blocking the entrance to a wasps’ nest, as there were hundreds of wasps swarming around the stern. After lunch, when we moved MM forwards a few yards and emerged very cautiously, they left us alone.

At Dorney Reach, just past the M4 bridge, we moored up and Matt, Vicki and new baby Thomas joined us for tea.

We moored for the night opposite the entrance to the Windsor Race Course Yacht Basin on public moorings next to the Army Rowing Club.  That evening, we learned not to leave the windows open after dark when the lights are on – we suffered an invasion of bugs!

18 miles and 7 locks – 6.4 hours

Total 75 miles and 30 locks – 27.9 hours

Through Reading to Henley

Saturday 15^th October, 2011

We awoke to one of those beautiful misty mornings which Robin has occasionally experienced when working at Capture.  The moon was still high in the sky above the mist and, as the mist cleared to give a perfect autumn day, the moon was reflected in the water.  Our narrowboating adventures have taught us that that sunrise and sunset are magical times on the waterways.

We treated ourselves to breakfast at Pierreponts in the village; you have to book, even for breakfast on a Saturday morning!  After two boiled eggs with Marmite soldiers (each!) and copious amounts of good coffee, we made our contented way back to MM and cast off.  The journey down towards Reading was beautiful.

We stopped at Tesco’s own mooring just past Reading, where we went shopping; it was so huge that it took ages to find anything!  We had lunch on board and, as it was a particularly bright and sunny day, Marion took lots of lovely pictures of the inside of MM.   We continued on to Henley, where we spent some time trying to moor up, as the moorings were quite shallow. It took three attempts to find a mooring where we could get MM right to the riverside – and the EA charged us £6:50 for the privilege of mooring in Henley – but then, it is very posh!!!!  Unfortunately, it took us so long to find a mooring that we were too late for Felicity’s choir’s performance of “The Creation”, a great disappointment as it is one of Marion’s favourites.  The sunset was beautiful.

19 miles and 6 locks – 5.5 hours

Total 57 miles and 23 locks – 21.5 hours

On to Goring-on-Thames

Friday 14^th October, 2011

An early start again. Culham Lock, on “self-service” (i.e. too early for the lock-keeper), showed only one red light (to show the sluices were closed) and none of the controls would work.  Robin called the EA number shown on the instructions; they took a message and said they would get back to him. By the time they did get back, the lock-keeper had arrived. He switched from ‘Public Power’ to their own power and opened the lock for us.

We moored just before Shillingford Bridge where we had breakfast (at 11:30).

We stopped just after Cleeve Lock, where we had lunch (and had been through with Penny and Harry that day on “Queen of Hearts”).  Lunch was some great prawns with a spicy chilli and ginger sauce. “Delicious” quoth Robin!!

We continued on to Goring where we moored up for the evening at 4:00pm. We walked into the village, found some twine for our crystals in the gift shop, then went into the Capture office and invited everyone to come down to the boat after work. Between 5:30 and 6:30, several did come and visit including Alison with her two sons, the elder with his short ‘trick’ canoe doing all sorts of acrobatics in the water to entertain us!  It was a lovely balmy evening for late October and we all shared a bottle of wine on the towpath – not enough room for us all to be on board at the same time!  We had an absolutely super evening when Abbie and Dave came to dinner, our first-ever dinner guests.

17 miles and 6 locks – 6.5 hours

Total 38 miles and 17 locks – 16.0 hours