A surprisingly quiet overnight mooring given that there is a small road running right alongside. A pretty spot, but then where isn't pretty on the Thames?
M got up at 7:00am and opened the curtains to find a family of swans looking at her; the mother had one of her four cygnets nestling on her back. Were they hoping for toast and marmalade perhaps?
A lovely morning with a clear blue sky and less of yesterday's breeze.
Q. Where to today?
A. To Runnymede and overhanging trees! A momentary lapse of concentration on both our parts (R was handing M the tiller so he could consult the guide book) caused us to veer right into some overhanging trees; it was quite alarming as the dense drooping branches tried to sweep everything off the roof towards us including both long poles. A moment of panic - would the "Jubilee" pot of geraniums survive? Fortunately no real harm done, but a dreadful mess of branches, twigs, leaves and general detritus all over the boat. We had to moor up to clean her off.
As it turned out, our mooring was one of our best ever. In the shade of weeping willows and horse chestnut trees (in bloom) and beside a luxuriant high bank of honeysuckle, sadly not quite yet in flower. The fragrance will be lovely when it blooms.
We spent the rest of the afternoon and evening here. M polished the brass-work , R tinkered, read a book and had a doze.
We watched the endless procession of cabin cruisers ("gin palaces") passing by, so fast compared with the gentle pace of narrowboats, but as is the norm on the waterways, whatever one's craft, everyone waves cheerily to each other.
What a lovely spot to spend the night!
Today: 3 locks, 8 miles, 3.7 Hours (151.3 Total)
Trip: 8 locks, 14 miles. 8.0 hours
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