A Lancaster Flypast.

Wednesday 12th September, 2012, back to Thatcham.
As it looked like being a nice morning, R walked across the bridge to the Kennet and Avon Trust Tea House for breakfast, which lived up their very high standard. M, making do with porridge back home, said that she was very jealous!!

The Kennet & Avon Trust Tea Room behind the tree.

After breakfast and after removing more fishing line (complete with hook and fishing weights) from around MM's propellor, MM finally said a sad farewell to Newbury. We have really enjoyed staying here. On the way down we spent seven nights in and around Newbury and a further six nights on the way back - by far the longest time we have stayed in any one location on our trip.
The return trip to Thatcham was uneventful. Even Bull's Bridge lock gates succumbed, thanks to two ladies from another boat waiting to go up through the lock. R and the two ladies together just managed to get the gates open!
R moored MM at Thatcham to await M's return from Reigate tomorrow. Shortly after mooring up, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster flew over heading to the south west. I guess there is a lot of activity around this time of year, as it is Battle of Britain weekend. The sound of those four Merlin engines is so evocative. It always makes one think of wartime Test Pilot Alex Henshaw's autobiography with the wonderful title: "Sigh for a Merlin."
Thatcham town centre is about a mile north of the canal, a good distance to work up an appetite for yet more coffee and cake after a visit to a local barber!
Today: 4 miles, 5 locks and 2.5 hours.
Trip: 271 miles, 283 locks and 228.5 hours (379.8 total).