A Very Sad Parting of the Ways and a Visit from Lucas and Rory.

Tuesday 15th June 2021 in Godalming.

At Shalford, between Guildford and Godalming, there is a very low bridge with just 6' of clearance. MM can get through with a few inches to spare but we were all concerned that Inkling might not make it. If they couldn't get through it would be a long way to reverse before they could turn around, especially because Inkling is 70' long. Mel and Peter took Inca on a long walk down the towpath to check it out. When they came back they agreed that if they could make it, it would only be by a fraction of an inch. So, the decision was taken that Mel and Peter would turn Inkling at St Catherine's Lock and start back up towards the Thames, while MM would continue on to Godalming alone.

On the way to St Catherine's Lock there are some very tight turns. MM was able to get around without a problem.

Inkling is ten feet longer and had trouble getting round such a tight turn.

At St Catherine's Lock there is a winding hole just long enought to turn Inkling, even if it did mean Mel having to fend off the trees in the bow.

Finally, Inkling was round and they started off back north. They are going to go back via Teddington, Brentford and then up the Grand Union. They have to be back at Aston Marina by the 20th July to be ready for James and Katie's wedding.

After three and a half fabulous weeks travelling together, we shall really miss them. They were the easiest companions imaginable and we shared so many meals, G&Ts and great bottles of wine with them, not to mention much joy and laughter. We have already discussed travelling together to Liverpool next year in June/July after our planned trip to Skipton. We sadly waved them off into the distance. M felt quite emotional.

St Catherine's Lock is in a lovely setting next to the railway line between Reigate and Guildford. This is the lock that R created for his model railway.

This is the bridge at Shalford: MM passes underneath with only a few inches to spare. The geraniums had been carefully relocated out of harm's way!

You have to duck right down - so you cannot see where you are going while you go under it. Fun!

Finally, we arrived at Godalming, the most southerly point on the canal network.

The wharf mooring is lovely - and surprisingly empty. We moored up where the horse drawn trip boat used to moor. Unfortunately the trip boat had to move a couple of years ago.

Erika, Dan, Lucas and Rory arrived after school. We set out a blanket and the chairs on the grassy bank and had a super picnic. The boys badgered R into taking them on MM and turning round in the basin while Erika, Dan and M looked on.

Lucas kept threatening to jump or fall in the river and eventually decided to go for a swim. Erika got quite wet keeping an eye on him.

Later in the evening, there were sounds of great hilarity beside MM. Two teams of local youngsters were playing an improvised game of water polo in kayaks, supervised by a couple of adults who acted as the referees and goals at each end.

Several times, MM got thumped and afterwards the adults apologised, but we said that we had thoroughly enjoyed watching them. Great fun and not an electronic screen in sight! Kids should do more of this instead of playing with gadgets!

Today: 3 miles, 3 locks and 2.0 hours.

Trip: 222 miles, 108 locks and 97.4 hours.