A rather overcast
start to the day, which unfortunately didn't present Windsor Castle at
its best. Still magnificent though and, as it is the oldest and largest still
inhabited castle in the world, definitely something to be very proud of -
the Royal standard proudly declaring that Her Majesty is in residence.
A lovely sight - the Horseguards out on a morning exercise.
Runnymede Lock Cottage reflects the local history of Magna Carta.
Our good friend Jackie's brother volunteers part time at Chertsey Lock. Even though it was his day off, John very kindly came down to the lock to greet us and see us through. However, he said that because he was "not wearing his badge", he couldn't actually help us.
It was good to see him again and he waved us off as we departed.
Well, that's it! Off the Thames finally and turning on to the Wey Navigation.
The Wey Navigation was one of the very first modern canals, opened as far as Guildford in 1653. The extension from Guildford to Godalming came 100 years later.
Thames Lock
brought us up to the level of the Wey. Originally this lock was shallower but in 1812, the Shepperton lock on the Thames was rebuilt and the level of the river below the lock was lowered by three feet. Because of this, there is a shallow secondary lock before the main lock so that there is enough depth of water to get over the cill and into the main lock.
Peter and Inca studied the guide book as they waited for the lock to fill. As the Wey Navigation is run by the National Trust, we had to fill out forms and pay for a seven day licence before we could proceed.
Weybridge Town Lock came soon after. It came as a bit of a shock to have to work it all ourselves, we haven't had to do a lock manually since we left the Oxford Canal!
Just above the lock, we found a suitable mooring for tonight and also tomorrow night, as we plan to stay here until Sunday morning.
M cooked a lovely meal for all four of us tonight. As she started to serve the food, two very interested canines decided that they would like some too.
Saturday was a day off! What a treat! Mel and Peter were picked up by their son James and their future daughter-in-law Katie to drive to Steyning to see the wedding venue. The wedding is due to take place on July 31 so, hopefully, will not be adversely affected by Covid restrictions.
It was forecast to be hot today, so we walked in to Weybridge town centre early and went to Waitrose for a "few bits".
On the way, we passed the original "Wey Bridge". This bridge was built in 1865 but the earliest reference to a bridge on this site is from 675 AD!
It is a very handsome structure with a one-way traffic system, presumably to reduce the weight on the old bridge. Note: R, taking a rest from carrying the "few bits"!
Later in the afternoon, James and Katie brough Mel and Peter back to the boats and we had a chance to meet them. The day had been a great success and they showed us pictures of the wedding venue. We wish them well in July and for their future.
This dog had certainly got paddle-boarding down to a fine art.
Later in the evening, we saw a small deer walking along the other side of the canal.
It was slowly walking in the shade behind the hedge so it was difficult to get a clear picture.
Two Days: 14 miles, 9 locks and 6.1 hours.
Trip: 206 miles, 96 Locks and 88.0 hours.
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