Today was to be a day in Oxford, making use of being in a city we know. A visit to the fish market, Whittards to stock up on tea amongst other things. But first we had time for a breakfast.
Yum!
Yesterday I’d started to get a bit of a sore throat and in the evening I did a lateral flow test, negative. Today the soar throat was accompanied by a headache. After breakfast I decided to take another test. There on the indicator below the big control line was a faint line. Mick checked it too, only just visible but it was there. I wouldn’t be going out shopping!
This afternoon we’d planned on dropping back down Isis Lock so that in the morning we could get a supermarket delivery whilst I headed to Chippy to sort through things I’d be needing next week when I start painting the set.
Autumn
I cancelled my trip to Chippy, I may have to have a hand held zoom later in the week so that I get sent what I need. The covid policy at the theatre is that you can return to work 5 days after testing positive unless you still have symptoms. Here’s hoping I’m better next Monday!
Not enough room to wind above the lock
What to do? We could stay put, but that wouldn’t get the boat to Banbury where it needs to be for work. So we decided to carry on with our plan and hope that between the two of us we can manage to get to Banbury without coming into contact with anyone.
Going down
Mick reversed Oleanna back to the lock, he’d already been stopped by a lovely Canadian chap called Greg. I worked the lock taking great care to leave as much room between myself and Greg as possible, it may have seemed a touch rude backing away.
Then once down the lock we winded , returned down Sheepcote Wash, turned left back onto the Thames and pootled down the river to East Street. Winded again and pulled into a space. The demolition works at the Power Station were quite noisy so we nudged round to be in front of the façade that is being kept. Here we can get a delivery, then hopefully we’ll start to make our way up towards Banbury, doing our best to avoid people. I’ll have a mask in my back pocket to try to deter people and hand sanitizer before I touch anything. Here’s hoping it remains just a bad cold and that Mick doesn’t come down with it.
Covid view Day 1
Where might I have picked it up? Well almost certainly not from the lock keepers yesterday. Saturdays visit to the pub also seems a bit too close, but maybe my steak came with added covid! I think I’m most likely to have picked it up in Reading when I went on a hunt for shopping.
What will be, will be and only time will tell how we both do living in a confined space together.
1 lock, 0.54 miles, 2 winds, 1 left, 1 big delivery, 2 packets paracetamol, 2 boxes tissues, 1 big bottle of cough medicine, 0 shore leave for Tilly, 1 faint line, thank goodness it was this week not next!
A slow start this morning so that we could join the Geraghty zoom. Subjects today acorns, anti-virals and loft insulation.
Goodbye Abingdon
Another sunny day meant the river was busy. A canoe stopped a wide beam from pulling out across the way, they were wanting to wind so waited patiently then waved us on before they started their manoeuvre.
A tall affair
Abingdon Lock was set for us and we rose up with plenty of people watching, then pulled along onto the water point. It seems that some of the water points are being changed, the other day at Cleeve Lock I’d noticed the new short hose already attached to the tap, here the water point is long and tall with a yellow surround to it.
Backflow protection
The pressure wasn’t too great and the hose just managed to reach our water filler on the off side of the bow. Water seems to be pumped up high to a small tank and then it flows through the hose to your boat. This is all to do with not wanting to have river water flowing back into the water mains, which is understandable with the amount of sewage that is allowed into the rivers. But it all takes time. We were patient and made use of the big skips to dispose of our rubbish and recycling. Talking of which, if you are a boater, have you filled in the C&RT survey regarding services and distances between them? It’s anonymous so no reason not to have your say in what C&RT will see as the national standard for services. Survey Link
The next river reach goes on and on. Not as bad as when Mick did it a few years ago with an overheating engine with a large amount of fresh coming the other way. The sunk boat is still mid channel, then numerous rowing boats and plenty of cruisers out for a Sunday pootle.
Sandford being emptied
There was a blue board at Sandford Lock, but someone had set it to empty. I walked up with the boat hook and opened the gate. The Lock Keeper arrived, he’d been just about to go for lunch as we arrived, could he help with ropes? We got ourselves sorted and then waited for a cruiser to join us. They had no idea! A rope from the bow was put round a bollard as their boat continued into the lock. The rope was moved along, then again and again. The Lock Keeper went to help, pulling them back in the lock and making sure they had two ropes round the bollards. This lock fills from the sides as well as from the end, so you need to keep hold of your rope.
Just about full
We led the way, coming across numerous rowers all at bends which made positioning ourselves very awkward! I don’t think we’ve ever come into Oxford on a sunny Sunday in term time before. I think we’ll do our best to avoid it in future!
Iffley!
Iffley Lock, the Lavender Lock was on Self Service, it always feels like we’ve arrived in Oxford when we go through here . I headed up to see what needed doing. A small day boat was just entering the lock above to be followed by an eight, the lock just wide enough for them. A chap asked if I could open the gates for them so they could get back on board, of course I could. But this all took time as they hadn’t got a rope round a bollard, the boat tipping from side to side as people got on and off.
All that Lavender
Then a Lock Keeper appeared and requested that they put a rope around a bollard and then actually hold on to it! A request came from the boat, could he help with the rope. ‘No, I’ve got covid’ he then retreated to the other side of his garden.
Our turn next with the cruiser. We let them leave first as they’d be quicker than us, all we both had to do was negotiate our way around the waiting rowing boats and those also heading towards the lock.
Someone with a different style has been decorating the walls under bridges. An Arthurian subject, with knights on horse back jousting and a unicorn.
Trip boat 1 out of the way
Towards Folly Bridge there was a log jam. The cruiser we’d been sharing with had pulled over to the side, two eights were sat waiting for a big trip boat to wind and head down stream. The eights then had to wind themselves, another trip boat was about to back away from it’s moorings, but we got in first only to meet four canoes coming under the arch of the bridge. Hopefully now the river would calm down.
Canoes next
No! The cruiser suddenly appeared having come round the island of the bridge the other way. They headed off and we soon passed them trying to moor. Hopefully NOW the river would be quieter.
Demolition works
Osney Lock had a boat coming in from above. A lady closed the gates behind the boat the chap held onto his centre line. I suggested that I could work the bottom gates and sluice allowing the lady to get on board. She was happy with this and just carried on walking away from the lock, I suspect a helpful passerby rather than crew.
Here we were on our own, no Lock Keeper. A fella walked past and informed us that the Lockie here also had covid. There was space on East Street, maybe because the old Power Station is being demolished opposite.
On upstream under the bridge to Sheepwash Channel where we turned right. The old railway swing bridge that last year was shrouded in covers has been restored, sleepers and track, the workings all shiny black and yellow. Not that there is anywhere for it to connect to as houses stand where the line once used to be.
Isis
Isis Lock. Time to dig out the windlass again. This lock means Panto, Autumn leaves, Inspector Morse watching, Christmas shopping, fish and waiting for the River Cherwell to come out of flood. It’s nice to be back.
Going up
We pulled into the first space. Tilly was given 2.5 hours, Yeh yeh, I know where I am! It’s that isthmus outside! You always tie this one up! Still no new complex opposite. Time to put a Sunday roast on and have a catch up with my brother.
5 locks, 1 narrow one, 9.58 miles, 1 right, 1 left, 2 many boats, 1 tall waterpoint, 2 poorly Lockies, 2 boats with no idea, 1 near miss, 2.5 hours, 1 roast chicken, 1 sore throat!
Thankfully you don’t have to be awake too early at the moment to see the sunrise. The golden sky warming up a chilly morning and what a wonderful morning, not a cloud in the sky.
180 degrees of sky
It would have been nice to stay an extra day, but there are places to be so no choice.
As we pushed away we waved goodbye to the clumps behind us, one day we’ll walk up there. Then further along the big field we realised that we hadn’t been the only boat moored up last night. At least they were some distance away and this morning we’d have had a much better sunrise.
A Kingfisher darted in front of us, stopping in flight and hovered like a Hummingbird or a Kestrel, it did it a second time, I just managed to get a blurry photo before it then settled down on the bank. We’ve never seen one do this before, maybe it was imitating a Tern and had spotted a possible fish.
Clifton Hamden Bridge
We pootled up stream to Clifton Hamden Bridge with it’s red brick arches. Here we met three paddleboarders who were enjoying the sunshine as they headed upstream. At the lock a volunteer opened the gates for us and waved us in. Here numerous plant pots fill the lock area. The Lock Keeper suggested we should wait for the paddleboarders to arrive which was fine with us, he then carried on moving tubas and bulbs around for winter. What a sight it must be when in full blown colourful flower.
The ladies hung onto the chains on the opposite side of the lock, they were from Culham and had done the loop this morning, presumably dropping down onto the river by the weir a little further up stream.
Sunbathing on the bed
Last year as we waited below Culham lock we watched a Mink hunting on the offside bank, two pigeons met their maker with alarming swiftness. Today there was no queue below the lock, we tied up and I walked up to see the Lock Keeper who was surprised he’d not seen us. Culham is a deep lock and assistance in getting your ropes around the bollards is needed. I was glad we’d not be sharing the lock with the paddleboarders as when that little yellow flag on the top gate starts to rise there is quite a flow around the lock.
Mooo!
Now on the Abingdon reach of the river we discussed where to stop today. A full days cruise in our schedule would have us moor a distance on above Abingdon Lock, but we were already a day ahead of ourselves. Should we stop before the bridge, after or just above the lock? First however we needed to avoid the sailors and fisherman. Both in line with each other, we slowed our pace, hoping we’d not all three be trying to be in the same few meters as each other. The fisherman had to move his long pole and the dinghy crossed in front of us enabling us to pass by with plenty of room to spare.
Fishing and sailing
The first stretch of moorings was fairly busy so we carried on through the bridge pulling in at the first mooring. Here we hoped there’d be less footfall along with some friendly cover close by. Tilly was excited running back and forth inside, only to be disappointed when the doors opened to see the number of walkers with woofers!
Abingdon Bridge
A load of washing was put out to dry, Tilly came and went, paddleboarders (all who seemed to be French) paddled by, a stunning afternoon if you were out in the sunshine. Just a shame we were creating our own shade with both front and back doors open so we had a nice cool breeze through Oleanna!
Having spent much of the afternoon having the aroma of steak and chips wafting in through the back door we decided to eat out this evening. A hunt through menus at various establishments for gf options at a price that wouldn’t break the bank came up with Beefeater, The Brewery Tap. Sadly the Brewery Tap was fully booked this evening. Mick had walked past The Broad Face so we booked there.
Antlers or just plumbing?
Odd decor, either based on a Gentleman’s toilet with all the copper plumbing powering the lights or a butchers with pink fake blossom festooned in the corners. The chap serving us was slightly odd too. I asked if the blue cheese sauce contained gluten, he said he’d ask, if it didn’t would I like it adding to my order? This meant I didn’t actually know if I was getting the sauce until we quizzed him when he came to change our cutlery.
A very nice steak with triple cooked chips, I get get a dribble of sauce too
Having said that, my steak was the best one (other than homecooked) I’ve had since we visited The Paper Mill Inn near Bugsworth Basin nearly six years ago. Mick’s burger was also very good and tasty. Just a shame there was only chilled medication on the dessert menu that I could eat, so instead we headed back to Oleanna to finish off a tub of vanilla from the freezer.
2 locks, 7.12 miles, 3 paddleboarders, 3 boats at Jubilee, 1 perfect day for boating, 1 chilly boat, 1 cautious cat, 1 newspaper, 1 glass wine, 1 pint, 1 burger, 1 steak and chips, 2 many geese and woofers!
A cuppa in bed before breakfast, followed by a zoom meeting with Amy and Penny from Dark Horse Theatre Company. They have been successful in being awarded funding to take #unit21, the show I worked on last February, on tour next year. Lots to talk about and things to put into motion. There will be two new cast members, so some costume bits to do. New props for Act 2 and an upgrade to the set if we can afford neon lights. All very exciting.
oops!
Not a sight you expect to see on the Thames, a large boat sitting in the middle of the river. I wondered why they’d dropped anchor there, then realised their anchor had not been dropped and was still nestled on the bow. Wild swimmers passed as we approached saying that the boat was grounded, inside silhouettes of passengers could be seen one holding binoculars. Mick considered asking if we could help, but such a big boat and such a small narrowboat!
Whitchurch Lock
At Whitchurch Lock the Lockie was surprised that the Captain had taken such a line on the river, but The Amazon Queen had been stuck since last night and they were trying to get hold of a tug to get them afloat again. I had a look at their itinerary, last night they should have been at Mapledurham, this morning a hearty breakfast before setting sail to Sonning to enjoy dinner and a show at The Mill, we doubt they’d make it in time now!
Past Shooters Hill and the Seven Deadly Sins. Shooters Hill is supposed to have been named in the C17th after an artillery station was positioned there in the Civil War to guard the Thames crossing, cannon balls were dug up when the Great Western Railway was being built.
It feels like some serious pruning has taken place in front of the Sins as I’m sure one of them used to hide away. They still are wonderful houses, we tried to decide which one we liked the best, maybe the last one.
Goring Weir
The railway moves away for a while as the river passes through Beale Park, only one boat on the moorings there today, a chap just checking the signs £10 for 24hrs, maximum 48hrs pay at the café, same as last year.
Goring Lock
The white board at Goring Lock changed to Blue as we approached, the Lock Keeper was heading off to check out reports of a tree down over the towpath, he’d started to empty the lock for us. Boat hook at hand and bow rope on the roof are now the standard set up on the Thames.
A short distance on was Cleeve Lock also full. Despite its shallow rise the water comes in with quite a force. I was glad that the control panels were not on the other side as I’d have been bombarded with acorns dropping in the wind which was increasing in strength. Last year we’d watched as people got showered by the new tap at the water point. This year someone has provided a suitable length of hose attached to the tap to avoid such occurrences.
If only the staircase was a helter skelter
Our schedule had us stopping in the next reach of the river. We had a choice, moor below Cleeve Lock, not enough cruising hours. Carry on and try opposite Sheridan Marine, last year the mooring was very awkward with a high uneven bank. Continue to Wallingford and see if there was space for us, or get a day ahead of ourselves and reach Day’s Lock and one of our favourite moorings on the Thames.
Serious stuff
Lunch was had on the move, we slowed down for a big pontoon to be moved and have it’s supports dropped to the river bed to steady it ready for more pile driving on a new stretch of bank.
Hello Fran
Wallingford Bridge, not much spare room for us, maybe one mooring but we wondered if that space was reserved for a trip boat, maybe the African Queen, well she’d not be needing it today! As we passed the last couple of boats we spotted NB Atropos whom we’d spent the really hot days with on the Great Ouse. We beeped the horn and called out to say hello, but Fran was busy exploring the Castle. Maybe next year our paths will cross again.
Benson Lock, quite deep and the start of Lavender at the locks was on self service. Above is one of the bases for the big Le Boat Hire boats. Today they were four deep, not a spare space on the moorings. A couple of boats were being loaded with bags and shopping, one boat just returning from having a test drive with this weeks holiday makers.
Whittham Clumps comes into view, a hill with a clump of trees on the top, one day we’ll take a walk up there, but today we just wanted to moor up before it started to rain. The Lock Keeper saw us up through Day’s Lock, then it was time to find a mooring.
New looking signs and music at the farm on Sundays
New signs along the bank, both here and below the lock there is now a mooring charge. Below the Lock (Thames Path £7) with a very high bank and plenty of friendly cover an awkward mooring. Close to the Lock (Day’s Lock £10) some parts a touch too shallow for us, but a reasonable step off your narrowboat and one or two straight lengths. Then where we were heading (Lake Field £7) in between the trees maybe a touch uneven bank, but a feeling like you are the only one moored on the field. Basically today we would be the only boat here.
Tilly and I had a walk up and down just before the heavens opened. Would this be our first time here without a good sunset? The rain didn’t deter Tilly and she looked round for friends. I put a bolognaise sauce on to cook and Mick waited for the rain to stop so that he could chop up some kindling and light the fire.
Potential
Then as the sun was dipping down towards the horizon the sky cleared. To the west we had a sunset, to the east a rainbow. Day’s Lock never disappoints!
Lovely
5 locks, 15.7 miles, 1 grounded boat, 1 Tilly fan, 7 sins, 2 days into 1, 1 blustery day, 2 hire boats, 1 short hose,1 favourite mooring, 1 downpour, at least 1 friend, 1 bag kindling, £7, 1 sunset plus rainbow.
The stove isn’t being kept in overnight as yet so on a chilly morning it’s hard to crawl out from under the duvet, but we succeeded this morning. Breakfasted and on our way at 8am, today would be a busy day.
Such calmness after yesterday
As we pushed our mooring away the mist on the river rose and swirled around us. It reminded me of one of my first trips out in the theatre van in Scarborough. Heading to Bempton to find props for a show we drove through my first proper experience of sea fret. The mist drifting through the transit vans cab from one window to the other right in front of our noses. Today with the low sunlight catching it at the right angle it was magical.
Still misty water
Shiplake Lock was on self service so I did the honours. The lock was empty but the bottom gates didn’t want to open, it took forever for the lock to go through the sluice cycle before the gate button would work. The still water below the lock reflected trails in the sky. Oh what a beautiful morning. I just needed to find my gloves!
The lock island here has sheds with large tents. Earlier in the year these are all occupied, but now in October there were only a couple of tents erected, the rest removed and most probably stored til spring. We pulled in to top up on water. A Kris hire boat arrived and the couple on board had difficulty with their ropes as a gentle breeze caught them and pushed the stern out across the river, so we went to help, the chap on board saying he’d rather be on a narrowboat! It turned out that they used to own a shareboat with Carefree Cruising as did we. Their boat was an earlier one and the syndicate has just sold it, each of them getting a nice return.
Hold back!
At Sonning we had to put the brakes on as a cruiser was heading downstream under the bridge. It’s easier for us to stop as we were facing the current. We paused for a second boat to come through and then made our way up to the lock which was on blue boards, self service. However there were plenty of people around the lock and one came to open the gates, a large tug and skip boat came through leaving one chap on land to work the lock for us.
Hollyhocks replaced by courgettes?
The massive display of Hollyhocks we’d seen last year are now reduced to one rogue plant still with a couple of flowers showing. Get the Lock Keeper chatting about the hollyhocks and you’ll never stop him!
New moorings
Paul from Waterway Routes had asked us to check on reports he’d been having about new moorings at Sonning Lock. The reports had been correct a new length of good edge has been added to the nearest length of moorings, add to that nice new bollards. This does however mean that there are now signs saying to see the Lock Keeper as the moorings are chargeable.
No room for us today!
Our hopes of a mooring close to Tescos were dashed for the first time. In the past there has either been just one space left that we’ve shoehorned ourselves into or someone has been about to leave. Today we tried one space, but it was far too shallow and the stump of a tree overhung it. We regrouped, stocks onboard were low, but I was certain I’d be able to rustle up three meals, we carried onwards.
Cranes and boats everywhere
Next was diesel. Could we remember which of the boat yards was known for being the cheaper one, above or below Caversham Lock? I thought it was below so we pulled onto the service pontoon. A chap who was craning boats in and out shouted to help ourselves, ‘Okay, but how much is it?’ £1.39! Yes please the cheapest we’ve paid in months and on the Thames.
Once the tank was full we headed into the shop to pay. What a curious shop! Did we want to buy a hat? A ceramic bust of Churchill, some slippers, Javanese puppets, a tin train, a model ship with rigging, a clockwork rower or a Dalek? Eventually someone came to take our money, they were having a busy day moving boats.
Reading Town Hall
Caversham Lock had a keeper on duty, we asked her if we could stop at the end of the lock landing to head to the shops. Thankfully she was fine about it. We headed to Aldi who supplied us with much of what we wanted, but there were a few annoying gaps. Mick took the majority back to the boat whilst I tried M&S in the Station, then M&S in town, then Sainsburys finally had some cereal I could eat without added slugs or flies.
I love this house, ship weather vane and a bell in the tower
On we pressed, water diesel and food stocks replenished. Would we be able to make up for time we’d lost yesterday? We passed the wonderful house with the nautical theme.
£325,000 click on the photo for details
A summer house was being shown to prospective new owners with it’s grass and 70ft mooring. Nice.
Above Mapledurham we disposed of our rubbish, then continued on to try to find a mooring. The first place we were about to pull into we were warned was too shallow by a chap chopping wood. On to Pangbourne, we’ve never managed to find a space here, but today there was room along the high bank.
Sort the woofers out!
Tilly wasn’t overly keen due to lots of footfall and woofers, but when next door came back with his dog and started to sand things she decided she’d rather be inside. At least we’d got back on track today and achieved all the chores.
4 locks, 13.2 miles, 1 full water tank, 1 clean pooh box, 3 bags rubbish gone, 88.02 litres diesel, 3 bags shopping, 4 shops, 0 room for us, 1 postbox, 1 Lara, 1 last Pangbourne space, 2 hours shore leave, 1 final goodnight to Janis x
Apologies for yesterdays post arriving late. Our host seemed to have some problems and we couldn’t access the blog for a couple of hours. Hopefully those who receive the blog via email still got it even though it was a couple of hours late. We think/hope the problem is now resolved.
Remenham to Shiplake
The sounds from outside were not good when we woke, it sounded very windy already! We’d hoped to be on the move earlyish, put the miles in before the weather hit, it sounded like it had beaten the forecast. The decision was made quickly to have a cuppa in bed and potter away the morning waiting for things to improve.
Priority Pooh Posting
A post box was required to send a routine sample off to the NHS. Mick looked up on Google for the nearest post box. Google had us walking into Henley to the bridge then back along the road that runs parallel to the river, that route would certainly increase our steps for the day. Instead we walked downstream and then up a footpath to St Nicholas Church and the post box, all of five minutes.
Is the weather vein a dog with a droopy ear? Or a donkey with it’s head bowed down?
Here Remenham Farm and it’s associated cottages and barns creates a small village with it’s own church, everywhere decorated with flint. The barns have now been converted into office space and the farm is more residential than it once was. The Copas Family bought the farm in 1976 and have continued the connection with Henley Regatta which started in 1839, the start of the racing is on part of their land. The famous Barn Bar which first opened in the 1930’s is on their land too, we’ve seen t-pees stretching away from the river in the build up to the regatta, a versatile farm for hospitality, they also grow wheat, barley and oilseed rape. It certainly is well manicured by the river, along the path small square sockets can been seen presumably used for fencing when the regatta is on.
St Nicholas Church
A church has been on the site since 1066. There have been two restorations, one in 1838 the other in 1870 which eliminated much of the ancient church and was when the south isle was added.
Its a small affair with lots of stained glass windows all donated by locals. The building curves around the alter and a narrow window depicts Christ on the cross.
Twisted ropes and vine leaves
A pair of iron gates sit at the end of the south isle masking off the organ pipes. The hand wrought gates were made in Sienna in 1873 and are rather fine.
Temple Island highlighted in a small patch of sun
Back on board the wind picked up, the rain came. We pottered away the late morning and afternoon. Some book keeping, carrot and orange soup consumed, more stencil cutting, schedule for panto looked at in detail. Then the wind abated, should we move off or should we stay? Another £12 would be better in our pockets than someone else’s.
Grey day Henley
So a little over our 24 hours we pushed away Remenham. Were the people who named Remenham and Medmenham related? And were they all mumblers?
It always makes me smile
We made our way towards Henley proper, I kept a look out for the lovely little wooden boat called Tiddley Pom Pom. My Grandfather on my mum’s side was known as PomPom so I like to imagine him, ex-minor from Pontefract pootling along the Thames in such a pretty boat, eating his Nuttall’s Mintoes and Pontefract Cakes.
Henley Bridge
A Lock Keeper worked us up through Marsh Lock with a cruiser. A dark cloud started to grow, the river turning to meet it’s course. Heavy and dark overhead we decided we’d achieved enough for the day especially as a space showed itself on the 24hr Shiplake moorings. We pulled in, tied to the wooden posts, Tilly was offered some shore leave, she wasn’t that keen!
If only…
1 lock, 2.95 miles, 1 church, 1 pooh sample, 1 small church, 7 stencils cut, 2 receipts, 1 list of questions, 1 wet blowy day, 1 Tiddley PomPom.
We allowed ourselves a cuppa in bed with the papers this morning, hours still need to be cruised but not quite so many a day. By 10:30 we were ready to make a move the board at Marlow Lock being blue (Self Service) I prepared the bow rope on the cratch board for ease of picking up with the boat hook.
Marlow Lock
Gongoozlers awaited our arrival, one of them filming our every move! I pressed buttons, got the bow rope, secured the bow, closed gates, pressed buttons, adjusted rope, etc, then we were on our way again.
Bridge works
A big pontoon sat below Marlow Bridge, two chaps stood looking up at something.
Wonder how much for this place now?
The big houses and their gardens stretch off into the distance, a balustrade wall with an urn full of flowers every 16ft or so marks the edge of their estate. We’ve seen staff moving around these properties in golf buggies before!
Nearly but not quite halfway
Temple Lock marks almost the half way point between London and Oxford on the river. Here two chaps who looked like they were working on the gates pressed the buttons for us, a big sign besides them with a phone number should you have any problems with the lock 24/7.
So many coats of varnish o their boats.
A short distance on is Hurley Lock, blue signs lied to us as there were two Lock Keepers on duty. There was just enough time to have a peek over the fence into Peter Freebody and Co to look at the pretty boats. Oleanna was the fifth boat they’d had through the lock this morning, a quiet day.
Just over three and a half miles to the next lock. We were wanting to be moored up before the weather took hold today, should we stop at Medmenham? There was plenty of space but we really needed to be at least another hour on especially if the weather tomorrow is bad.
Boats settling in for winter
Passing the weir cut for Hambledon Lock we waved to where WB Still Rockin used to winter, wonder where she is now with her new owners?
The wind was starting to pick up by now and dropping me off to work the lock took a while to get the bow in so I could head of with the boat pole. A couple were just entering the lock from above on a Kris hire boat. Their skills suggested they’d done this before a few times. The lock took forever to empty, I suggested the lady get back on and I’d open the gates for them. But still it took forever, not helped by very few of the lights working on the extensive panel, of which you only need three buttons! Then at last the gates moved, they were set free and the lock was now ours.
Control Panel B
With no gate paddles obvious I suspected this to be a side filler. The bow rope was wrapped round the bollard several times, no lugs to hold it tight. I pressed the button to fill the lock and gently the water started to flow in. The bow rope was adjusted and as the flow of water increased Oleanna sat a distance out from the side of the lock, kept away by the filling water. Thankfully we could leave the top gates open as a cruiser appeared with perfect timing to go down.
It now started to rain. That rain that soaks you when you’re not looking! Our scheduled stop today was Temple Island the start of the boat racing in Henley. Waterway Routes suggested there were moorings beside the island, so we headed towards where there was a sign that confirmed this, however all along the bank were signs saying Private Mooring with names of boats on them. Winter moorings maybe, the signs didn’t look permanent.
Henley ahead!
Up ahead on the other bank were a few boats, a sign fixed to a tree suggested that maybe these were pay for moorings. We pulled in along the good edge, sign checked £12, but it would mean we wouldn’t have to battle onwards in the weather.
Rubbish!
We were soon settled and the doors opened up for Tilly to explore. We knew she wouldn’t be too keen due to the manicured nature of the field and gardens.
Boring!
After an initial explore she preferred to sit on the stern and watch the world go by, or walk along the catwalk keeping a close eye on the woofers. Inside I ticked off a few more jobs for panto and cut out another couple of stencils. A logo was drawn out, scanned and sent on to Jo the props maker, I quite like it and may see if I can get a t-shirt printed for first night.
Up, out of bed, breakfasted and walking towards the station this morning for Mick to catch a train into Maidenhead, then one to London, the tube, on to York and the final train of that leg to Scarborough. Our latest lodgers had moved out yesterday, so the house needed checking over and the grass cutting.
Only a bit of space on York to moor today
I meanwhile headed off to Sainsburys to see how much I could carry back to the boat ending up doing an intermediate shop which would keep us going until we reach Tescos in Reading.
Just look at those!
The shop windows in Marlow have tantalising things in them. I SO wish I ate gluten still as one cafe had the most enticing looking bread in their window and trays of wonderous baked goods filling the counters. Oh well I most probably saved myself a fortune.
I behaved and didn’t stock up on yarns
A shop down a side street caught my eye, a crafty shop with fabrics and yarn. My bumbag needs the zip replacing, so I waited outside for the shop to open then purchased what I hope is the correct length zip for the job. Just need to find the time with enough daylight to put it in now.
Alan, still King of the wall in Scarborough
Today I was going to make use of the table whilst Mick was away and do a bit of prep work for panto. The elaborate portals that I’ve designed have quite a few things that repeat themselves, so a quick means of drawing them out is required. I could project them onto the scenery, a method I’ll use elsewhere this year, but as these are so repetitive I’m going to use stencils.
Rats blown up
I gridded up the card I’d bought in London and transferred the designs across, trying to better the originals I’d used for the model. The correct lines were picked out from the mistakes with pen and later on in the day I started to cut them out. After two I’d had enough, the others can happen over the next few days when we moor up.
Around the lock was busy today. Plenty of boats coming and going. At one point I looked up to see a grey widebeam gliding past with no-one at the helm. They were sorting out their centre rope and ran back down the roof before the boat went off course.
EA getting ready for some work somewhere
A work boat and skip came down the lock. We’ve seen a few worky type vessels about the place, presumably getting ready for winter maintenance.
Several of the overstaying boats moved off too. Notices removed from windows. That left us and one other boat that looks like it is quite happy here.
Thankfully no friends were brought home today!
Council workmen arrived and did a bit of pruning in the park we’re moored alongside so whilst the chipper chipped Tilly was kept in. A big vat of carrot and orange soup was made from the remaining cheap carrots we’d bought at M&S, Not bad for 45p, a roast, a cake and soup.
Scarborough Station
Mick’s return journey from Scarborough wasn’t quite so good. The trains to London from York were cancelled so a detour via Leeds was taken. This train ended up stopping everywhere so got into London late. A fast train to Maidenhead got him slightly back on course where he caught up with a train he’d hoped to catch back to Marlow. He was back on board Oleanna just gone 10:30pm. A long day with a lot of trains.
Cats enlarged
0 locks, 0 miles, 9 trains, 2 tubes, 1 tidy house, 1 load washing, 1 catch up with neighbours, 2 bags shopping, 1 zip, 6 hours shore leave, 2 cancelled, 1 busy river out of season, 7 stencils drawn, 2 cut.
Sadly we could only stay one night on Tilly’s birthday island, we need to keep moving, admittedly not far today.
Sunday morning
But first there was time for Mick to rustle up a breakfast and for us to join the Geraghty zoom. The Basingstoke Canal, flights from Barra and the general state of the country were topics today.
We pushed away the island around 11am, passing our nearest neighbours soon afterwards. I wondered who might be staying in Spring Cottage at the moment (£2,750 a night) an extra £50 a night to include breakfast. Or at the cheaper NT run cottages £896 for three nights, no option of breakfast being included there.
You brought it with you, it’s now lighter, so much easier to take home!
We followed a big hire boat up to Cookham Lock where a volunteer saw both boats in and pressed the buttons for us. Mick had picked up a bag of rubbish on the island so we paused to drop it off at the bins above the lock. Why would you parcel up your rubbish and then hide it behind a tree on an island?! We topped up the water tank as a load of washing spun round in the machine and then carried onwards.
Bourne End can be so sunny, it almost feels like a resort as you glide along the wide water.
Sailing dinghy’s raced back and forth, the wind being in the perfect direction for their course today.
Click photo for details
Another house for sale, with a good length of mooring, only £2,750,000.
We paused at a familiar boat, bipped our horn, but only the wagging tail of a dog greeted us today. Next time we’ll make sure we send a message in advance.
Terraced garden
All the big houses climbing up the cliff and pretty boats moored below.
Round the big bend in the river, we spied space on the EA moorings below Marlow Lock and pulled in. We then nudged along in front of one of several boats with overstay notices on their windows. The route to walk up to the lock takes you round the houses a touch, but does give a great view across to Marlow.
Marlow
Only a volunteer on duty as it was lunchtime. Mick ventured back later in the afternoon to check in with the Lockie and see if it was possible for us to stay for two nights instead of just the one. As it was out of season he gave us permission.
Tilly got busy, bringing a friend inside to the warmth! Luckily it turned out to be easy to catch, but when released in the hedgerow it scarpered so quickly it didn’t see which way it was going and ended up in the river. It did swim, so I’m hoping it found somewhere to climb out.
I put together some photos and words for the Panto programme. They wanted a two page spread about the set design process. Lots of photos and a sentence with each one, I suspect I’ve given them too much.
What a lovely mooring it is here, we’ve only stayed by the park above the lock before which is quite busy, just a shame there is constant nose from the road bridge!
1 lock, 5.16 miles, 1 bag of rubbish, 1 tank of water, 1 load washing drying on the whirligig, 2 nights okay, 4 hours shore leave, 0 island, 7 photos, 7 sentences.
Today I turned 7 in human years, that’s 44 in feline years. She said that now I’m 7 that I am mature. She kept saying this most of the day. I don’t think I smell like cheese!
Where’s my presents?!
She said that I would be getting a present later on if all went to plan. I tried looking for it, but she said it wasn’t inside.
Last night was meant to be all wild and windy. Tom said that if I went into the outside I might have gotten blown away, but it didn’t sound that bad. It never sounds that bad to me, well not until it starts blowing at my bum, then I’m not happy!
Anyway I think someone needs to write a new version of the song.
Pussy cat Pussy cat where have you been? I’ve been to London to visit the Qu…… OH! Apparently Queen She doesn’t sit on a chair anymore.
She used to stand on this bridge and watch the big planes go by , especially Concord
Yesterday the outside had been wet but it had picked it’s ideas up this morning as they untied it and let it move away, the sun had come to visit. Only right as it’s my birthday! Did you know that it’s my birthday?
I watched the castle drift by. They caught a water point that was all smelly from a noisy little boat. But apparently it didn’t have the right fitting so they pushed it way and found another. This one was silly stupid as it sprayed water everywhere! Just as much went on the bank as into Oleanna’s tummy. After the summer we’ve had too! She said that it’s impractical for us to have a 7m hose, They’d have to tie the outside up in a very particular way for such a hose to reach.
Tom kept stopping the outside, I had to check he was doing it right. In fact he was just moving the outside down.
He had to have the help of another boat to do this on several occasions. Just look at all those flowers!
Then She and Tom got all excited, my birthday present (did I mention it was my birthday?) was just about in view, we all just had to keep our paws crossed.
Paws crossed
It took them a while to tie the outside up. Then She came in and wrote down the numbers, played the magic music and noted three words. Then she gave me the rules. 4 hours with no woofers.
An ISLAND!?!
My birthday present was an Island!
A WHOLE Island!
I know I couldn’t believe it, A National Trust Island at that! There was one other boat, but they left. We had it all to ourselves, well until another narrowboat tied it up at the other end. I don’t know why they had to do that as it wasn’t being awkward or troublesome. It was just being a nice and peaceful island.
She said she had something secret to do. But after a while we went for a walk, from nearly one end of MY BIRTHDAY ISLAND right to the very end at the other end.
TREES!!!!
Sideways Trees!!And friendly cover!
The end with water on both sides
She had more to do inside so left me to it, which was fine because She’s not as good at climbing trees as I am!
I don’t think I look mature, I certainly don’t smell mature!
Tom lit the stove so I could be all cosy and warm. Then after we’d all had our dingding I got a birthday cake!
I’m not fussed about the cake, they can have all that, but the cream cheese topping looks mighty fine!
My BIRTHDAY Island
3 locks, 2 self service, 8.2 miles, 6003.36 miles in total on Oleanna, 7 years old, not 7+ yet, 44 feline years, 1 island present, 4 hours of climbing and pouncing, 1 carrot BIRTHDAY cake, 1 cat who never ever eats human food licking her lips, 1 stove, 1 sunny BIRTHDAY,1 boating goal achieved, 1 Cliveden Island moored on.
