David, good friend of mine who I met through learning to fly wanted to come for a trip on the boat along the Thames, so as I'd recently fitted the Ruddersafe I thought it would be an opportunity to try it and to make sure it didn't fall off!
On arrival at Thames and Kennet Marina the weather wasn't great but it was scheduled to improve in the afternoon so we just chilled for a while until it brightened up.
We left the marina and headed east, soon we were at Sonning Lock, David's first and as luck would have it we had to operate it ourselves so he could play at being the lock keeper!
The cruise down through Shiplake to Marsh lock was pleasant and uneventful, we just admired the beautiful houses we passed along the way. Marsh Lock was attended so we were swiftly through.
We passed through Henley bridge and around the regatta course, there were many people busily setting up marquees and stands on both side of the river plus lots of rowers practising.
We thought about pushing on to Marlow but decided Henley would make a better stop for the night so we turned around, back down the regatta course, under the bridge and moored up on the park.
We experimented with the hood, just to see how easy it was to open it up to enjoy the sunshine, I'm sure it would be neater to remove it completely!
After some beers in the sun we headed into Henley where we enjoyed a lovely meal in Cau (steak) with a few beers, then back to the boat. The rest of the evening was spent talking about flying and making some rough plans about places to fly to meet up again. Time for a drop of port then some much needed sleep!
Next morning we started the day with bacon sarnie (is there any other way??) then headed back to the marina. The approach to Marsh Lock was a bit challenging due to strong current from the weir and gusting cross-winds (to use a flying term!). The boat was being bobbed about a fair bit but as I approached the shelter of the lock it was fine.
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| Marsh Lock |
We motored back up river past the lovely houses again, through Shiplake Lock and then tied up at the lay-by for Sonning Lock.
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| Val Wyatt Marina, with contentious 'house boat' office |
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| Some pontoons heading downstream, leaving Sonning Lock |
Once through Sonning we tied up on the bank and went for a snack at the cafe behind the lock, very nice it was too!
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| Moored at Sonning, first time the stakes have been used! |
Soon we were back at Thames and Kennet Marina. We stopped at the fuel pontoon so I could fill the tank (from a jerry can, but still best to do it on this pontoon) and we brimmed the water tank ready for the next trip.
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