Lesson 1: How to Avoid Rowers.

Wednesday 31^st August to Tuesday 6^th September 2016

We weren’t exactly early about extracting the pins and heading off on Wednesday morning – about 8:30 was early enough – we would not be going too far today.

Some weeks ago as we were passing through Sunbury Lock, the lockie suggested to us that if we were looking for a good mooring, then around the back of the lock was an area referred to as King’s Park, where spots were almost always available.

So we wanted to test them out.

Past Hampton Court Palace – pretty well chockers there – up through Molesey Lock, used the services and then pushed along and diverted to the right as we approached Sunbury Lock – sure enough, we found some lovely moorings with plenty of space.

At first it seemed a little close to the road, but upon checking it didn’t feel like it would be that busy later on.

It was another day of lovely sunshine – not too hot, not too humid and with a little bit of wind – Goldilocks weather.

A little later the Enforcement Officer came along and Diane had a good chat with him – fluttering the eyelashes at the right times. Seems that many of the locals are keeping a lookout on his behalf and advising when there were boats overstaying – he wasn’t there to see us about that – it was his normal day to come along and he would be back on Friday.

Diane explained that we hadn’t moored there before and the area looked interesting – with a wink and a nod we were right until Friday morning.

I have to say that by the time we did leave, all of the boats that were initially there, had gone and been replaced with some others – a sign that people are doing the right thing – particularly when a friendly face is using their judgement in a good way to enforce the byelaws.

Explore the area we did, but there seemed to be a predominance of pubs and a decided lack of coffee shops – we found just one – inside the walled garden – a lovely place to spend a few hours in mild contemplation.

Huge areas of parkland to wander around – we didn’t do too much wandering around, there was the little matter of a few cows grazing which seemed to put Diane off the idea of a wider area walk.

 

Right - youvé been warned

They really were quite OK, if just a little wary of us

By the time we had left we felt that it was a nice quiet place to stop; very easy to find a pub; peaceful; we may stop there again given the chance.

We made it around to the lock at a few minutes after 9am, thinking that we might just sneak up on the lockie, by not appearing from the main channel, but no, she was there ready and waiting for us – so straight in and up – our thanks to her for such efficiency.

Onward now towards Weybridge / Shepperton and seeing where we could find a mooring.

Our preference was for a place near to Shepperton, but sadly they were all full; even had a boat in the No MOORING area content to flout the rules and ignore the sign – encouraging us to do the same on the basis that the person patrolling wouldn’t be back until Monday – No thanks to you, that is just not on!

Further around we went – the moorings across from the lock – on the Weybridge side were full and there were reservations for the 3^rd and 4^th anyway, so moved back down through the cutting and then around the end of Desborough Island and onto the EA moorings there – all on our own.

After a walk into Weybridge we came back to find that most of the spots had gone, but no worries for us, we were settled there.

The weather had not been as brilliant as the two previous days, but still very enjoyable indeed.

I think that these are brilliant moorings – very quiet, very peaceful, nice wide waterway, no passing traffic, boats not passing too close.

We had reason to call Teddington Lock to see what the tide times were for a departure back down to Brentford over the next few days. The answer didn’t leave us with too many options and we would need to head back the following morning to Teddington.

It would not need to be a rush trip, but we wanted to not dally about and so we were ready to set off just after 8am – it would have been an easy U-turn from the mooring and then head back down river, if it wasn’t for a pair of rowers who decided to sit right in the middle of the river and have a chat, despite the clear indication from us that we were wanting to move and would be going right where they were – they were just happy to sit and have a nice girly chat until they were ready to move.

Not really a shared river to them.

Carefully entering the main part of the river and avoiding even more rowers coming downstream at all positions across the river we negotiated still more of them – ahead of us they would suddenly stop right in front; coming up from behind (on both sides) and darting in front as though it was a challenge.

Their handlers (coaches) in their little outboard-powered row boats were not much better.

When will they learn that someday they will have a serious accident with a steel-hulled boat and it will be they that come off worse for wear and we will have a little mark on the blacking.

 

Found these guys all moored up below Molesey Lock as we came through -
Dunkirk boats

Anyway, we cleared Molesey Lock and decided to stop at Kingston for a break and get a few things that we needed – a lovely spot was available on the town side (free moorings) so we grabbed it; secured the boat; got everything done and then set off again, reaching Teddington at not long after noon – where we would stay for the night.

Went down to check with the lockie about the time tomorrow and pay for the mooring and found a large number of the Dunkirk boats in the large lock heading down river for (as the lockie put it – "a G and T before coming back again”).

 

...and here are some of them again - heading down river

A walk into Teddington proper followed and we made it back to the boat just in time to beat the rain which had been threatening – it may have been wet outside, but the humidity vanished and it became a bit cooler and much more pleasant.

We had the alarm set for 4:15am but as usual we beat it by over an hour – the boat was ready by about 4:30 and there was a bit of light in the distance; we had something to eat and a first coffee for the day – not much to do but wait for our 5:15am slot – we would be accompanied by two other boats – neither of whom had made this passage, so we would have to lead – we were the “experienced” crew having done it once previously.

At the allotted time the gates opened and with not much more light in the sky we headed off.

 

When I say it was still dark....

...it was dark - could still find Diane in her new pink life preserver

Apart from the wonky camera work, it was very much like this as
we came out of the lock

At first it took a little bit to orientate ourselves but very quickly it became such a wonderful time.

 

Perhaps a better view of what it was like

There was sufficient light from our tunnel light and from lights ashore to see where we needed to go, but I do know that having been this way, even once before, made it vastly easier than not.

The other two boats were a little way back but going well; we settled in to enjoy the early morning; the sounds of the wildflife waking; no wild-life ashore on their way home that we could see or hear; and no other craft on the water – especially no damn rowers.

 

But it did get lighter

Richmond was well lit and very lovely in that light, but then again it looks quite good in total daylight; further along and the first planes were coming into Heathrow – one after the other – it was a busy Sunday morning in the skies, but for us, we were a million miles from anywhere.

 

Approaching Richmond

They were still there - not far behind

By now it was a lot lighter in the sky

Finally it had to end and the Brentford statue came into view – we did the turn and arrived at the lock just as the lockie was getting there – he would have a delayed first smoke of the day – we made it a good quarter of an hour before they thought we would – must have been a fast tide – it wouldn’t have been Diane’s river speed!

 

Her they come

Just peaceful river cruising - lovin' it

Back onto the “ditch” again, we shared the first locks with one of the boats, but they stopped after that for breakfast and we carried on up the remainder of the locks with the other boat and a couple of nice guys named Steve and Gavin.

They were great and really switched on about getting through – no rushing around, just good efficient lock work – at the top, we both needed to stop for about the 3^rd or 4^th clearout of props, from the blanket weed and tree cuttings from further down.

We headed off first, waved our goodbyes and made it to Yiewsley, found a good mooring and stayed there.

Sunday lunch at Paddington Packet Boat, back to our boat, watched England almost miss 3 points, and slept very well – it had been a brilliant day – something very new to us and thoroughly enjoyable.

 

Lovely lunch to finish off a lovely day

The following day, Monday, we were joined by Dot and Gordon and both crews have been here for a couple of days now.

33 Miles, 16 Locks, 2 Tunnels

YTD:  585 Miles (941 km) , 356 Locks, 6 Tunnels, 14 Lift Bridges, 3 Swing Bridges

Total: 4380 Miles (7049 km), 3055 Locks, 118 Tunnels, 59 Lift Bridges, 170 Swing Bridges

Slow and then Go !

Sunday 17^th July to Saturday 23^rd July 2016

Well the moorings here are free for the first 24 hours and thereafter it is £5 per day – we had been here for two days, no-one had appeared to collect the money, so we thought we should make a quick slow run for it.

We didn’t make it very far, just 1 lock and 1 mile before we decided that the moorings at Chertsey Meads looked pretty good – so we stopped – barely an hour’s running time on the engine (half of which was just battery charging).

Diane had work inside the boat to do – she had started ripping off the wallpaper and the the underlying insulated wallpaper in favour of painting it all.

The bedroom has been done and now her attentions turned to the rest of walls.

Whilst all of this mess and mayhem was happening, I decided that I would be best served outside the boat and so the mushrooms were targeted – bare in mind we have had the boat for 6 years and not once touched them – they would now be polished – or at least remove the lacquer layer and the tarnishing.

It was a satifysing 3 hours work for both of us and the effects were noticeable.

 

Here are two panels that were done earlier, the light blue walls
are cleaner now and a bit brighter too..

...and match the rest of the decor

As I have mentioned a few times previously, some of our cruising agendas have revolved around being at certain places to take advantage of some specials from certain eateries.

Monday being a popular one with Diane and with a Slug and Lettice just up the river at Staines we were heading there – just 5 miles and 2 locks – but we came foul of it all!

Apparently at certain selected locations (Staines included) they were not having the 50% off food special – Diane found out after ordering and paying – we still stayed and enjoyed the food a lot (well 50% less)

We managed to catch up with the annual Swan Upping, which is conducted along the Thames between Sunbury Lock and Abingdon Bridge.

 

Not the main Swan Marker, but notice the feather sticking out of his cap

Still not the main man...

...here he is, the Swan Marker, David Berber

The stop for lunch - there seemed to be about a dozen boats in the extended
flotilla for all of this - most seemed satisfied with the journey for the
free lunch

The weather has just been too fabulous lately and with an increase in temperatures again, the heat was starting to get to Diane (and to me – a bit). Inspired by Julie and Tony (nb Damper Van) and Dave (nb Cockney Sparra II) who all cooled off with a dip in the Thames (a fair way further upstream than we were), Diane got her kit off (but put her swimmers on in place) and took to the water(s).

Cooling off in the river - now to get out of there...

The mooring place in Staines was new and a bit higher out of the water than normal.

Only after getting in and cooling off, enjoying the water, did the thought then turn to getting out – a suggested use of a mooring rope with a loop in it did not work as expected; trying to simply lift did not work either; but we had spyed an old shopping trolley (already in the water) at the end of the moorings and with the help of a couple of young girls we managed to get Diane out – still she was a lot cooler than before she went into the water.

 

...shopping trolley to the rescue - gotta be thankful for
the yobs who put it there

Tuesday arrived and today we out did ourselves with the shortness of the cruising – just 45 minutes total engine time – including a lock – and made it all the way to Egham.

Again the sun was out in it’s glory and we headed off into town for a few things and came back to the boat to cool off – just get out of the sun.

Later on we did hang our legs over the side and splashed around in the water with our feet.

Sunsets always seem a bit nicer along the river

We had no definite plans about exactly where we wanted to be or go at any stage – just to further explore the Thames and moor in places where we had not moored previously; so on Wednesday we made it to Windsor and caught up with Dave and Sue (Cockney Sparra II) as well as Tony and Julie (nb Damper Van).

We caught Sue and Julie at the pub, but we didn't tell Dave and Tony about it

We eventually moored on the island and had a very peaceful day and night there.

Diane received a text from her cousin asking if we were around anywhere local to them (Watford area) and would we be able to look after their house whilst they were away – things need attending to on a regular basis; as they had very kindly looked after our boat whilst we were away (in Mojacar) for a month, it is only fair to return the favour – “when are you going?” – answer “in 10 days time”.

No problem – so it was quick turnaround time and head back the way from whence we had come – on Thursday we made it to Weybridge to moor up as we had before – a return journey of one day to replace the four leisurely days to get to Windsor.

We contacted Brentford and Teddington Locks regarding passage times and booking the boat in – all sorted for Friday.

Friday was a long day but a bit of a break in between.

Approaching Kingston bridge

We made it to Teddington in short time, but with a 5pm locking-out, we had a bit of a wait, which was not bad at all – a leisurely lunch was involved and I got some work done as well.

Come the time and engines were started all around – 5 boats in the lock and drop down the 30cm or so and we were out – just a few minutes to get through.

None of us had done the journey this way – closest were ourselves who at least had gone into Brentford lock – so we knew where we had to go.

It seemed that the tide was on the very high side - we saw many places along the way where the river had flowed over to some of the normal pedestrian areas and in one place it was around parked cars.

the river was up a bit - here at Richmond...

...and here as well - fortunately by this stage it was on the way down

It was a fine and very uneventful trip; sunny skies with intermittent cloud; we got to see a few things that we had missed out on the trip up to Teddington last year.

Approaching towards Richmond with these lovely buildings looking down upon us

And Richmond itself

Not sure of this building but liked the look of it

But then came the time to do the turn across the outgoing tide, then back into the flow of water, followed by the final part making it into the channel.

At last the entrance, as highlighted by the "silver" sculpture
 - take the channel on the extreme left

And we made it safely

On this scale we had not experienced anything like this – in the end the “fears” of any danger were dispelled – sure the tide did take us along a bit, but we simply upped the revs on the engine and made it across, around and into the channel safely and with no problems at all.

Even the increased revs (up to 1700) were low compared with the maximum of 2300 rpm that we have done on the Ribble Link during that crossing.

(I now feel ready to tackle Teddington to Limehouse, which we would like to do sometime this year – it time permits!).

Brentford were ready for us and we locked through in a single minute (levels were about the same) – the lockie only needed to record our numbers and we were done.

We teamed up with nb Mill-Girl (Eric and Charlotte) for the Gauging Lock.

They are both from Manchester way (connected with the Worseley CC) and haven’t been down here before – we suggested a couple of more locks and a couple of miles where the moorings are usually good and there is a good pub – The Fox at the bottom of the Hanwell flight).

They accepted our suggestion and so we moored as planned – headed for the pub – they were planning to eat but we simply had a drink in mind, so when their meals arrived and our drinks were gone we let them get on with their meals and we explored a bit more of the area – not having had the chance on other visits.

We were planning to head to Yiewsley and Eric and Charlotte were going into London – so naturally, in the morning, we hit the locks “running” and had cleared all 8 locks in just over the hour – we bid them farewell at Bulls Bridge where a Tesco shop was their concern and ours was simply to get a few more miles under the stern.

A farewell to nb Mill-Girl and also to Eric and Charlotte - thanks for the journey

They are a very nice couple and easy to talk to with the loveliness that we have found so clearly present in most people from the north of England. We wish them well for their time and travels in London.

We made it to our planned stop and moored up, safe in the knowledge that our goal for later in the week would easily be met.

It would be nice if the excess in the daily heat could be toned down a bit and get back to something like a normal English summer – I miss a bit of rain and cold – but I know that millions of Brits rely on this current spell for their yearly dose of Vitamin D, sunburn and BBQ’s.

51 Miles, 27 Locks

YTD:  471 Miles (758 km) , 300 Locks, 4 Tunnels, 14 Lift Bridges, 3 Swing Bridges

Total: 4256 Miles (6865 km), 2999 Locks, 116 Tunnels, 59 Lift Bridges, 170 Swing Bridges

Nice Easy and Relaxed Days (I’d like to see that!) and a Stabbing

Wednesday 13^th July to Saturday 16^th July 2016

There seems to be a bit of a plan that we have when seeking a mooring in any particular place – the vast majority of times it works – only on rare exceptions has it failed us.

Part of that is being prepared to leave at a time which with the expected time of cruising will mean that previously moored boats have left and Voila!! – a space is available.

 

The chimneys of Hampton Court Palace - looks like a scene perfect for
Dick van Dyke and a verse of Chim Chiminey

Gordan and I were left on the boats this morning as Dot and Diane walked from Hampton Court Palace around to the moorings at Kingston – about 2 miles - through Home Park.

They were to phone back and then we were to follow – bringing the boats with us.

 

The Long Water in Home Park - part of the improvements made by Charles II
and around which were planted 758 Dutch limes

Peeking out from behind a tree this young deer was checking on Dot and Diane
invading it's territory

D and D left; we had some quiet peaceful time on our respective boats; phones ring; calmy leave Palace moorings; cruise around the corner; phone calls from D and D just to check on us (“where are you?”) – lo and behold we were within eyesight.

Moorings aplenty; we moor up; boats all OK – short cruise – all done for the day – now we can relax.

It was a very lovely cruise around – sun was shining brightly – perfect morning for it all.

After that, there was time for some work for me, before we all headed out for lunch to a lovely Chinese restaurant, Jin Jin.

The food was superb – can highly recommend it to anyone.

When we left, D and D fancied some shopping which lacked a certain appeal to Gordon and I – we thought that a little bit of man-time would be a good way to spend an hour or so.

We made it as far as the White Hart, which was reasonable close to our moorings, when the heavens opened – wouldn’t be able to get back now – Diane with all of her umbrellas wasn’t with us – only option that we could see was to make it wet on the inside as well as the outside – so we did.

One of the things about modern technology is that the mobile phone means you are never very far from someone wanting to check up on you and so it was the ringtone was a giveaway – “Where are you dear?” – said Dot to Gordon (I am sensible enough to leave mine uncharged and on the boat).

Apparently we had been invaded by pirates and they had a dog called Muffin – that would be Linda and Richard from nb Mary H – and not long after we had a full quorum of three at the pub with Richard’s arrival.

Then the rain came back again – aarrrghhh! trapped again – calls for another beer.

Timing is everything in life – whether it be picking the right time to arrive for a mooring or the right time to leave the pub, so that the next phone call (“Where are you dear?”) came just as we were crossing the busy Horse Fair road on our way back to the boats – we could honestly say that we were on our way.

Greeted by Linda and Muffin (Muffin was the one with the dirty paws and Linda the one with the big hug) we came across Mary H breasted up to us – as it should be when the spots have all disappeared (timing is everything).

Just like we have not been apart, we caught with things since we had last met.

About 3 weeks previously, I had slipped on the wet back end of Ferndale with my right leg crashing hard against the upper steel deck – the subsequent result was severe swelling, bruising and pain.

My trusty nurse determined as best she could that it wasn’t broken but the pain persisted and a couple of weeks ago we visited John Radcliffe in Oxford for x-rays which confirmed no break.

Minimal reduction in the swelling and pain now meant that she was concerned enough for us to visit Kingston hospital – at 8pm.

It is only 1½  miles up the road – a leisurely walk, some would say, but I had to push her as well as me.

We were seen, had blood samples taken, confirmed that there was no infection but no result on any blood clots.

Nurses (and doctors) have some type of perverse sense of humour – sense when it is as a joking matter to delight in stabbing a poor defenceless patient with sharp needles – even in the name of “just-in-case” – I’ll give them just-in-case.

I cannot show you a photo of the size of the massive bruising that resulted.

Hospitals - not my favourite of places

Diane was just as bad – smiling away demonically at the thought that she may be called upon to deliver more (if required) in the event of a blood clot – the smiling assassin.

We walked back to the boat (this time downhill) and arrived there about 12:15am with the need to be up in the morning to arrange for a scan and another trip up the hill.

So much for the short leisurely day – it was a long partly leisurely day (and night).

Morning came and it was farewell time again – both of the other crews were leaving – heading towards Teddington, Brentford and beyond – so hugs all around – then we were alone.

Bye to Mary H and crew - Linda, Muffin and Richard - see you soon

Another joyfull walk up to the hospital (seems like we here not so long ago), scan done, reviewed, leg prodded (with me yelping) and the good news was that all was OK – what do you mean OK? – well no infection, no breaks, no blood clots – just pain and bruising.

Another trip back to the boat – keep your leg raised and don’t do too much.

 

Oooh dear - look what's happened!!

At least over the last few weeks, Diane has taken on the role of checking the stern gland greaser and giving it a screw when she can – and checking on any water in the bilge.

Same day, she does her bit to ease my life by checking on this – “Dear, the container under the stern gland is getting full of water, I think you will need to empty it”.

“yep, and I will also need to repack the stern gland – if I tell you what to do, can you do it?”

The reply – “that’s a blue job”

So down into the engine bay to repack the stern gland – of course I could try and do it with my leg raised as requested but then I would need to do the job hanging by my ankles.

An hour later; job done – the overseer exhorted her approval and put away her whip (sadly no signs of leather or high heels).

Now we were at Friday – end of the week virtually – Diane had rung the pharmacy in Shepperton the day before – they had the script and she could pick up at about 5pm on Friday.

Hampton Court Bridge - majestic in profile.

Pretty much well photographed - but has just been revarnished - doubt that it
is Dave Gilmour there on the left giving it another coat

So off we were again early sticks – and made it to Shepperton by 10:30am but there were no spaces free at The Manor Moorings – next best we moved around to the moorings at Weybridge and plenty there so we stopped – very pleasant indeed.

 

The view from our mooring - around to the left is Shepperton Lock...

...but look at the Lockkeeper's cottage - sign me up for the job

We did a bit of a reconnoitre into Weybridge itself and upon return to the boat it was about time for Diane to take the ferry across the Thames (not the Mersey) and head up to the pharmacy – she had to be careful about the timing – the last ferry back was at 17:45 – if she missed it then a 2.9 mile walk.

 

Found these old gate posts when we walked into Weybridge - I have no history
on them but look pretty much like the entrance to the original estate.
I know someone will set me straight if I am wrong

Touch tennis courts in the Recreation Park in Weybridge.
Just a bit too small for the Murray clan.

Wonderment and she had returned by 16:30 – everything required in the bag.

It was a peaceful quiet night for us, not even a Happy Friday picture down at the pub – we needed a bit of rest and without a noisy pub next to us, that is exactly what we got.

What a lovely day Saturday started off and continued to be – practically full sunshine all day. We wandered into Walton-on-Thames (still a bit away from the river itself) for a change of scenery and decided to have a breakfast whilst there; a bit of shopping was completed (including the obligatory milk top-up) before returning.

Yes - that is where we are

This is for Paul and now Gordon 

We are not used to the sun shining as we were quite hot after the round trip and just needed to sit down and relax – maybe it is true that we are getting old.

With such a nice day unfolding, the idea of moving completely went out the window.

Eventually we made it to that nice and easy relaxed day!

12 Miles, 2 Locks

YTD:  420 Miles (676 km) , 273 Locks, 4 Tunnels, 14 Lift Bridges, 3 Swing Bridges

Total: 4215 Miles (6783 km), 2972 Locks, 116 Tunnels, 59 Lift Bridges, 170 Swing Bridges