Dissapointing

We weren't expecting the full fanfare of brass trumpets and dressed flags when we arrived at Godalming, but we didn't expect to be quite so utterly underwhelmed, either. There was barely enough space for us to turn around. People were moored up on the waterpoint. And there was nowhere else to stop. Completely stuffed with parked boats. So we turned around and left within twenty minutes. The journey upriver from Guildford to Godalming was pleasant enough. Even in the rain. But, when you get there, there is nothing at all. nil. zilch. nada.

There was something to smile about though..

So, back we go...

Sheena, getting busy with the paddles and gates..

I think Sumo had the best time, because he didn't have to put up with miserable sour faced gits for the entire journey. People on hireboats were fine, all out enjoying themselves. But everybody paddling a canoe, sculling, or walking/jogging along the towpath seemed to have had a personality transplant. If this is "Surrey", you can keep it. 

Sumo, helping with the firewood gathering.

Fluffbeast. Goodbye Winter coat.

Shalford Water Meadows

The journey to Guildford, and through the backside of it, was pleasant enough. Even though it rained all day, and the whiff from the water treatment works was quite... Well... "Whiffy".

A young gentleman of asiatic appearance called me a wanchor, from the safety of the road bridge. Which I found quite amusing. Had a dodgy moment at Millmead lock. We'd gone through it fine. Sheena stayed to close the gates, and I tried to tie up at the layby. I had time to get the stern rope on, but the bow got caught by the current, and swung out too far for me to pull it back with the center line. Gahhhhh! Took me five minutes of manoeuvring to sort it out. Embarrassingly wedged across the river at one point. Thankfully nobody saw it, heh. Strong current around the Hireboat base. Which must be quite nervy and unsettling for first time hirers.

We've stopped at Shalford water meadows overnight. A nice wide open space, that mister will enjoy sniffing around. We're tied up under a willow. Sadly, the peachy mooring spots were all occupied with cheese.

Windy as Hell

Just ten minutes after I'd finished this morning's blog post, I discovered we were adrift. Passing boats had rocked our pins out. Thankfully, we hadn't gone further than the nearest mud bank.

It was extremely windy today. With some ridiculous gusts. But, we didn't run aground, or ram any bushes. The sunshine was welcome, as the deepness, width and ferocity of the locks required close attention. They fill up a lot faster than the Thames locks, with an astounding volume of water. Neither of us have felt brave enough to scramble up the lock ladder clutching the phone, but I will try and get some pictures of them, on our way down.

Sadly, 5/10 of the people we encountered today were dead/hollow inside. No smiling, No acknowledgement. The total complete and total ignoring of even a simple "Hello". The art of looking straight through somebody. Old school london behaviour. One boater even "bald faced lied" to us, just because he wanted to whiz his family about in his new aliminium narrowboat. All quite bizarre, really. And strange, that the Thames is a friendlier navigation.

Nearly in Guildford now. And it's forecast to rain for three days. That should be fun.

Bank Holiday

Our view this morning...

We've decided to attempt the Wey navigation, because the Thames is stuffed with cruisers full of cityfolks, all out for their annual jolly. This is our first taste of hand operated locks. Stiff muscle city.

Nobody took any notice of the new 'No Mooring' sign at Lady Lindsey's Lawn. Which warmed my heart. The narrowboat with it's washing out is taking the mickey by overstaying (which gives all narrowboaters a bad name).

On our Wey... (Yes, we've already heard all of the Wey jokes).