Henley

Singlehanded, from Bourne End to Henley. The day started off baking hot, and got progressively warmer. Passed through Marlow Lock, Temple Lock, Hurley Lock and Hambledon Lock. Knackered.

1930's Motor Car, with proud owner. Sadly, I was in too much of a hurry today, to ask him much about it.

Sumo was onboard, to give me doggie companionship. But his steering and rope handling skills are rubbish. So I ended up having to do all the work, while he just messed about.

Waving goodbye to the Marina. Lock closures are happening early this year, so we will be back down here again at the beginning of November.

Moo @ Geese.

Eek! Marlow Lock! But thankfully, everything went smoothly. And I didn't ram the entrance, making myself look foolish. I've got a centre line on each side, and they're both long enough to loop round the bollards and back to me. They worked really well, with no need to flap a single line over the chimney and mushroom vents. Glad to see the back of that little stress. Also, when the lock keepers realise you're solo, they're very helpful. The one at Marlow, especially so.

Stopped at Temple Lock's 24 hour mooring for a cup of tea, and to give mister his lunch. It is sadly neglected, and overgrown with weeds. There are no signs anywhere. And I get the feeling that people don't want you to know that it's still there.

The mooring mugging device in Henley accepts debit cards. It's £9 for a night here. But I would rather pay the council, than the bloke on "Willow Brook" who jumps on tourists as soon as their pins are in. Saw him hassling some unsuspecting "Le Boat" hirers down below Henley bridge. I understand that he's making a living. But for your £8 you get no services at all. Nothing. £5 is reasonable for that. £8 is just a cheesy ripoff. And £8 is the norm in a lot of places now. Shameful, really.

Tucked up under the trees, enjoying some nice shade, and looking forward to a peaceful evening.

Landlubbing

Still down in Devon.

Bourne End

Peter, the manager at Bourne End marina, has kindly let us dump 'dogma' there for a month, until we know which way our posteriors are pointing. So, I'm down in Dorset, helping Sheena out. Feels a bit weird to be in a house again, without the river outside the windows. A year and a half since I was last in one. I suppose, they do have their compensations, like baths and instant hot water. But anyway, I digress..

Our good friend Adam came and helped me move the boat downstream, when it eventually stopped raining. Culham lock seemed to have been on red boards forever. But thankfully, the stream restrictions were lifted, the sun came out, and we could get on our way again. The current was still a bit 'lively' when we set off, but nothing that an old dog like myself couldn't handle. We were blessed with some of the nicest weather this summer. It only rained/hailed once, when we were tied up in the bushes at Wallingford. Here's Ad, doing the "i" crossword at Beale Park..

On our way down to Reading, we spotted 4 blogging boats in a row. Nb 'Rock & Roll', Nb 'Seyella', Nb 'Moore2Life' and Nb 'Derwent6'. (sorry no photos).

At Reading, we bumped into Dave (Nb 'Chavori') and Nick & Panda (Mv 'Freya'), where we had an impromptu boater's banter. Which was very nice. At Sonning, we stopped off to visit Chas (Nb 'Long White Cloud'), who helped us fix our fuel filter problem. He'd also made us a Labrador tiller pin, which I stupidly didn't photograph before coming away. Thanks Chas..

At Marlow, we stopped for an overnight at Higginson Park, and were mugged for £11. More expensive than Henley! The first time we've ever been charged there. "You can have a free shower at the Gym, if you like", said the smiling muggess. So, we won't be stopping there again. Ten minutes upstream, there's a perfectly nice free mooring spot at Temple Lock.

Took Ad down to Cliveden, so we could both enjoy a nice leisurely wander around the woods and paths that just drip history...

Tied up at the Marina the next morning, and caught the train down to Devon. Next to two children who didn't stop wailing for the whole journey. How lovely.

When I was sat at Basingstoke station with Sumo, a young man with askew baseball cap and opened tinnie asked me.. "Do you need any money, or anything?". He thought that because I was sat on the ground and looked a bit scruffy, that I was homeless. Bless him.

So, that's me for the month of August. Of course, I would much rather be boating, but needs must, when the flip flops. I hope all our readers & followers are well. Regards... Ken & Sheena.

Unattended Candles

Oh dear.
It's not been a very good year for Db 'Flat Over Crest'.

This is precisely the reason why we don't have candles on our boat. It's all too easy to get distracted and wander off.

Thankfully, no pets or people were injured in this incident.

Bugs

There are more flying creatures inside than out. Our spiders are overwhelmed by the sheer number of them. It's like a scene from a horror movie.

They are everywhere!

Chaos

Sun is out.
River is heaving.
People everywhere.
Never seen it so busy.

Too much Coffee, Too many Cigarettes

It hasn't stopped raining. And it's been a nerve frazzling week. Wondering if we would drift up and over the bank, or not. We came sooooo close. But thankfully, skillful water management by the thames lock keepers kept everybody safe and sound. Hat tip to you, Gentlemen.

Lashed a pole to the stern, so that it could ride up the wall. And dangled our mudweight over the bow, so that could do the same. It would have given us about a six feet safety margin, should the river have poured over into the meadows. But, thankfully, it didn't.

A dutch barge owner ('Flat Over Crest') got set adrift by the Salter's Steamer. He was sat on his throne, as you invariably are, when such things happen. The first thing he knew about it, apart from the obvious 'north sea' rocking about, was that trees were proceeding rapidly past his window. Thankfully, his engine was running at the time, and he managed to berth himself before getting swept down into the bridge or any other boats. A big boat like that could do a lot of damage. He was still a white shade of pale, when I talked to him about it over an hour later.

Unfortunately, I am stuck here for another week. There is no improvement in Sumo's ear condition, and now he's on steroid tablets too. I have to take him back for another checkup next week.

When the river has stopped flowing so rapidly, our good friend Adam has volunteered to come and help me move the boat down to Sonning or Bourne End. Very grateful for that, as I wasn't looking forward to doing it on my own. Especially in the heaving rain, and without a life jacket. Cheers, Ad.