Tuesday 23 August 2011

Bourne End

Oh well, it had to end, sometime. Our unbroken run of free summer mooring spots finally ended at 9am in Maidenhead yesterday. A very polite gentleman knocked on the roof, apologised for waking us up, and (in exchange for money) gave us this..

Maidenhead Moorings
Nowhere at all to stop at Cliveden islands, because they were completely stuffed with boaters out enjoying the summer sunshine and picnicing. Lunchtime was probably a dumb time for us to cruise through there, and expect to be able to find a 54ft space. But the journey was fun, in itself.

Popped into 'The Bounty' for a quick pint, and ended up doing an overnight at Bourne End marina. Peter the marine manager kindly shuffled boats around for us, so that we could squeeze in. Which we did, just about..

Don't step off the back!Alan & Sue (M/v 'Latitude') graciously let us moor up on the inside of them, so that we could hoist Sumo off of the front deck easier. Even though this meant they'd have to clamber on and off over our roof, in the wet. We're all very grateful.

Roof ScrambleBumped into Peter (Wb 'Big Baloo'), who was just visiting, and was happy to bring him up to date with our travels so far. Funny to think, that this time last year, we were wary and trepidatious about setting off into the unknown for the first time. Thanks for taking us out, and teaching us how to steer, Peter. Much appreciated.

Bourne End has great walksBourne End has some lovely country and riverside walks, which we all enjoy very much.



5 comments:

  1. everyone is trying to make a pound out of everyone else son it will never change, its only when someone who breaks the mould comes along that you realise your not alone and that deep down there is a little goodness around.

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  2. Hi Dad. It was our fault. Clearly signposted that a fee was payable. In many places they don't bother collecting, so we took a gamble on it. Hampton court was free, for instance. And that was a real peach of a mooring. If it's a nice spot, we don't mind paying at all, to help with the upkeep of the piling. This end of the thames is more money orientated than up past Oxford, where things are much freer and easier. But, we did have six weeks without having to pay *anything*, in the height of summer, so mustn't grumble. At 54ft, we do tend to take up a fair bit of space. :)

    K&S

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  3. Hi son, that's nae so bad, I suppose there must be times when you do have to pay, am really glad to see that your all fine and well and having fun, are you wintering down there or heading up to wales to see your viaduct. :) D/L

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  4. Dave hit the nail on the head, life is for living outdoors not cocooned up in the warmth of a house or bridge all the time, the times I felt most alive was when the deck was really heaving and the weather was really inclement, but I do hope your deck doesn't start heaving son. :)

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  5. glad to report no heaving yet, dad. a bit of bobbing about, and some strong crosswinds. but nothing like the english channel or irish sea.

    K&S

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