Sunday, 29 September 2013
Little Venice to Limehouse
28th Sept Saturday
Olly, Fran and Dan joined us for a trip. The Frolly came by bike - we loaded these on Ani's roof and set off. Great to have them with us with all their enthusiasm and interest. First set of locks is at Camden where we were gongoozled by a great number of people! The locks have fences around them with gates you need your BW key to unlock. I guess this is because viewers would crowd the place otherwise - dangerous. Camden market was thronging of course, it being Saturday and Olly managed to dive off and buy us all a piece of pizza to (attempt) to eat whilst winding the lock gates. Neither of the boys were especially pleased to be learning the lock procedure in a goldfish bowl - it is horrible being scrutinised. But it was also fun and Dan really got into it I think. Not so sure about Olly! and Fran and I found the winding too hard on a couple of them. I definitely needed their help with gates which were too heavy for me once again. We eventually locked through with another boat with a crew of 3, 'Wanderer' - who were really friendly. It's live-aboard owner has since gone out of Limehouse onto that big scary expanse of Thames and downstream to South Dock to have some work done on the boat. Given the speed of the craft out there, I don't envy her, but I know Pete would enjoy the challenge given half the chance.
I spent lots of time in the bow this trip with the boys and Fran. Pete kindly taking most of the driving so I could catch up on news from the three of them. They obviously knew so much of the scenery going by - places they visit and have lived close to. Fran and I managed to miss some wart hogs in Regents Park zoo whilst making a cup of tea inside!! Don't think that's much of a loss though! Again I am fascinated by London's rough and smart side by side - places where a grotty canalside building has been tarted up to provide a funky cafe or bar. We all enjoyed Islington tunnel, closing the cover so that we were protected from drips. Olly checking for rats all the way through. Towards the end of our journey the canal got particularly grim - we have had to stop several times for Pete to free the prop of plastic bags and even a chiffon scarf! Canals are still seen as a dumping ground it would seem.
Then just when you think it's totally depressing you arrive in Limehouse Basin, which is very grand and open. Dan knew of a bar and a pub on the Thames and once we'd moored we walked down to the first and then on to The Grapes, a tiny old pub on the water that apparently according to Dan, Ian Mckellan rescued from demolition. Glad he did as it had great atmosphere. You can imagine the boatmen drinking here after delivering cargo to the warehouses.
We came back to the boat to eat where it was cosy and warm after a rather cool day. The boys and Fran left around 10 - setting a race between them as they live near each other in North London. Would the Frolly on their bikes beat Dan who had 3 trains to catch? Yes is the answer, but Olly and Fran got wet in the rain!
This was a very special day for me. It was a joy to share this experience with a team of young, enthusiastic help and to have lots of laughs with 3 lovely people.
Olly, Fran and Dan joined us for a trip. The Frolly came by bike - we loaded these on Ani's roof and set off. Great to have them with us with all their enthusiasm and interest. First set of locks is at Camden where we were gongoozled by a great number of people! The locks have fences around them with gates you need your BW key to unlock. I guess this is because viewers would crowd the place otherwise - dangerous. Camden market was thronging of course, it being Saturday and Olly managed to dive off and buy us all a piece of pizza to (attempt) to eat whilst winding the lock gates. Neither of the boys were especially pleased to be learning the lock procedure in a goldfish bowl - it is horrible being scrutinised. But it was also fun and Dan really got into it I think. Not so sure about Olly! and Fran and I found the winding too hard on a couple of them. I definitely needed their help with gates which were too heavy for me once again. We eventually locked through with another boat with a crew of 3, 'Wanderer' - who were really friendly. It's live-aboard owner has since gone out of Limehouse onto that big scary expanse of Thames and downstream to South Dock to have some work done on the boat. Given the speed of the craft out there, I don't envy her, but I know Pete would enjoy the challenge given half the chance.
I spent lots of time in the bow this trip with the boys and Fran. Pete kindly taking most of the driving so I could catch up on news from the three of them. They obviously knew so much of the scenery going by - places they visit and have lived close to. Fran and I managed to miss some wart hogs in Regents Park zoo whilst making a cup of tea inside!! Don't think that's much of a loss though! Again I am fascinated by London's rough and smart side by side - places where a grotty canalside building has been tarted up to provide a funky cafe or bar. We all enjoyed Islington tunnel, closing the cover so that we were protected from drips. Olly checking for rats all the way through. Towards the end of our journey the canal got particularly grim - we have had to stop several times for Pete to free the prop of plastic bags and even a chiffon scarf! Canals are still seen as a dumping ground it would seem.
Then just when you think it's totally depressing you arrive in Limehouse Basin, which is very grand and open. Dan knew of a bar and a pub on the Thames and once we'd moored we walked down to the first and then on to The Grapes, a tiny old pub on the water that apparently according to Dan, Ian Mckellan rescued from demolition. Glad he did as it had great atmosphere. You can imagine the boatmen drinking here after delivering cargo to the warehouses.
We came back to the boat to eat where it was cosy and warm after a rather cool day. The boys and Fran left around 10 - setting a race between them as they live near each other in North London. Would the Frolly on their bikes beat Dan who had 3 trains to catch? Yes is the answer, but Olly and Fran got wet in the rain!
This was a very special day for me. It was a joy to share this experience with a team of young, enthusiastic help and to have lots of laughs with 3 lovely people.
London, the good the bad and the ugly
27th Sept Friday
The 6.30 early start at Teddington in order to catch the tide was well worth it. It was an absolutely glorious morning and the Thames was calm. Locked through with a flotilla of other boats including Emma Jane whom we'd met at Wallingford. There was a sense of comradely excitement!
We passed all our old haunts through Teddington, Twickenham and Richmond - lots of memories not least of which was our first trip out on Kitty Hough, Pete's barge, when we moored at Eel Pie island for a night and woke up on a slope as the tide had gone out. We wondered why all the doors had swung shut! Another memory was of getting the (then small) boys off at Brentford Dock - they climbed a vertical wall ladder from a pontoon. What kind of mother was I?! mad!
Turned in at Brentford and started the Grand Union - filthy, black water and lock full of rubbish. The first part of this through Hanwell, then on the Paddington arm; Southall, Alperton, Greenford, Alperton, Park Royal etc is pretty boring, lots of light industry and nasty smells! (Stale curry at one point!) there are also 11 heavy locks which we shared with Phil on Eladie Rose, a cheery chap who had been with us all the way from Teddington and Pete had met at Marlow.
After Kensal Green Cemetery, where there are stacks of moored boats, at Portabella Dock at the top of Ladbroke Grove, it got much more interesting. Lots of old mixed with new buildings of flats and businesses. Plenty of arty studio looking places overlooking the canal, which I could peer into; a lady painting at an easel in one. The area was thrumming as it was the end of the working day - people walking, running and cycling the towpath. Pubs,cafes and restaurants all full with plenty of people still sitting outside despite a drop in temperature today.
On one of those boats at Kensal Green, as we passed by, a rastafarian guy with a wide white smile and a chuckle popped up in the bow holding a bottle of engine oil aloft and said "cheers" to me, which cracked me up, he laughed loudly and followed with "know what I mean?". (Wish I could write the accent).
We finally arrived in posh regency Little Venice and moored up around 6.30. Both absolutely exhausted - it having been a 12 hour day and we are not used to that.
Little Venice and Paddington Basin lit up as the evening went on. Lots of life still humming around us as we showered and had dinner. We felt happy to be here as opposed to some of the moorings we had seen en route, which we feared would be risky after dark.
Roll on tomorrow......the kids arrive.
The flotilla
Towards Richmond
Richmond half lock
Marble Hill House
London Apprentice (to the left) - once our local
Syon House
That ladder
Hanwell
Got rather badly pushed out by side flow here - ended up widthways across canal. Bad Sara driving, still, I got out of it!
The ugly
The good
And the Gloriana
Who knew the Thames had beaches and they're clean!
The 6.30 early start at Teddington in order to catch the tide was well worth it. It was an absolutely glorious morning and the Thames was calm. Locked through with a flotilla of other boats including Emma Jane whom we'd met at Wallingford. There was a sense of comradely excitement!
We passed all our old haunts through Teddington, Twickenham and Richmond - lots of memories not least of which was our first trip out on Kitty Hough, Pete's barge, when we moored at Eel Pie island for a night and woke up on a slope as the tide had gone out. We wondered why all the doors had swung shut! Another memory was of getting the (then small) boys off at Brentford Dock - they climbed a vertical wall ladder from a pontoon. What kind of mother was I?! mad!
Turned in at Brentford and started the Grand Union - filthy, black water and lock full of rubbish. The first part of this through Hanwell, then on the Paddington arm; Southall, Alperton, Greenford, Alperton, Park Royal etc is pretty boring, lots of light industry and nasty smells! (Stale curry at one point!) there are also 11 heavy locks which we shared with Phil on Eladie Rose, a cheery chap who had been with us all the way from Teddington and Pete had met at Marlow.
After Kensal Green Cemetery, where there are stacks of moored boats, at Portabella Dock at the top of Ladbroke Grove, it got much more interesting. Lots of old mixed with new buildings of flats and businesses. Plenty of arty studio looking places overlooking the canal, which I could peer into; a lady painting at an easel in one. The area was thrumming as it was the end of the working day - people walking, running and cycling the towpath. Pubs,cafes and restaurants all full with plenty of people still sitting outside despite a drop in temperature today.
On one of those boats at Kensal Green, as we passed by, a rastafarian guy with a wide white smile and a chuckle popped up in the bow holding a bottle of engine oil aloft and said "cheers" to me, which cracked me up, he laughed loudly and followed with "know what I mean?". (Wish I could write the accent).
We finally arrived in posh regency Little Venice and moored up around 6.30. Both absolutely exhausted - it having been a 12 hour day and we are not used to that.
Little Venice and Paddington Basin lit up as the evening went on. Lots of life still humming around us as we showered and had dinner. We felt happy to be here as opposed to some of the moorings we had seen en route, which we feared would be risky after dark.
Roll on tomorrow......the kids arrive.
The flotilla
Towards Richmond
Richmond half lock
Marble Hill House
London Apprentice (to the left) - once our local
Syon House
That ladder
Hanwell
Got rather badly pushed out by side flow here - ended up widthways across canal. Bad Sara driving, still, I got out of it!
The ugly
The good
And the Gloriana
Who knew the Thames had beaches and they're clean!
Thames Ditton and friends
25th Sept Wednesday
We pootled to Hampton Court and met George and Carol for a short boat trip with them just up to Sunbury and back. Very pleasant especially as it was sunny and hot. Lost the 'proper' mooring we had outside the palace by so doing unfortunately but managed to moor on the end of the row of boats and tie up to trees when we got back. This is a beautiful mooring.
George and Carol had invited us for dinner, which was a delicious one as usual with them ( they are fantastic cooks). Another great evening with good friends and much wine (and whisky?!). I don't think we will live down the dreadful stuff we contributed - grocers at Molesey not being the best wine merchants. And Pete didn't take his glasses! G and C tipped us off to getting the train back one stop, instead of doing the mile walk back to the boat, which was perfect and we even managed to climb back on board without tripping over the ropes.
Another lovely day and evening.
We pootled to Hampton Court and met George and Carol for a short boat trip with them just up to Sunbury and back. Very pleasant especially as it was sunny and hot. Lost the 'proper' mooring we had outside the palace by so doing unfortunately but managed to moor on the end of the row of boats and tie up to trees when we got back. This is a beautiful mooring.
George and Carol had invited us for dinner, which was a delicious one as usual with them ( they are fantastic cooks). Another great evening with good friends and much wine (and whisky?!). I don't think we will live down the dreadful stuff we contributed - grocers at Molesey not being the best wine merchants. And Pete didn't take his glasses! G and C tipped us off to getting the train back one stop, instead of doing the mile walk back to the boat, which was perfect and we even managed to climb back on board without tripping over the ropes.
Another lovely day and evening.
Thursday, 26 September 2013
Kingston and birthday celebrations
24th Sept
Woke up to a heavy mist on the river, very atmospheric with beaded spider's webs everywhere.
We had arranged to meet Mum by Kingston bridge to take her for a trip and lunch for her birthday. Timing is not easy and we got held up in Sunbury Lock as others locking through with us needed to buy a licence. Still we got there just 10minutes late and by this time the sun had come out. It was positively hot! I saw this tiny figure standing on the path and I phoned and told her we were heading towards her, frantically waving but she didn't see us coming until we pulled in to moor! 82 today and able to climb on board, brilliant! Naughty Mummy brought wine, fruit and a quiche but so typically kind of her all the same. So nice to have her with us for this short time. We sat in the bow whilst Pete drove us back to Hampton Court, which is a beautiful journey. We stopped for lunch at Vecchia Roma in East Molesey, an old favourite and always reliable. We had deliberated about where to lunch and we are not sure about any of the waterside pubs on the Sunbury/Walton stretch, so didn't risk them. The lock keeper at Molesey kindly allowed us to moor for a couple of hours, so it was perfect; easy to disembark and walk to the restaurant.
On return to Kingston Pete was able to pull in opposite Ravens Ait where Mum and I got off and went back to her flat whilst Pete moored back by the bridge. Everything went very well and we all had a lovely day, although it seemed to go too quickly. So much planning and it's gone in the blink of an eye!
Back on board on this busy stretch along Barge Walk. Lots of people out and about on this side and in the bars opposite, but it was remarkably quiet for all that. It was warm enough to sit in the bow until it got dark, but we had the fire alight again as temperature drops off on these Autumn evenings. The cracked glass in the stove door which happened yesterday doesn't seem to be effecting performance we are pleased to see. Good old Morso, still hanging on in there!
The fog didn't lift until 11
Bright lights of Kingston - shame we don't have a tripod!!
Woke up to a heavy mist on the river, very atmospheric with beaded spider's webs everywhere.
We had arranged to meet Mum by Kingston bridge to take her for a trip and lunch for her birthday. Timing is not easy and we got held up in Sunbury Lock as others locking through with us needed to buy a licence. Still we got there just 10minutes late and by this time the sun had come out. It was positively hot! I saw this tiny figure standing on the path and I phoned and told her we were heading towards her, frantically waving but she didn't see us coming until we pulled in to moor! 82 today and able to climb on board, brilliant! Naughty Mummy brought wine, fruit and a quiche but so typically kind of her all the same. So nice to have her with us for this short time. We sat in the bow whilst Pete drove us back to Hampton Court, which is a beautiful journey. We stopped for lunch at Vecchia Roma in East Molesey, an old favourite and always reliable. We had deliberated about where to lunch and we are not sure about any of the waterside pubs on the Sunbury/Walton stretch, so didn't risk them. The lock keeper at Molesey kindly allowed us to moor for a couple of hours, so it was perfect; easy to disembark and walk to the restaurant.
On return to Kingston Pete was able to pull in opposite Ravens Ait where Mum and I got off and went back to her flat whilst Pete moored back by the bridge. Everything went very well and we all had a lovely day, although it seemed to go too quickly. So much planning and it's gone in the blink of an eye!
Back on board on this busy stretch along Barge Walk. Lots of people out and about on this side and in the bars opposite, but it was remarkably quiet for all that. It was warm enough to sit in the bow until it got dark, but we had the fire alight again as temperature drops off on these Autumn evenings. The cracked glass in the stove door which happened yesterday doesn't seem to be effecting performance we are pleased to see. Good old Morso, still hanging on in there!
The fog didn't lift until 11
Bright lights of Kingston - shame we don't have a tripod!!
Staines, Chertsey and friends
23rd Sept Monday
Travelled on to Staines, where Pete managed to let me off the boat at my friend's prop making workshop so that I could visit them. They have a great set up on the waterside and the smell of glue and fibre glass hit me and took me right back to my working days. I spent an hour catching up with George and hearing about how their business was going, they are obviously not short of work but it sounds hard at times. None of my other ex work mates were in on a Monday unfortunately, but I managed to see Ali briefly and for once he wasn't covered in polystyrene and gunk as he had just returned from TV studios. Don't recognise him scrubbed up! George and I talked about our families too - something we all used to do at lunchtimes in the good old days I remember fondly. I don't particularly miss the work (although I felt a small pang when I saw what appeared to be a request for a hand painted sign) but I do miss the people. It was good to see them even for that brief time.
Got back on the boat and continued to Chertsey where the sun came out after a very cloudy day and we met Sally at the lock and trundled on to Dockett Eddie moorings and oddly caught up with Morning Mist once again! The 3 of us walked back to the Crown pub, had a pint, met Stuart who had just returned from work and went back to theirs for supper. Fantastic to see them and Pete had a drool over Stuart's garages of vintage cars (a dear little Austin 7 that he races) and motor bikes, a Norton particularly taking Pete's fancy. He was like a kid in a sweetshop. Their camper van is gorgeous too - homely and fully equipped with everything you could want and in a clever layout. A Wendy house, like the boat. And I love the turquoise work tops, Sally!
Food was wonderful, mostly their home grown salad, fruit and veg. Lots of laughs and I got carried away with the moment and drank too much, but hey that's what it's all about. I just hope we didn't keep them up too late. We walked back through the still evening to a quiet boat - it was a good idea of Sally's to move on from the noisy lock area.
Travelled on to Staines, where Pete managed to let me off the boat at my friend's prop making workshop so that I could visit them. They have a great set up on the waterside and the smell of glue and fibre glass hit me and took me right back to my working days. I spent an hour catching up with George and hearing about how their business was going, they are obviously not short of work but it sounds hard at times. None of my other ex work mates were in on a Monday unfortunately, but I managed to see Ali briefly and for once he wasn't covered in polystyrene and gunk as he had just returned from TV studios. Don't recognise him scrubbed up! George and I talked about our families too - something we all used to do at lunchtimes in the good old days I remember fondly. I don't particularly miss the work (although I felt a small pang when I saw what appeared to be a request for a hand painted sign) but I do miss the people. It was good to see them even for that brief time.
Got back on the boat and continued to Chertsey where the sun came out after a very cloudy day and we met Sally at the lock and trundled on to Dockett Eddie moorings and oddly caught up with Morning Mist once again! The 3 of us walked back to the Crown pub, had a pint, met Stuart who had just returned from work and went back to theirs for supper. Fantastic to see them and Pete had a drool over Stuart's garages of vintage cars (a dear little Austin 7 that he races) and motor bikes, a Norton particularly taking Pete's fancy. He was like a kid in a sweetshop. Their camper van is gorgeous too - homely and fully equipped with everything you could want and in a clever layout. A Wendy house, like the boat. And I love the turquoise work tops, Sally!
Food was wonderful, mostly their home grown salad, fruit and veg. Lots of laughs and I got carried away with the moment and drank too much, but hey that's what it's all about. I just hope we didn't keep them up too late. We walked back through the still evening to a quiet boat - it was a good idea of Sally's to move on from the noisy lock area.
Sunday, 22 September 2013
Royal Thames
Her maj was in Windsor for the weekend. And so were we. Well for Saturday night at least.
Windsor was very busy both in the town and on the river. I walked into Eton which is grand in a genteel English way. Shops selling pin striped morning suits and boaters' striped blazers - uniform for the Etonians I guess. Back to our mooring just by the railway bridge on a park. Pleasant enough here with the Saturday night party boats disco-ing past, one of which was the wedding party from Monkey Island. We made friends with our neighbours, a lady called Kate ( or Kent, as Pete heard her name!) from a boat that has been shadowing us, 'Morning Mist'. She is headed for a winter mooring at Wenlock Basin near Islington from where she will start a year's drama course! Sounds like an interesting episode in her life.
On a dank, warm Sunday morning we pressed on out of touristy Windsor, past the Crown Estate beneath the castle which seems to go on for miles along the river - no moorings allowed here of course. Very pretty as the trees are starting to turn red. We moored at Runnymede in a very ordinary stretch not near the historical part and who should join us but Morning Mist. It looked as if they would be mooring abreast as there were no spaces left, but as they came in the boat behind us left, so we are neighbours once again.
Maj having a bit of improvement works done on the castle?
Windsor's town planning dept needs a kick - if these ghastly buildings weren't there you would see through to the castle.
Windsor was very busy both in the town and on the river. I walked into Eton which is grand in a genteel English way. Shops selling pin striped morning suits and boaters' striped blazers - uniform for the Etonians I guess. Back to our mooring just by the railway bridge on a park. Pleasant enough here with the Saturday night party boats disco-ing past, one of which was the wedding party from Monkey Island. We made friends with our neighbours, a lady called Kate ( or Kent, as Pete heard her name!) from a boat that has been shadowing us, 'Morning Mist'. She is headed for a winter mooring at Wenlock Basin near Islington from where she will start a year's drama course! Sounds like an interesting episode in her life.
On a dank, warm Sunday morning we pressed on out of touristy Windsor, past the Crown Estate beneath the castle which seems to go on for miles along the river - no moorings allowed here of course. Very pretty as the trees are starting to turn red. We moored at Runnymede in a very ordinary stretch not near the historical part and who should join us but Morning Mist. It looked as if they would be mooring abreast as there were no spaces left, but as they came in the boat behind us left, so we are neighbours once again.
Maj having a bit of improvement works done on the castle?
Windsor's town planning dept needs a kick - if these ghastly buildings weren't there you would see through to the castle.
Maidenhead and Bray
20th Sept Friday
Moored in Maidenhead, just by Brunel's railway bridge and beside a private road of huge houses with their separate private river gardens. A glorious day today, warm and sunny and we sat on the grassy bank watching the world go by.
On Saturday we went on through Bray. We had thought of mooring here but the are no public moorings and when I asked the lock keeper if we were right in thinking this, he confirmed it, saying Bray doesn't like the river! He told us that Heston has bought up the last pub there and is planning on making it a chocolatier (if that's what they're called?) chocolate emporium anyway. So Bray has no ordinary eateries or bars left it would seem, what with the Waterside Inn and Heston's Fat Duck and his pub. We might have tried the pub had we been able to moor however. Lock keeper told us there is a perfectly decent Italian restaurant somewhere on the outskirts - he is obviously not impressed with the snobbery of the village. And we are not too pleased that there are no moorings for us riff raff either.
We passed Monkey Island where a large river boat was obviously preparing for a big wedding, railings being decorated with net and ribbons. I expect the guests must be staying in the hotel here - a lovely setting.
Moored in Maidenhead, just by Brunel's railway bridge and beside a private road of huge houses with their separate private river gardens. A glorious day today, warm and sunny and we sat on the grassy bank watching the world go by.
On Saturday we went on through Bray. We had thought of mooring here but the are no public moorings and when I asked the lock keeper if we were right in thinking this, he confirmed it, saying Bray doesn't like the river! He told us that Heston has bought up the last pub there and is planning on making it a chocolatier (if that's what they're called?) chocolate emporium anyway. So Bray has no ordinary eateries or bars left it would seem, what with the Waterside Inn and Heston's Fat Duck and his pub. We might have tried the pub had we been able to moor however. Lock keeper told us there is a perfectly decent Italian restaurant somewhere on the outskirts - he is obviously not impressed with the snobbery of the village. And we are not too pleased that there are no moorings for us riff raff either.
We passed Monkey Island where a large river boat was obviously preparing for a big wedding, railings being decorated with net and ribbons. I expect the guests must be staying in the hotel here - a lovely setting.
Thursday, 19 September 2013
Sonning, Henley and Marlow
19th Sept Thursday
On Tuesday, we moored at Sonning just before the lock in pouring rain. We went to meet Christabel in the lovely Bull Inn, a 'proper' pub, dark and cosy with low beams and shining brass. We have very fond memories of mooring here on the barge years ago (18?) in the summer on the field end downstream of the lock and bridge as this is a pretty stretch and a charming village. Then it was free, now it is £10 a night or £20 if you moor by the pub/restaurant by the bridge, however the latter is redeemable in the restaurant, which would sweeten the pill. Our mooring by the lock was 24hours free, thereafter £10 a night.
Christabel returned to the boat with us for dinner - very generously contributing a starter and a pud and a bottle of wine. I have since discovered a bar of chocolate too! Such tasty gifts and great to see her and catch up. She has plenty of information about this area as it is local to her home in Wargrave and was a favourite walking/cycling area of her's and Mike's. Needless to say we blathered all evening (hopefully not too much girly talk to bore Pete - he didn't complain) then walked her back through the damp churchyard to her car to see her off.
On Wednesday we continued to Henley and moored by the museum for £9 a night. This time Pete actually asked the warden what we get for that fee and he was noticeably sheepish when he replied 'a mooring and water point'. Mustn't keep going on about these fees but we are a bit miffed. Henley is posh and beautiful of course, but perhaps a fiver would be kinder, especially as it is now Autumn and not holiday season as such. Pint of brakspears helps of course.
Thursday morning after finding a market where I bought bread, fruit and a bargain foot-wiping mat for the bow, we set off for Marlow - teeming rain again. Moored up, went to pay and this time it was £11, so to make our tiny protest, we moved further up on to the muddy bank where there is no charge (along with 2 others similarly miffed). I suppose we will find this all the way especially in these classy Thames towns: a way of making money for their councils.
Wet ropes, wet trousers, but stove going so it doesn't matter and with the new mat, we aren't walking quite so much mud through! Result!
Sonning bridge- how are you supposed to post a letter there?!
Moor rules and regulations
Show off cormorant: see how long I can balance on this branch. (It was along time!)
Henley sunset, the rain has stopped.........
And the rowers come out to play
On Tuesday, we moored at Sonning just before the lock in pouring rain. We went to meet Christabel in the lovely Bull Inn, a 'proper' pub, dark and cosy with low beams and shining brass. We have very fond memories of mooring here on the barge years ago (18?) in the summer on the field end downstream of the lock and bridge as this is a pretty stretch and a charming village. Then it was free, now it is £10 a night or £20 if you moor by the pub/restaurant by the bridge, however the latter is redeemable in the restaurant, which would sweeten the pill. Our mooring by the lock was 24hours free, thereafter £10 a night.
Christabel returned to the boat with us for dinner - very generously contributing a starter and a pud and a bottle of wine. I have since discovered a bar of chocolate too! Such tasty gifts and great to see her and catch up. She has plenty of information about this area as it is local to her home in Wargrave and was a favourite walking/cycling area of her's and Mike's. Needless to say we blathered all evening (hopefully not too much girly talk to bore Pete - he didn't complain) then walked her back through the damp churchyard to her car to see her off.
On Wednesday we continued to Henley and moored by the museum for £9 a night. This time Pete actually asked the warden what we get for that fee and he was noticeably sheepish when he replied 'a mooring and water point'. Mustn't keep going on about these fees but we are a bit miffed. Henley is posh and beautiful of course, but perhaps a fiver would be kinder, especially as it is now Autumn and not holiday season as such. Pint of brakspears helps of course.
Thursday morning after finding a market where I bought bread, fruit and a bargain foot-wiping mat for the bow, we set off for Marlow - teeming rain again. Moored up, went to pay and this time it was £11, so to make our tiny protest, we moved further up on to the muddy bank where there is no charge (along with 2 others similarly miffed). I suppose we will find this all the way especially in these classy Thames towns: a way of making money for their councils.
Wet ropes, wet trousers, but stove going so it doesn't matter and with the new mat, we aren't walking quite so much mud through! Result!
Sonning bridge- how are you supposed to post a letter there?!
Moor rules and regulations
Show off cormorant: see how long I can balance on this branch. (It was along time!)
Henley sunset, the rain has stopped.........
And the rowers come out to play
Tuesday, 17 September 2013
Mooring fees whinge
We got caught for mooring fees in Wallingford this morning. Not that we would be so dishonest as to try to dodge them but we do find it a bit much that you have to pay £5 per night just for the privilege (of what?). As we see it you get very little, certainly no security. We already pay a hefty licence fee to be able to cruise the Thames and it's the space in the water we are taking up after all. Moorings are free at other (more attractive) stops like Goring, so what makes Wallingford's town clerk think it's fair to charge. It also amuses me to think they have to pay wages to the collector, so is it worthwhile revenue for the town anyway? I suppose the argument might be we are covering maintenance of the bank edge and the mooring rings, but one of those was broken!
Farmers will charge also, that's fair we think if its their own field but some (as in Lechlade) expect £4 even though the bank pathways along their fields are public footpaths. Would they charge the walkers and cyclists?
Anyway, on to Pangbourne where they are happy to let you moor for free on a public green space that is very pleasant and only a short walk from the shops and pubs. We wonder why they no longer charge, as they used to when we moored here on the barge some 15 years ago. All we can think is that Pangbourne's town council is happy to encourage boaters as they might spend money here.
The wind has got up again and Pete went for a wavey paddle in his canoe - wind nearly ripping the paddle out of his hand a couple of times. He missed the downpour though.
Farmers will charge also, that's fair we think if its their own field but some (as in Lechlade) expect £4 even though the bank pathways along their fields are public footpaths. Would they charge the walkers and cyclists?
Anyway, on to Pangbourne where they are happy to let you moor for free on a public green space that is very pleasant and only a short walk from the shops and pubs. We wonder why they no longer charge, as they used to when we moored here on the barge some 15 years ago. All we can think is that Pangbourne's town council is happy to encourage boaters as they might spend money here.
The wind has got up again and Pete went for a wavey paddle in his canoe - wind nearly ripping the paddle out of his hand a couple of times. He missed the downpour though.
Wallingford in the wind
15th Sept Sunday
Moored in Wallingford yesterday. I think I was a little unkind about this town on our last trip, as like so many other places lots of shops are closed or now charity shops or nail bars (?!) which makes it feel a little sad, but it is attractive with a centre market square with beautifully planted hanging baskets. Our mooring is on a high bank near the pretty bridge which is nice and sheltered given that today the strong winds have arrived. Because of this and rain, we have decided to stay put for another night and cosy in with the fire lit along with lots of other boaters this side of the river and the other.
Waitrose for supplies, coffee in a busy Costa Coffee this morning (lots of families, children in sports kits) and Wallingford has the added bonus of a launderette, just 3 minutes from our mooring. Sheets and towels now washed, always a problem when cruising - we don't have a washing machine like some boats do, just a little camper thingy that bounces happily across the work-top, so has to be kept an eye on. ' What's wrong with hand washing ?' I hear my mum cry.
We have some helpful neighbours who have tipped us off to moorings on the Grand Union/ Regents canals in London - warning us off mooring in Victoria Park as there are violent robber gangs there, which is a pity because it would be an interesting place to stop. Can't think why the police can't lie in wait in a boat and catch them red handed - they surely don't have more important things to do?!
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Moored in Wallingford yesterday. I think I was a little unkind about this town on our last trip, as like so many other places lots of shops are closed or now charity shops or nail bars (?!) which makes it feel a little sad, but it is attractive with a centre market square with beautifully planted hanging baskets. Our mooring is on a high bank near the pretty bridge which is nice and sheltered given that today the strong winds have arrived. Because of this and rain, we have decided to stay put for another night and cosy in with the fire lit along with lots of other boaters this side of the river and the other.
Waitrose for supplies, coffee in a busy Costa Coffee this morning (lots of families, children in sports kits) and Wallingford has the added bonus of a launderette, just 3 minutes from our mooring. Sheets and towels now washed, always a problem when cruising - we don't have a washing machine like some boats do, just a little camper thingy that bounces happily across the work-top, so has to be kept an eye on. ' What's wrong with hand washing ?' I hear my mum cry.
We have some helpful neighbours who have tipped us off to moorings on the Grand Union/ Regents canals in London - warning us off mooring in Victoria Park as there are violent robber gangs there, which is a pity because it would be an interesting place to stop. Can't think why the police can't lie in wait in a boat and catch them red handed - they surely don't have more important things to do?!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, 13 September 2013
Iffley and Abingdon
12th September Thursday
Out onto the Thames again on a wet Wednesday afternoon, expecting to be able to moor opposite Christchurch Meadow, but all the moorings were taken, so we pressed on to Iffley lock and moored next to a large barge called The Grizzling Skipper, which I couldn't help but keep reading as the Grilled Sardine for some stupid reason. Iffley is pretty and quiet and we had a rather good curry at The Tree and far too much beer and wine, then staggered back through the rain to our cosy boat.
This morning was dank but warm and still and the river was a mill pond. Woke up to laughing ducks and ridiculous goose honks and set off through the lock with a couple of other narrowboats with jolly owners, one of whom I am sure was Father Christmas. It's great to be on the river where there are cheery lock keepers doing the work for you too. We locked through with the same 2 boats at Sandford plus a couple of others - one a huge white cruiser from which the crew looked down on us all and then overtook us once we were on our way because he could go fast and wanted to prove it!!
We caught up with everyone again at Abingdon lock. We needed a pump out and to fill up water, and so it seemed, did another 10 or so boats! But it was pleasant enough waiting our turn, it's so nice to not have to rush for anything. After about an hour and a half, all the craft had moved on and it was quiet again. Strange that we had all congregated at the same time. We decided to stay here for the night as it's a peaceful mooring and easy to walk into Abingdon for the small amount of shopping we needed. Passing the lock keepers hut and the keepers and their volunteers, they declared how busy they were and what a hard job they had as they sat in sun chairs drinking tea!
I now have a solitary scruffy mallard floating gently beside the bow, head on one side to eye me as he has all through my phone call to my Mum (which is a long time, Pete will tell you!) better get some bread I suppose, he is being so patient. And the sun has come out for our afternoon, how kind of it!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Out onto the Thames again on a wet Wednesday afternoon, expecting to be able to moor opposite Christchurch Meadow, but all the moorings were taken, so we pressed on to Iffley lock and moored next to a large barge called The Grizzling Skipper, which I couldn't help but keep reading as the Grilled Sardine for some stupid reason. Iffley is pretty and quiet and we had a rather good curry at The Tree and far too much beer and wine, then staggered back through the rain to our cosy boat.
This morning was dank but warm and still and the river was a mill pond. Woke up to laughing ducks and ridiculous goose honks and set off through the lock with a couple of other narrowboats with jolly owners, one of whom I am sure was Father Christmas. It's great to be on the river where there are cheery lock keepers doing the work for you too. We locked through with the same 2 boats at Sandford plus a couple of others - one a huge white cruiser from which the crew looked down on us all and then overtook us once we were on our way because he could go fast and wanted to prove it!!
We caught up with everyone again at Abingdon lock. We needed a pump out and to fill up water, and so it seemed, did another 10 or so boats! But it was pleasant enough waiting our turn, it's so nice to not have to rush for anything. After about an hour and a half, all the craft had moved on and it was quiet again. Strange that we had all congregated at the same time. We decided to stay here for the night as it's a peaceful mooring and easy to walk into Abingdon for the small amount of shopping we needed. Passing the lock keepers hut and the keepers and their volunteers, they declared how busy they were and what a hard job they had as they sat in sun chairs drinking tea!
I now have a solitary scruffy mallard floating gently beside the bow, head on one side to eye me as he has all through my phone call to my Mum (which is a long time, Pete will tell you!) better get some bread I suppose, he is being so patient. And the sun has come out for our afternoon, how kind of it!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, 6 September 2013
Tally ho to Aynho
Wednesday 4th September
We found ourselves back in the Red Lion with Jenny and Sid on Monday evening, catching up with their news and picking their brains about places and moorings on the Grand Union, Thames and Wey. It was good to see them. They are travelling in the opposite direction this time to Stratford on Avon.
Baking hot day today, Wednesday. Left Banbury and travelled on to Aynho, via the Pig Place - a canalside farm shop full of piggy produce. We stocked up on sausages and ribs ready for cobbing bbqs, in anticipation of the weather holding for a little longer. A pleasant experience as it's an interesting shop and business which the owners are looking to sell but only to the right people apparently.....a lot of effort went into creating it.
We had some dozey people following us today. They seemed not to register when we were waiting to enter locks and twice came careering past us as if to barge the lock gates, instead of pulling in behind us to queue in the courteous way that is the norm. Goodness knows what they were thinking, they would have had trouble stopping and letting anyone off to open the gates at that speed anyway. We shook them off eventually, but when I looked back as we were leaving the last lock, there they were again crashing into the bank at considerable speed - the ladies in the bow knocked sideways! Wahay, here we go!! Obviously barking mad and in a hurry?! They weren't young and reckless either and part owned the boat, so couldn't have been new to it. I have to confess here that I was once a novice and have done some ridiculous things myself, even thinking I should queue behind someone to wait for them to go in the lock before me, then realising they were actually facing me (don't think they intended reversing in). And no doubt I will do more stupid things in the future, so I can hardly be smug.
Sitting on the bank now, still in baking heat, glass of wine in hand.....mmmmm
The Pig Place:
Honey and ginger buffalo milk ice cream, jolly nice
We found ourselves back in the Red Lion with Jenny and Sid on Monday evening, catching up with their news and picking their brains about places and moorings on the Grand Union, Thames and Wey. It was good to see them. They are travelling in the opposite direction this time to Stratford on Avon.
Baking hot day today, Wednesday. Left Banbury and travelled on to Aynho, via the Pig Place - a canalside farm shop full of piggy produce. We stocked up on sausages and ribs ready for cobbing bbqs, in anticipation of the weather holding for a little longer. A pleasant experience as it's an interesting shop and business which the owners are looking to sell but only to the right people apparently.....a lot of effort went into creating it.
We had some dozey people following us today. They seemed not to register when we were waiting to enter locks and twice came careering past us as if to barge the lock gates, instead of pulling in behind us to queue in the courteous way that is the norm. Goodness knows what they were thinking, they would have had trouble stopping and letting anyone off to open the gates at that speed anyway. We shook them off eventually, but when I looked back as we were leaving the last lock, there they were again crashing into the bank at considerable speed - the ladies in the bow knocked sideways! Wahay, here we go!! Obviously barking mad and in a hurry?! They weren't young and reckless either and part owned the boat, so couldn't have been new to it. I have to confess here that I was once a novice and have done some ridiculous things myself, even thinking I should queue behind someone to wait for them to go in the lock before me, then realising they were actually facing me (don't think they intended reversing in). And no doubt I will do more stupid things in the future, so I can hardly be smug.
Sitting on the bank now, still in baking heat, glass of wine in hand.....mmmmm
The Pig Place:
Honey and ginger buffalo milk ice cream, jolly nice
Monday, 2 September 2013
Cropredy to Banbury
Sunday 1st September
Travelled short distance to a pleasant mooring in Cropredy, where we went for a pint in the Red Lion and came upon 2 singers/guitarists of our age and musical persuasion casually performing at the bar! Several others of our age sat and joined in with Take It Easy, Lying Eyes, various CCR and Doobies faves and a good time was had by all! If my sons read this they wIll no doubt be cringing at the image. This level of music suits my deaf ears fine these days - sadly, I think my years of enjoying loud rock music which caused the deafness in the first place are well over.
On to Banbury, where we have taken up pretty much the same mooring as we had last time we were here, near the town centre. Some locks on this stretch were too difficult for me even though they are small gates and Pete had to take over. Sometimes the winching mechanisms seem to go out of whack so that the ratchets twist, making them very hard to wind. The water is very low as well, the price you pay for all this good weather I suppose and I know which I would rather have. Small enthusiastic children 'helped' here and there, one particularly polite brother and sister were having a lovely day paddling their inflatable canoe with Dad.
The sun shines on.....hooray.
Travelled short distance to a pleasant mooring in Cropredy, where we went for a pint in the Red Lion and came upon 2 singers/guitarists of our age and musical persuasion casually performing at the bar! Several others of our age sat and joined in with Take It Easy, Lying Eyes, various CCR and Doobies faves and a good time was had by all! If my sons read this they wIll no doubt be cringing at the image. This level of music suits my deaf ears fine these days - sadly, I think my years of enjoying loud rock music which caused the deafness in the first place are well over.
On to Banbury, where we have taken up pretty much the same mooring as we had last time we were here, near the town centre. Some locks on this stretch were too difficult for me even though they are small gates and Pete had to take over. Sometimes the winching mechanisms seem to go out of whack so that the ratchets twist, making them very hard to wind. The water is very low as well, the price you pay for all this good weather I suppose and I know which I would rather have. Small enthusiastic children 'helped' here and there, one particularly polite brother and sister were having a lovely day paddling their inflatable canoe with Dad.
The sun shines on.....hooray.
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