Sorry to miss yesterday's posting but we had visitors and by the time we left the pub it was too late, in many ways, to post a blog. Therefore you get two for the price of one today. Mind you another reason I didn't blog earlier yesterday was that not a lot happened. We spent the day making the boat loooking presentable for one of my elder brothers and his partner and sitting in the sun exchanging greetings with the many passers by. Later I decided to sand down our short plank that was acquired from a building site near Stourbridge and then stick some no slip patches on it as we had would it a little risky when in use. I then added a rope to secure it and with in a very short space of time they were here. Much Chat, much wine and then much chat and beer before bed.
Short plank ready and waiting.
We were all sorted out and ready to go earlier than usual, (big brothers must be a good influence), and as there was a boat coming up the lock we took the return. Brother Bob took the tiller straight away and after a week on the cut a few years ago was like a pro straight away and did a good job getting us in and out and through the swing bridge. The next stretch of river is very pretty with many bends and much overhanging foliage as we passed Froud's Bridge Marina again.
On a day like today this picture could have been taken on the Canal du Midi in France.
The next lock was at Aldemaston and it was a scalloped lock. I think that it replaced an old turf lock by the look of it. The services ar in a very small arm to the left between the lock and the swing bridge. We knew that the services we shut but hoped that the water point was still in use, and so it turned out. We were soon topped up and reversing out and then through the bridge.
Judith putting her back in to it.
On the way to Ufton Bridge and the weather is holding up and the crew seem to be enjoying themselves.
All the fun of the fair.
All the bridges so far have been electric operated and I must say I was impressed that they all worked with no delays or breakdowns. This bridge at Ufton was the only man-a-matic operated of the day and we had two girls to power it. But they seem happy in their work.
We got to Sheffield Lock and Bridge and took the last mooring on the Visitor moorings. After a bite to eat we walked up to have a look round Theale and found it a nice little place with all you need. The Charity shop is a good one too.
There are three or four pubs in the place and next to the Bull an old brewery has been converted in to offices and appartments. The A4 by-pass means that the traffic is bearable these days, although the noise is still apparent.
When we walked back, after a pint at the Crown to get ready for our tea out in the town. Our mooring was just casting the last of the sun.
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