Woolhampton to Newbury

Monday, 30th June 2014

Susan comments on the stunning, still and sunny morning that greets us all.  It has been quiet here during the evening.  The only noise has been from cyclists and walkers who have used the towpath.  All up early and ready to go by 9:00 am.

Bridge 29 - Froud's Bridge on Kennet and Avon

Overnight Mooring on Kennet and Avon

My backside was wedged on a ledge.  It took Susan and Pete sometime pushing and going back and forwards before I could release my hold.....  lots of grinding sounds..... I think I have scratched my bottom...

At Frouds Bridge Marina Pete cruises me in to get diesel and pump-out but it is closed on a Monday!!

Off we go again..... into the jungle....

The jungle nr. Froud's Bridge Marina

We have an adventure at Woolhampton Lock.  Between the swing-bridge and the lock there is a pound renowned for its tempestuous behaviour with the current causing problems.  In the pound the CR&T are dredging the gravel from the bottom of the pound as many boaters get stuck here.  There is a long wait whilst Susan chats to the boaters and CR&T about how to navigate the pound.  They move their large barges over to allow two NBs to come through from the lock.  This means that Pete and the NB behind, Annabelle, can go through the swing-bridge and give it large to manoeuvre the strong current into the lock.  It would be 'funny' Susan says but is nervous as she waits for me to tackle it.  Pete is really good and gets me in to the lock without any problems.  Annabelle has trouble and bangs into the front of the lock and then 'hurtles' in beside me.  We all breath a sigh of relief.... Safely in the lock.....

Woolhampton pound - Aiming at the dredgers

Nearly at Woolhampton lock

Susan is disappointed that there are no moorings near the Nature Discovery Centre - looks like the NB's have been here for a long time.  In fact, Pete comments that there are no moorings - full-stop!!!!!

We continue through many locks with Annabelle.  One of the locks is the same as Garston Lock with no sides - just lots of weeds and vegetation (Monkey Marsh Lock).

Monkey Marsh Lock

Susan and Mazey walked a long way today.  Mazey loved running up and down the towpath.  Susan was in heaven as she walked through the meadows - she commented that it was Dragonfly and Butterfly City.

One of the swing-bridges Susan had problems swinging......  It was a herculean effort and she managed it.  Well done!!!

Going through a swing-bridge

Pete operating a swing bridge

The weather changed dramatically at Wildmead Lock and everyone got soaked.  It was also getting slippery underfoot and my ropes were hard to hold.  After Bull's swing-bridge another hire nb pulls out in front of us and Annabelle shares the locks with them.  We continue to do the locks but on our own.

Sudden downpour

We find an available mooring at the edge of Newbury after Lock 86 (Greenham Lock) not far from a boatyard as Pete wants to fill me up tomorrow with diesel and pump-out.

Greenham Lock at Newbury

Rest up and chat some more tomorrow.

Total 7 miles, 9 locks and 5 bridges (6.5 hours)