Newbury to Hamsted Lock to Wire Lock Bridge

Wednesday, 2nd July to Thursday, 3rd July 2014

Sorry for not being able to chat earlier but there has been a lack of internet and telephone signals.  We are, it seems, in the middle of nowhere.....

I have also been unwell..... trouble with my engine and air-box.  Pete and Susan have been concerned about me...... but don't get upset I think I am fine now.

Wednesday:

It all started on Wednesday when I set off for Kintbury - Pete calls it 'Twinklebury' - no idea why!!!  Whilst Susan and Mazey walk to the first lock, Pete notices I am making growling noises and my engine is vibrating too much.  At the lock, Pete decides to take a look at the weed-hatch first and cannot find anything causing the problem.  He then looks into the engine bay and notices I have a large screw that has come off - hence the vibration.  After much routing around Pete finds it.  After 40 minutes of groping he puts it back in place and we set off again.

Some of the locks do not have either numbers or names on.  Susan and Pete find that at times they are not sure where they are....  Additionally, some of the locks are difficult to cross-over which Susan needs to do frequently when operating the locks.  She has to put here foot into a step and haul herself up onto the lock arm and then walk across......

However, I am still not cured.....  We have to stop after Hamsted lock.  Thankfully, we find a mooring here.  Pete tells Susan that he cannot access my engine again until I cool down.  Another excuse to go to the nearest pub called the Red House and leave me alone to cool down.  On the way Pete has a photo opportunity at the Pill Box - "one for the boys" he tells Susan.

Pill Box at Hamsted Lock

Susan said the Red House was beautiful.  A thatched house with lovely gardens.  It was very busy.

The Red House - Hamsted

Pete checks me again later, when I have cooled down, and loosens the now too tight engine bolt.  He also glues one end of the air box in place.  It is a hot day and Susan's feet and ankles are swollen (similar to yesterday) - feet up time for everyone.

Total 3 miles and 4 locks

Thursday:

Susan comments on the fact that we are near the railway tracks and that the trains will now escort us for many miles.  It is the only thing which detracts from the peace of this countryside.

Pete chats to another NB in front of us who tells him that he lost his side-hatch in a lock last year.  He had not secured it shut properly, so it got caught and then ripped off.  OUCH...  NOTE: Make sure side-hatches are closed when entering a lock.....

As we set off Pete says he is happier with the sound of my engine.  We go past beautiful meadows and rolling hills.  Susan thinks it is wonderful.

Beautiful views

We see NB Annabelle at a lock and the humans have a good chat.  Pete decides to moor in Kintbury after the lock.  Lots of moorings here and signs telling boaters to keep their roof clear, as this is an area where a horse drawn barge works.  Pete discovers he cannot get TV or internet signals.  48-hour moorings.

Pete checks my engine again when cool.  The local ducks decide to eat plankton off my under-belly.  Susan goes for a short walk into the village and comes back with ice-cream and milk.  She tells Pete that there is a corner shop, a butchers, bakers and a cafe.  Also three pubs!!

In the afternoon, it is decided to move on to Hungerford.  On the way, Pete spots a lovely mooring prior to Wire Lock Bridge - no other boats around.  Seems to be so remote and yet Pete gets a TV signal (happy boy as he wants to watch the British Grand Prix practice in the morning).

Wire lock bridge

View of our mooring from the bridge

Mooring - prior to Wire Lock and Bridge

It is a beautiful spot.  Pete fishes and catches a Roach - still a happy boy.  He also spots a Bull Finch, Kingfisher and an Otter swimming into the reeds (Springwatch eat your heart out).

My fish - Roach

Susan has noticed a swarm of wasps in the trees near the lock and that one of the arms of a paddle was a hive where lots of wasps were entering and coming out of the holes in the gate arm......  need to be watchful.

Pete googles the location and finds out that the Lady of Avington Manor has moved to Kintbury and handed over the property to her step-grandson, who is a film producer.  It is now a stud farm and a fishery.

I'm feeling better - thanks for asking.  Pete says we may stay here until Sunday afternoon when the Grand Prix is finished BUT Susan will want to watch the mens Wimbledon tennis final then, so not sure when I get to move again!!

For those of you who would like to know we are nearly one-third of the way along the Kennet and Avon to Bristol.

Total 3.5 miles and 4 locks