Wednesday 10 April 2013

Heading for Reading

Before setting sail this morning we had a nice walk around Goring (again!) it ‘s only a few days since were here last.

IMG_0126

Very well kept, Goring is also very expensive to live – a peep in the estate agents windows will soon tell you how expensive!

IMG_0128

‘Autumn Myst’ and ‘Chance’ just before leaving Goring this morning.  ‘Chance’ is facing the right way – Bob decided to face the flow of the river as it was flowing pretty quickly just at this point.

IMG_0130

This is Gatehampton Railway Bridge where, on our way up river, we spotted a couple of Canada Geese who had taken up a safe residence on top of one of the buttresses.

IMG_0132

We had a very good, and speedy, journey down river today. Although it started very grey the sun soon came and made the trip even better.  We were soon at Mapledurham Lock – one of the nicest between Reading and Oxford.  It’s overshadowed by the beautiful and massive Mapledurham House and surrounded by lovely countryside.

IMG_0133

The weir at Mapledurham was certainly shifting some water.

IMG_0134

The crew having a chat while the lock is operated by the lock keeper.

IMG_0137

On our way towards Caversham we had our very own flypast by six swans (Doug couldn’t get the sixth one in).  They flew low, right over the boat and could hear the eerie sound of their wings very clearly.

IMG_0138

‘Autumn Myst’ arriving behind us in Caversham Lock.

IMG_0139

After Caversham, we were soon turning into the mouth of the Kennet and Avon Canal (or the River Kennet as it is here in Reading.  This is Blakes Lock in Reading,  the first one on the K and A.  We are now moored up outside Reading Gaol for the night (it seems like a second home at the moment!) and, as we write, the expected rain has started.

No comments:

Post a Comment