OK – Time to get on the Thames!
Were setting off early-ish this morning, as I don’t know what the mooring will be like at the lock – if it’s anything like 3 years ago, there should be loads of space to pull up before the lock landing. The Anchor was sorted last night, so that’s all ready – just in case!
After the clear skies and little wind of yesterday, the report today is for rain and wind.. great, just what I needed on the tidal section of the Thames! But, needs must, and we need to get through today, and – as we move closer to Brentford Gauging Locks, it seems our choice of mooring for last night was the right one.. as no sooner are we moving, but were passing boat after boat, and there is no where to stop before the lock – let alone for the night!
Even in Brentford itself, the expected “No room at the Inn” is confirmed..
And its through the Gauging lock – with a CRT lock keeper who has buttons to press.. so it looks like there will be no locks for the kids to do today!
Past the house boats, dutch barges and a few narrowboats that are between that and the thames lock..
And onto the lock landing, that only has room for us. If there are any others coming through, not sure where they will stop as this lot is on the only mooring here, and it seems.. they have all broken down and cant move on!
Now, were early.. and the tide is still a way out – but as there is chance to have a wander, and see things from “above water level”… ( take note of the fenders on the lock wall.. and the distance to the water level! )
Eventually, were in and through Thames lock.. time to say goodbye to Brentford!
Remember those fenders I mentioned earlier.. And this is no longer on the bottom.. what a difference an hour makes!
A swift right turn and were on the Thames with the other boat that was in the lock with us following on..
And here comes the rain.. where I could, there are a few more photos.. in-between getting drenched!
That’s not a smudge on the photo.. That’s the rain cloud that’s finally gone past! And, if you are wondering why the boat that was behind is now in-front.. I went the wrong side of an island and got snarled up with a load of canoeists that I had to go slow for until I could get past them all!
And onto tonight’s mooring at Teddington Lock.
Now – I spoke to the lock keeper as we exited the lock, and I need to come back, once moored, to pay for tonight’s stay.. which is a little difficult as they lock themselves away on the island, that the public no longer have access to – so I guess I cant pay at the moment.. Will need to try again tomorrow as there is more rain and wind coming, and I’m going back aboard for a coffee !
