Were not going back on the Thames just yet as it’s water run time and we want to stay here-ish for a little while yet. Were not totally out of water, but we will be soon – its been 8 days since the water tank had some, so we need to move to fill the tank. We have had several days without even needing to run the engine so far, which has helped in some ways (diesel levels!) but not in others (washing has piled up and overflowed!)
So time to move on. First lock of the day and there are a fair few boats moving around. CRT stoppages have stated that the swing bridge at Ulton is broken – but we dont need to use that today as the water point is not that far.. but it could explain why were seeing so many boats.. if they cant get past it!
And – it looks like another lock on the K&A with a very leaky top gate!
Past Burghfield Island.. The map did indicate that we may be able to get gas here – but I cant see a shop.. guess that’s not happening yet then!
Now.. I don’t know if you can see to the left of the bridge arch, covered by the tree’s.. That’s a hire boat that we passed after coming out of the bridge. Got past us ok and then completely failed to get through the bridge arch and ended up being taken by the flow to the left and towards two very much smaller arches that the boat will not go under. I don’t know if they got out of there or not.. hope so..
And another lock with a leaky top gate..
And onto this one – which Celeste asked why they did not finish it.. 😉 It is finished, it’s a turf-sided lock and is supposed to be like this. And this is one of only two remaining.. This one is a listed building – with the other being a Scheduled Ancient Monument! Most of the rest were converted to “normal” locks using bricks and coping stones for the walls – as the water needed to fill these turf-sided locks is a LOT more and therefore in the working days of the canal’s – using more water cost more in coal to pump it all back to the top again!
And for those that cant get here to read this.. hopefully it comes out ok!
Another lock – with another boat coming down..
Eventually we got to the water point at Tyle Mill. There were two boats there, one using the tap – and he moved off fairly soon after we got there, and the other had been there a month (according to other boaters!). Considering the sander was out, and he was prepping the boat for painting, I suspect yes, the Tyle Mill services dock is being used as a boat yard for now..
Once the water was done.. time to back up a bit and turn around. With the flow on the River, it was a little tricky – but done without hitting anything this time!
And the last lock and swing bridge done!
Time to pull onto our mooring for the next few days. We have 48 hours here – so lets use them and let the expected rain go away! With luck, come Monday, it will have dried up a bit!
