Time to move on from Henley. We have plans to get a hire car for this weekend, and want to stay put for a week – so it’s time to turn off the Thames and moor up at the start of the Kennet and Avon canal, just outside of Reading. We have been there before, and know the location (and that there is a car park there also) – were just hoping that there is room for us – but that we wont know until we get there!
Just off of our mooring, on the Island.. another river side property for sale :
On through Marsh Lock, and a familiar boat is going through with us.. That’s Kailani in the distance who exited the lock ibefore we could 😉
And.. as Kailani is running a little slower than us, wait for a sensible time to go past – and get to Shiplake lock.. There is a tap and a pumpout there, that we need if were going to stay put on the K&A for a while..
We got to the lock OK, with Kailani approaching, along with a few other cabin cruisers.. But the lock keeper didn’t want to wait – he closed up and started filling with just us in the lock..
So it wasn’t me.. I said to wait, but he believed that no others would fit and it would be better to get us up and out.. So apologies.. not my call!
Were up and out – and now on the water point.. pump out done, and were currently waiting for the tap to become free..
Once that’s done – its onward to the K&A… And under Sonning bridge.. no more tall cabin cruisers from this point on.. this is their stopping and turn back point!
Through Sonning lock and on towards the K&A..
Turn left – onto the K&A and through Reading..
At the end of the River Kennet stretch and up through Fobney Lock. No need to worry too much about the weir, there is a deflection board under the lock landing to stop the water from pushing boats away – but still need to be careful…
.. as this lock is a big deep one, and those leaks and paddles can be quite vicious..
And – not the best place to nest (right on the lock gates).. but..
were moored up, car is booked and were set for a week of free mooring and being able to legally stay put for a while.
Not sure yet if were going to go back on the Thames after the next week, or go down and up the K&A for a little while – depends on the weather, which doesn’t look to good for the coming week..
But we will see…