Early-ish start today as we needed to get somewhere where we could get some supplies in as were running short of food (and milk – and it’s a very grumpy Keith when he doesn’t have milk for his coffee in the morning!)
There are some very nice “country estates” this way..
And some that were very nice – and have been purchased and allowed to just rot. Absolute shame because a few years ago.. D’Oyly Carte Island was a home and a fully functioning marina for residential boats. Now : Its all boarded up, the pontoons are empty and the gardens that were immaculate (and left to go natural in places) are overrunning the whole island. Whoever bought this place should be ashamed of themselves! ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D%27Oyly_Carte_Island )
And I do hope that there is someone on the island.. and this dog has not just been left there…
And before anyone asks.. https://www.onthemarket.com/details/780671/ yes.. If I had £4million a few years ago – I would have bought the place, given up my job and run the marina business with Anna and the boys for our own, other residential and leisure boats. (And on the mainland.. with a triple garage and a car park that can hold 45 cars.. could make money on just using half of it as a local Pay and Display!)
Eventually we got to Shepperton Lock – which was manned by the Shepperton keeper, and the keeper from the next one – who stated that as he was here – he was not there to do the lock for us (And the award for stating the totally obvious goes to… ).
More nice 24 hour moorings – near pubs 🙂 but no time to stop for this one..
Eventually got to Chertsey lock – and no surprise.. no lock keeper.. But that was fine – there is a water point at this one, so pulled up, topped off the tank, whilst CC and Dawson became temporary lock keepers for a while whilst the tank filled. After about an hour and a half… we got out of the lock.. these things take ages to fill and empty.. I know there big but ffs…
More nice houses.. with some up for sale.. You really need to like boats if you want this one (and £2million in your pocket! ( http://www.knightfrank.co.uk/properties/residential/for-sale/pharaohs-island-shepperton-surrey-tw17/wbe180079 ) .. as there is no road or footbridge to the island.. you have to use the boat to get back to the mainland. Guess its one way to stop cold callers (and friends need to phone before “popping” in 🙂 )!
On through Laleham.. and even when there is the access road/driveway between you’re house and the bank.. you still have the right to use it to moor your boat..
And.. put a bear on your house :)..
Eventually we got to Stains-on-Thames. There were a few moorings outside pubs, clubs and other town centre locations.. but didnt fancy staying the night so we went onto the last spot that was on the map. Arrived here and spoke with James on “Silk Purse” who mas happy for us to moor up next to him for the rest of the day and that night.
And someone found a spot for the day… but I want to put the cover up as its looking like rain tonight..
