Thatcham

What a difference a day makes, yesterday howling winds and rain, today after a showery start we had glorious sunshine. At Aldermaston overnight I did contemplate turning around and heading back to the Thames, however we didn't and I am pleased.

There is a lot more canal today and not so much heavy flowing river, we did our first lock at Aldermaston at around 10.00 and had a steady cruise up to Woolhampton. Passing Frouds Bridge Marina you once again return to the river for a push to swing bridge and lock, here the current gets stronger the closer you get to where we moored for the bridge.

Here there is a strong stream warning as the river narrows at the bridge and you need some power to get through cleanly, now as there was room for us to pull alongside the moorings, Sally closed the bridge and went up to set the lock. Just at the lock gate there is a strong stream coming from the left (going upstream) so again plenty of power was needed to get into the lock, first it is pushing your bow away so as you steer in, the back suddenly swings away and you need to fight your way in. However in we got without incident, but a moored boat just below shows all the signs of other boats not quite managing and is covered with car tyres as fenders.

Through her the 4 locks and 3 swing bridges come thick and fast which keeps you busy up to Thatcham and some well maintained moorings, where we stopped for the night.

 Stay back in the locks

 Sally having a walk to a swing bridge

Thatcham moorings