It was a lovely morning, that is after the rain had stopped, and we were on our way before 1000. We arrived at the first swing bridge and waited for another boat to go through. They were then at the lock to start preparing it. As it turns out Monkey Marsh Lock is a turf sided lock and takes ages to fill. I think they were built as it was much cheaper in the construction. as the sides slopes though it takes much more water to fill, and as the turf sides are pervious they also leak. However as this is a river navigation water wasn't a problem. The boats are kept in the right place by posts. It was slow to fill and fairly slow to empty too. Unfortunately we were stopping at Thatcham Wharf to get a paper and a pint of milk, (4 pints actually but it doesn't scan so well), so we said farewell to 'Adriane'.
Monkey Marsh turf sided lock.
I went up the road to find the co-op and it wasn't too far. It took me longer to wait for the level crossings to open to get back to the boat. We were soon away again and running down the river section towards Colthorb Lock. As it happens as we arrived a boat had just left it's mooring and we were able to share with them. We stuck with crew of 'The Ruffian' until Woolhampton.
On the way to Midgham Lock was this very beautifully proportioned church over looking the canal.
There were two swing bridges and Heale's lock before we parted company with our lock buddies as they were mooring up above Woolhampton Lock. At the foot of the lock the river Kennet comes back into the cut and is wet weather can be a very strong current. There is a bend in the cut and then an electric swinging road bridge on the slant to negotiate. It is recommended that you wait in the tail of the lock that keeps you out of the current until the boat is open. They had just had a Duck Race and there were canoes and dories collecting the ducks to make it more interesting.
The bridge swings easily and all went well and here is the photo to prove we made it through. It was a good job that all went well as there were many many witnesses to any cock up made.
The next section of river is very beautiful and bendy with lots of overhanging trees. It makes it very interesting to transit.
We were heading for Froud's Bridge Marina to get a battery. On the receipt it is called Frond's Bridge Marina though. It looks a lovely well kept place with plenty of room between pontoons. We were soon parting with our cash and I quickly had it wired up and on line. They allowed me to top up with water and all in all we were only about an hour before turning round and heading back towards Woolhampton.
A beautiful spot for a cross over bridge with mobile gongoozlers.
We had seen a boat coming up the canal when we left the river cut that leads to Froud's Bridge and so went slowly so that we could share the bridge swing and lock at Woolhampton. As it turned out they moored just below so we did the swing bridge and lock in reverse on our own again. It is quite fun dashing past the pub but would be a different matter in a torrent. There was space on the visitor moorings but as we have visitors in a day or two, and they are 48hrs we went up to Heale's Lock to wind and moor in the rough.
Winding at the hole just below the lock. It is said to be a 60ft one but I reckon 65ft would be okay too.
Once round we didn't go far before mooring up in the weeds again.
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