Day 14 - onto the Thames at Reading

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7 locks, 85 in total.







Fairly uneventful trip today, apart from County Lock as we entered Reading from the west. Water flows had become increasingly erratic since we left Sheffield Lock but County Lock was horrendous. We had read that the uphill moorings are hidden under a longish road bridge but even so we nearly overshot – both of us ashore hanging onto the lines. Immediately after the lock we had to wait at the downhill mooring for the traffic lights to allow us to proceed though the single file section in the centre of Reading. As we waited a boat came towards us, desperately trying to avoid the weir stream, and he crashed into us. He did his best but sadly we have a saucer-sized patch of shiny steel on our side. We do not subscribe to the theory that boating is a contact sport but accept that accidents do happen. And it's too wet to red oxide it at the moment. Going through the centre of Reading was a breeze after that, after which we turned upstream onto the Thames and moored a few hundred yards further – a one minute stroll across landscaped grounds to a huge Tesco Express!







Saw a pair of greylag geese today with two goslings – they aren't such prolific breeders as the Canadian Geese who usually have at least six goslings in tow.



Just received a lesson in seabird recognition - thanks Matthew but we were going more on tail patterns!

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Photos

Garston Lock
The other turf-sided one but a little prettier.

County Lock, Reading
Looking downhill - note the weir right next to the lock

County Lock
Looking uphill.

Blakes Lock
Under auspices of Thames authority rather than Kennet & Avon - note the paddle gear - so much easier than using a windlass.

Blakes Lock again
It's very pretty!

Comments

[sgs]

locks
Yes, the weir next to County Lock looks terribly exciting!? Glad you came out only slightly scathed. Blakes Lokc wants me to take up serious gardening. S

[Amanda]

Afternoon!
Well it is another wet day here, grey skies and doesn't look like changing. You really are having an adventure, sound like a lot of hard work to me, but I am sure you will come back fitter, faster and stronger : ) We had a nice time last night, we went up to the White Bear with Liz, Richard, Phil, Sandra, Jan and Jan. Booked cab back earlyish but ended up with Jan and Jan and a couple of nightcaps. Needless to say we had a great time all round, although I think David was 'hanging' this morning (translates into hung over) xx Have a super day, will miss you at the next quiz night, maybe we can have you 'live' on the laptop on the table top? Love to both, Amanda