The next day we had a gentle run down to Thatcham. A continuation of canal and river sections which would take us all the way to Reading.
Time to take a few photos of quirky boats
But of main interest is Monkey Marsh Lock, one of the 2 remaining examples of turf-sided locks once prevalent on the Kennet Navigation.
These had timber walled chambers to some 2 feet above the lock's lower level above which their turf sides sloped away at an angle of 45 degrees. Whilst the locks were filling there was considerable water loss through the turf banks but not a problem with the plentiful supplies of water from the Kennet
The lock when empty
The turf sides overgrown with vegetation but well constructed access to the boat via ladders, just as in a normal lock.
We moored just beyond Monkey Marsh Lock and with a sundowner by the side of the canal it really started to feel like summer
The next morning Tara made some puppy friends..It felt a bit like Mothers and Toddlers - but the equivalent in the dog world.Sharing traumas like chewing and running off when called etc.! I thought that my dog was the best behaved, of course
Then we set off for Aldermaston, the next publicised canalside moorings.
The view of canal above the lock. Just a pretty picture really. It was a lock that I managed to go straight into as one of the gates was open so I had time to take this shot before John arrived.
High on the hill above 'the cut', Midgham's Victorian church
Tara keeping a watchful eye on proceedings
During our journey up the K&A we had heard various horror stories about parts of the navigation. We had successfully negotiated Newbury and the next challenge was Woolhampton.
Just below the tail of the lock the river makes a brisk entrance and if you do not have your wits about you it will force you sideways into a narrowboat on a private mooring. The owner has had to take some precautions as it is often hit by passing boats. Apparently one even knocked all the tiles off his bathroom wall. If the river is running too fast boat hire companies forbid their customers from using this part of the canal.
It is essential to have the swingbridge beyond open before you exit the lock as the swiftness of the flow can lead to collisions with the bridge if it is closed.
The lock itself looked as if it had been chewed by Tara!!
But again both John and I went through this renowned passage with little bother. John apparently at great speed judging by comments from a regular observer. And I misjudged the swingbridge slightly just clipping the stern of the boat on a corner of the bridge
But beyond Woolhampton is navigable river and it weaves its way through some delightful woodland. Some of the tight bends proved to be a bit of a challenge
We had hoped to moor at Aldermaston but that proved to be far too busy with no moorings available.
The lock at Aldermaston had very stylish sides........
We pressed on and were lucky enough
to find some delightful moorings near Sulhamstead, well positioned for a final push into Reading.
Looks lovely. One part of the canal system we have not yet done.
ReplyDeleteHope everything is ok.
Is Viv still with you both?
Take care