Friday 11th July 2008

Set off for Bradford on Avon by 9.30am.  Dieseled up and replace the empty gas bottle at Hilperton Marina and had a good laugh with the lads at the expense of a hire boat getting into all sorts of trouble.  Just manage to get the centre line tied off when the heavens opened and got absolutely soaked in seconds and rushing to get below jammed my left thumb in the stern steel doors - OUCH THAT STINGS - or words to that effect! Lovely black throbbing thumb now. Bugger. When the rain and Noah had gone I finished off mooring.  Wandered up to the Canal Tavern for a sample - Indian takeaway over the road so it's got to be done.  Few beers early doors after a big shop at Sainsbury's then an Indian - yum yum.

Saturday 12th July 2008

Walked Bill down the towpath to Bradford Swing bridge then back along the banks of the River Avon.  Bumbled around for a bit then after getting a paper from Sainsbury's went off to the Canal Tavern for a couple.  Helped three girls on a hire boat through the lock on the way back.  This being their first lock they looked terrified but managed no problems, well done girls.

Sunday 13th July 2008

Walked Bill up to Sainsbury's for the papers and back all the way via the swing bridge and the river.  Moved Beau down through the lock and tied up at Avoncliff.  Went into the Cross Guns for the pm at 2pm.  Very busy outside but quiet inside so read the papers in peace.  Excellent pub with many real ales from their own and other breweries.

Monday 14th July 2008

Walked Bill from Avoncliff all the back up to Sainsbury's along the river bank, about 5 miles round trip.  Managed to get hold of David after his hospital appointment.  Bad news I'm afraid, David has cancer and needs to go into hospital soon.  The good news is they think they have found the problem in time.  So hopefully David will make a full recovery.  Lets Hope to god he does.  Will take Beau down to Dundas Wharf to turn and start the journey back along the Kennet and Avon.  As soon as David hears when he has to go into hospital I can then make arrangements to get back to Sunderland to be with him.  It may mean that Henrik and Susanne will have Beau to themselves.  Also spoke to Mike off Nb Weasel and he may be able to get Beau onto the private wharf at Pewsey where he will be happy to keep an eye on her for me.  Cheers matey.  After all this went to the Cross Guns and got almost into the same state as David was!!!!

Tuesday 15th July 2008

Took Beau down to Dundas Wharf and turned around and tied up below the lock in Bradford on Avon for the night and had a couple of beers in the Tavern.

Wednesday 16th July 2008

Had a good long walk down to the swing bridge and back up to Sainsbury's for the papers.  Met Basil and Jenny on Nb Wandering Star.  Arranged to meet them later in the Tavern for a beer or two.  Great company and a very pleasant evening.

Thursday 17th July 2008

Lovely weather today.  Took Bill down to the swing bridge and back along the riverside.  Set off up through Bradford Lock by 10am heading for the Barge Inn at Seend.  Passed the three girls I helped the other night near Semington and had a crack about them still being afloat.  Got to the Barge by 2pm and tied up for the night and the three girls turned up so had a long natter with them and a beer or two in the Barge.

Friday 18th July

Collected my laundry from the PO - £32!!!!! - could have bought a machine for that!!! At least Dick Turpin wore a mask.  Set off for Sells Green which is only a couple of miles down the canal.  Took Bill for a long walk and collected my post.  Back to the Tree Magpies and fish and chips for dinner.  Great banter in the bar.

Saturday 19th July 2008

Took Bill all the way back to the second swing bridge and up to the PO for a paper.  Lovely long walk.  Over to the Magpies later for a scoop or two.

Sunday 20th July 2008

Time to brave the Caen Locks again.  So took Bill early up through the fields for a walk and got away by 8am.  Got to the bottom lock, No 22, by 8.30am and got through the first seven single handed by 10am.  Then having just got into the bottom lock of the 16Caen locks, No 29, I was joined by another boat, Nb Tiger Lily, who had about 4 crew setting the locks for both boats and as we went up they were joined by more and more family and friends the result being I didn't set foot off the boat or touch a lock all the way up - FANTASTIC - thanks one and all.  Almost felt guilty, well almost!  Got to the top in record time of under three hours and finally tied up in Devizes Wharf by 2pm.  That certainly is the way to do the Caen locks.  Went off into to town and did a mini shop then off to the Artichoke for early doors for almost a well earned beer (not).

Tuesday 1st July 2008

Off around the nature trail again with Bill and took two PC games back to the Coop cos they wouldn't load up onto my laptop.  Nearly had a major row with the manager because I didn't have the receipt, however, with very good grace (NOT) he gave me back my tenner.  Set off for Honey Street by 10am - only 4 miles and no locks.  Tied up outside the Barge Inn by 12pm.  Dieseled up on the way at Gibson's Boatyard - diesel's gone up from 71p a litre on the 9th June in Aldermaston to 97p a litre today!  Explored the towpath with Bill and then explored the Barge at about 2pm.  STRANGE PUB! - lovely to look at and plenty of character features, however, the CHARACTERS in the pub were another matter.  Very clicky - non communicative and mostly pissed.  The landlady is something else altogether - VERY GRUMPY - and difficult with innocent customers who dare to comment about the quality or quantity of food served.  Had dinner on the boat and didn't bother going back that evening.

Wednesday 2nd July 2008

Walked Bill along the towpath and back via an equestrian and pet food store.  Bill's in heaven!  Got him some treats and back to the boat.  Guess who should knock on my window but Linda who had driven to the pub and was waiting for Ray on Nb Morning Mist who was coming back from Devizes.  Once Ray had tied up we all met up for a beer early doors in the Barge.  Still a weird atmosphere.  Nice evening though nattering.  Oh by the way this village is the WORLD CENTRE for CROP CIRCLES - weird bunch maybe that explains the pub?

Thursday 3rd July

Set off for Horton Bridge No 134 and the Bridge Inn.  Good cruise which at times was like being on the African Queen where the reeds closed the channel to single file.  Excellent moorings outside the pub.  Took Bill over the road into a corn field where he had a great time chasing rabbits and bouncing up and down looking for me.  Popped into the Bridge Inn for a quick beer on the way back.  Totally different atmosphere to the Barge.  Friendly, welcoming and chatty, Adrian and his wife Nikki, the landlord and landlady, are boaters so we got on straight away.  Back in early doors and met a chap who restores antiques, wonder if he do anything for my brother?  He was just like Andy Raffle in outlook , style and attitude, brill bloke.  Must be the country air, great day all in all.

 Friday 4th July 2008

Today is the day I'm going to brave the Caen Hill flight of locks out of Devizes - 29 locks in 2 1/2 miles!!! Argh - Set off at 9.30am having walked Bill through the cornfield where he had to jump up and down to see me - daft dog.  Slow cruise to Devizes because of moored boats - only 2 miles but took 1 1/2 hours and no locks or swing bridges.  Saw Basil and Jenny off Nb Wandering Star and hat a natter whilst waiting in the top lock, No. 50, for another boat to join me on the trip down.  Much excitement on the towpath between London Road Bridge No 138 and Park Bridge No 139 as it was closed by Police tape marking it as a crime scene.  Couldn't see Grissom but there were lots of Bobbies about.  Found out later that a youth had been stabbed two nights earlier.  Also going into Devizes Wharf the firebrigade were trying to fish a women out of the canal who had lost control of her electric cart - what a start!  Hope nothing else happens.  Waited for 1/2 an hour for another boat and off we went down Caen Hill.  Sadly they only did three locks and stopped by the Black Horse pub.  I did the next 4 locks on my own and then saw another boat coming down so I waited another 30 minutes for them.  We went down the next 15 locks together, good laugh and a great help - also got held up for 45 minutes by BW letting the water levels DOWN? Too much water????  This couple then stopped at the bottom of the Caen hill flight and I carried on through the next 7 locks on my own again to tie up at Sells Green by 7.30pm.  What a day, off to the Tree Magpies for a few beers - reckon I've earned them today.  Cor can hardly walk - I'm knackered - and I've got to go BACK UP in a few weeks.

Saturday 5th July 2008

Long walk along the towpath and up to the Village to explore.  Nothing much here but the pub and a massive caravan park.  Found a great walk along the towpath and back through the fields to come out at the pub! spooky! better go and have a beer then.  Met some lovely couples, two who have a boat and two who are thing of buying a boat.  So we had a great afternoon talking everything boats.  The couple thinking of buying a boat are now definitely going to - I should have been a salesman - oh I was!

Sunday 6th July 2006 - Bill and Yvonne's Wedding Anniversary today in Los Angeles.

Happy anniversary both.  Rained all night and up 'till 11am.  Took Bill up through the fields for a long walk.  Staying over today, too wet to move.  Off to the Magpies for 2pm.

Monday 7th July 2008

Finally moved on today, however, only going about two miles to just above lock No 18 right opposite The Barge Inn.  Took Bill for a long walk back down to the last swing bridge and then up a lovely wooded path into the village of Seend.  Lovely walk to the PO and village store.  Back to the Barge for early doors and Basil and Jenny have just tied up in the same pound.  So they came over for a few beers too.  Good eve's banter.

Tuesday 8th July 2008

Good walk again up into Seend about 3 miles round trip which Bill loves cos there's no need for a lead.  Early doors again with Bas and Jenny.  Lovely evening.

Wednesday 9th July 2008

Weather appalling so not moving today either.  Asked if Basil and Jenny wanted anything from the shop - milk only - so off we go - suitably dressed with all our rain gear on including Bill's coat which I think he quite likes now.  Also took a load of washing which can be done there too.  By the time we got to the shop Bill's head and tail were soaked as was I but also inside from sweating so much up the hill.  Took a short cut back - should have known better - turned back after 2 miles with the canal in the opposite direction!!!!  Well once you wet through you can't get any wetter.  Early doors again, good fun.

Thursday 10th July 2008

Set off on an epic voyage of all of two miles to Semmington.  Tied up and explored the village and horror of horrors, the pub, The Somerset Arms, won't let Bill in - so they can stick their beer.  Off around the fields instead and a lovely evening in.

Saturday 21st June 2008

Usual walk up the towpath and through the fields, across the railway line and up into the village.  Walked a shorter version of that in the afternoon on the way to the Three Tuns and then back via the Cross Keys.  Bit of excitement on the towpath tonight, firstly Bill fell in even though it had been me who'd had a drink! and then at about 2pm a man, rather the worse for a drink or three also fell in, though the paramedics and police had to be called out to shift him.  He's now in Swindon General Hospital with a broken and dislocated shoulder!

Sunday 22nd June 2008

VERY WINDY & GUSTY DAY - too dangerous to move Beau single handed so staying put.  Took Bill on up through the fields and to the village to get the papers.  Read them and got to the Three Tuns for 2pm where Stuart, who's mate fell in the cut last night was in so we had a good natter and laugh at his mates expense.  I treated myself to Sunday Lunch and had venison which was fantastic.  The Tuns also have a meat draw every Sunday so armed with a fivers worth of tickets each we waited for the draw.  Guess who's ticket was first out, yippee mine!!!! got a fabulous leg of lamb worth at least £10, and guess who's ticket was second out, yup, one of Stuart's and he got a joint of beef.  He won again too and took a joint of pork as well!!!  Met the previous landlord who still lives in the village who was an actor in things like London's Burning and the Bill etc, however, still can't remember his surname though I can remember Mike.  Called into the Cross Keys on the way back to the boats and met up with a whole group of boaters including a lady tattoo artist who's husband was excellent at magic tricks.  There was also a charity day in the village where people had to find the flower pot men hidden around the village and the people running it were just counting up their takings and awarding prizes when Stuart donated the joint of pork for an instant raffle which kindly raised £25 extra for them.  That's the sort of people boaters are.  Excellent afternoon, fantastic company.

Monday 23rd June 2008

Took Bill on the long walk to get the papers and a few bits and pieces.  Finally go to cast off at about 10am only to stop within a hundred yards to water up and pump out -£15 teehee - Buddied up with another boat through the locks to tie up at the visitor moorings by Crofton Steam Pumping Station.  Tied up by 2pm and who should be here but Nb Wandering Star with Basil and Jenny - First met in Newbury then latterly in Great Bedwyn.  Took Bill up to the Pumping Station though he wasn't very interested but I had a look around.  Fantastic machinery and to think it still works and does exactly what it designed to do in the early eighteen hundreds, working bank holidays and special days for the public to see.  They even had a generator built by the Sunderland Forge would you believe?  Lovely walk along the side of Wilton Water to Wilton village, about a mile, and up to the Swan Inn for early doors where Basil and Jenny joined me later.  Lovely evening and stroll back to the boats.

v  

Tuesday 24th June 2008

Staying here today as it's so peaceful (well apart from the odd High Speed Train!) and the weather is fab.  So outside today and cleaned the windows and generally tidied up.  Saw a female Goldeneye diving bird (small duck) with three tiny chicks.  Most unusual eyes, bright yellow, hence the name.  Sadly all day mum had been trying to get the chicks out of the canal into Wilton Water lake with no success and on one occasion as she left them they were attacked by a gaggle of young Canada geese and killed.  Mum spent all afternoon paddling up and down calling for them.  I finally found them by another boat and removed them from the canal and put them in the hedge out of the way.  Can't nature be cruel?  Strolled over to the Swan for early doors at 6pm.  Lovely lamb roast for dinner (I cut it up into three lots, froze one and will have a curry tomorrow night).

Wednesday 25th June 2008 - SECOND ANIVERSARY OF MUM'S PASSING

Hope your OK mum.  Also it's MARK'S BIRTHDAY of Nb One Way Of Life - Happy birthday matey.  VERY WINDY DAY and very overcast so staying put today again.  Walked Bill halfway to the village in the morning and then in the afternoon we walked down to lock 61, turned right and walked right up and over the hill and on up to the famous Wilton Windmill.  Fantastic views and a fantastic building which still works when it's open to the public.  Came back via the village and down through the fields to Beau.  Off to the Swan for early doors at 6pm and that curry I talked about, yum yum.

Thursday 26th June 2008 - WOULD HAVE BEEN DAD'S 88TH BIRTHDAY TODAY

Happy birthday dad.  Walked Bill up through the fields and set off for Wooton Rivers at about 9.30am.  9 locks today, 6 up then a long pound the 3 down to tie up above lock 51 for the night and guess who's already here,  Basil and Jenny and later Ray and Linda turned up with little Molly who promptly scratched my leg - ouch sharp puppy claws.  Spent the evening in a wonderful 16th C pub called the Royal Oak with Basil and Jenny, unfortunately Linda wasn't well so they couldn't make it.

Friday 27th June 2008

Came down through lock 51 with Ray and Linda, Basil and Jenny had already left at 5.30am???? Set off for Pewsey Wharf at 9am no more locks now until Devizes.  Tied up in Pewsey at 12.30pm and went off to explore Pewsey which is about a mile south of the canal.  Big Coop, a bank, antique shops and a Vet.  So went in to get some proper worming tablets.  Bill had to be weighed and the last time I did it he was 18 kilos having gained 3 kilos since I adopted him.  WELL, he's now 23.5 kilos - FATTY BILL - and I got told off for giving him too many treats.  He should eat carrots she said - oh yeah! - so I gave him a gravy bone instead.  Well he doesn't look fat to me.  Went into the Waterfront for a sneaky beer and ended up in 'Shag's Bar' - honest that's Graham, the landlord's nickname.  Met a group of other boaters and had a very jolly afternoon.

Saturday 28th June 2008

Found a lovely walk back down the towpath to Pains Bridge, avoiding the main road , then down through a nature reserve called Jone's Mill and into Pewsey via Way's Way nature reserve.  Excellent.  Shopped in the Coop and back the same way to the boat.  Walked over to the French Horn pub for a couple and met the Ausie couple who run the pub and came back via Shag's!

Sunday 29th June 2008

Took Bill on the nature trail to get the Sundays.  Back the same way and breakfast and a good read of the papers.  Went over to the French Horn for a couple and back via Shag's again.  Mike and Lynn text to say they were back in Pewsey so arranged to meet up tomorrow evening in the French Horn.  Came back via Shag's and who should be at the water point but Steph on Nb Whitchboy, last seen in Braunston at the beginning of May.  As there were no mooring left I suggested she tie up along side Beau and join me for a beer in Shag's Bar which she did and a very good afternoon was had catching up on our exploits.

Monday 30th June 2008

Took Bill on our nature romp and did a top up shop.  Had a couple of beers about 2pm in the French Horn with Steph and a pal of hers from Spain called Peter.  Met Mike and Lynn about 6.30pm and had something to eat there.  Steph joined us a little later and a grand old chinwag was had by all.

Wednesday 11th June 2008

Set off for Newbury after opening the bridge for Nick and Jacky.  Not far to go but there are FOUR swingbridges and NINE locks.  Stopped at the Pit Stop Boat Yard to get a new bilge pump and dropped off my washing as they do a service wash.  Tied up above Newbury lock and went off to explore the town.  Also explored the Lock, Stock and Barrel pub.

Thursday 12th June 2008

Rained all night so staying over another day.  Managed to find a computer repair shop to look at my laptop as it's buggered since the incident at the lock in Reading where it was thrown to the floor off the table in the crash.  Came back to Beau via the boatyard and more torrential rain.  Set off for Tesco Metro to stock up.  Started to rain again just as we reached the Lock, Stock and Barrel pub so we stopped off out of the rain for a beer or two (ONLY two as they're £3.10 a pint - HELP)  Cottage pie, home made of course, for dinner.

Friday 13th June 2008

Went to collect laptop with severe trepidation and lo and behold it was just a loose wire and for £20 we set off back to Beau, via Tesco's, with a working laptop - yippee.  Decided to push it and stay over another day as I can get onto the internet here and sort out emails and my blog.

Saturday 14th June 2008

Set off for Kintbury after a top up shop in town.  Buddied up straight away with a young couple called Kate and Chris on a 70ft Nb.  Lovely weather all the way and good company too.  No moorings available so carried on to Hungerford and tied up at the wharf at about 2pm.  Took Bill up and around the town to explore.  Nice market style town based along the main road with MANY antique shops.  Found a pub called the Bear Hotel where, having ordered a pint, was charged £3.60 - my god what's the world coming too?  Left there pretty sharpish I can tell you and went over the road to the John O'Gaunt and held my breath when I paid for my beer - much better ONLY £2.60 a pint - phew, and a great crowd in the bar too.  Got back to Beau about 7pm and guess who had tied up behind me - Jo and Keith of the Nb Hadar - she was the lady who in August last year in Stone gave me the details of the Border Collie Trust the result of which was me adopting Bill.  The last time I saw them was as we passed at Fenny Stratford lock on the Grand Union in April when they were on their way to London and me to Braunston.  SMALL WORLD SYNDROME AGAIN.

Sunday 15th June 2008

Walked up to town to get the papers and along the towpath for about a mile or so.  The a lazy morning reading the Sundays.  Off to the John O'Gaunt at 2pm for a couple of beers and back to Beau for dinner and an early night.

Monday 16th June 2008

Walked Bill along the towpath again and stocked up at Somerfields.  Finally got around to doing the oil and filter change.  Will change the Fuel and water trap filters next time.  Checked the map after lunch with a view to moving on to Great Bedwyn but realised that although it's only five miles, there are NINE locks and TWO swingbridges so 5+9+2=16 divided by 3 = 5 1/2 hours cruising.  So decided to move on tomorrow instead.  Lovely sunny day so washed all the bird poo off the roof and polished the starboard side with baby oil (yes baby oil!)  Looks very smart.  Walked Bill up the other side of the canal and bumped into Ray and Linda on Nb Morning Mist plus their new Black Lab puppy called Molly.  6 weeks old and all legs and paws who enjoyed playing with Bill.  We first met at Cropredy and then again just I escaped the Thames an may way back to Thrupp.  Small world again.

Tuesday 17th June 2008

Took Bill along the towpath and up to get the papers and set off for Great Bedwyn.  Just as a hire boat was leaving too - eek!  Needn't have worried though as they were two nice couples from Norway who seemed to know what they were doing.  So plain sailing all the way down.  Tied up at about 2.30pm and took Bill for a long walk.  On the way back chatted to a smashing guy on the next boat to me, Nb Weasel.  Later found out his name to be Mike who gave me loads of information about the K&A and where to go etc.  Both Mike and his wife Lynn joined me in the Three Tuns for a few beers later.  Also made a new friend in the pub, a young lad of 4 out with his mum and dad when he spotted my Nintendo DS.  So I lent him the Indianna Jones game which kept him completely occupied until it was time for him to go home.  He wants me to go in again tomorrow night.  Well that's a definite possibility - Nice crowd, especially his aunty!

Wednesday 18th June 2008

Took Bill for a long walk up through the fields with another boater, Brian off Nb The Architect and his Black Lab Rosie.  Bit Rainy, windy and dull.  Batten down the hatches for the day.  Took Bill for a long walk down the towpath and found a ducks nest with TWELVE eggs in it.  It certainly has been a bumper year for all water fowl.  Off early doors with Mike and to see if my new mates there.

Thursday 19th June 2008

Took Bill on up the towpath and through the fields.  Crossed the canal and the railway line to come up through St Mary's church yard into the village.  Found the Post Office and there is also a monumental mason who has an outdoor museum of ancient and unusual headstones and carvings, even one in the shape of a 1st World War plane in memory of a pilot killed in action in Belgium.  Also an excellent bakers with all sorts of goodies, especially their lardy cake, mmmmm.  Off back to Beau to sample some.  In the afternoon took Bill down the towpath to the lower lock and checked on the mallard's nest.  Eggs are warm but no sign of mum.  Early doors with Mike and Lynn.

Friday 20th June 2008

Took Bill up through the fields again where the farmer had now bailed the hay into blue plastic rolls.  Bill was not at all happy with these and his hackles came up on both his back, neck and the base of his tail and he barked and barked at them all until I went over to one to show him it wouldn't hurt.  So now being very confident peed on one to show them who's boss!  Up through the village to get the papers and a pasty for lunch.  We were going to move today but just as we were about to set off to go to the water point to fill up and pump out one boat moved onto to those moorings with another waiting.  Then of all things, the widebeam charity boat did none other than turn around to go in the same direction as I want to go.  So not going anywhere now, it'll take at least an hour if not more at every lock now with this lot on the move.  Later walked Bill down to the lower lock to check on the mallards nest again and sadly the nest looks abandoned and the eggs are cold.  Also spotted a Red Kite today up by the church.  Off to the Three Tuns with Mike and Lynn for early doors.

Sunday 1st June 2008

Who ever called this flaming June wants to look out of their window!  It's another damp day so we all had a lie in.  Took Beau up to the BW point through the lift bridge to pump out - tee hee another £15 saved - and to water up and get rid of the rubbish from last night's barbeque.  Reversed back to the mooring (smart arse) even got a compliment later on my boat skills - didn't have the heart to tell him I used the bow thruster.  Took Ali, Paul and Bill for Sunday lunch in the Boat - fantastic quality.  Ali and Paul got away about 2pm cos they've got a 4 hour drive back to Sunderland.  Fantastic to see them - lets hope it's not too long before I see them again.

Monday 2nd June 2008

Decisions, decisions! - do I go back up the Oxford Canal OR do I go down the Thames to Reading?  Lots of boats coming through Thrupp who have come up the Thames from Abingdon and beyond.  What the hell - lets go for it.  Blagged an extra day on the EA licence so valid until the 4th now.  Will keep going as long as possible today and try and do it in two days instead of three.  Guess what though?  no sooner do I get through Oxford and on to the Thames than it starts pouring with rain AGAIN!!! - like stair rods.  Buddied up with another boat, Nb Firenza and Derek and Judy all the way to Shillingford by 6.30pm and tied up on the hotel moorings for the night.  They want £8 for the mooring, which they're welcome to if they come and get it.  Don't thinks so in this rain.

Tuesday 3rd June 2008

Rained all night and still raining so the rivers rising AGAIN.  Got to make a dash for Reading before they red board the locks and close them.  Managed to get off the Thames and up through Gray's Lock in Reading and tie up in the visitor moorings by the old abbey and Reading Jail of all places.  At last off the Thames and safe ( for the time being ).

Wednesday 4th June 2008

Staying over another day here to stock up at Tesco's and explore Reading.  The Oracle Centre is very impressive either side of the canal if your impressed by that sort of thing.  Weather fantastic and Bill enjoyed the old abbey grounds and the park all afternoon.

Thursday 5th June 2008

This was certainly a day I didn't expect.  Weather had been fine for 36 hours and the water level in the visitor moorings had gone down.  HOWEVER, what I didn't know and the fact that there were no flood warning signs in the backwater was that the Kennet was in full spate and I only found this out when I turned out of the backwater onto the river and thought, because I didn't know this river it looked a bit fast!!!!  TOO LATE I had to keep going cos it was too fast to turn or reverse back so I had to go forward.  Even parts of the promenade were under water.  So I headed upstream as best I could to try and tie up on the lock moorings at County Lock.  However, firstly as I came around the corner I saw the weir and lock were completely flooded and the pontoon was also under water.  Secondly there is a vicious forward current which grabbed Beau as I was trying to tie her up and threw her forward into the mouth of the lock at 45 degrees with the bows buried in the outer wall of the lock and the stern wedged against the pontoon.  Beau hit so hard Bill was thrown OFF into the raging current where I was just able to grab him and fish him out, though, he seemed to be enjoying the swim!!!  After getting Bill sorted I waded across the lock to secure the bow line and also the centre and stern lines so at least Beau was going nowhere.  With Beau secure I called the BW emergency line who were fantastic and had two guys, Nick and his mate, there within the hour.  They were brilliant at getting Beau back onto the pontoon and safely secured.  Only tiny problem was that as I was tied to their van and reversing back, a bucket in the engine room with a mop fell over and fouled the prop FROM INSIDE, bet that's a first!!! So I had to take 20 minutes to cut us free.  Finally got safely tied up by 1pm in VERY TURBULENT WATER - just like being in a washing machine!  Unfortunately got to lift Bill on and off the boat to get him ashore while I paddle.  Two other boating couple who were passing (on foot!) came to make sure I was all right and could they get me any shopping etc - fantastic people thanks friends sorry I never got your names. Also met a lady called Christine, who happened to be passing, VERY NICE and very tall.  Nick and his mate came back later with some timber which we fitted to the pontoon to stop Beau getting caught up as the water drops.  WHAT A DAY - I suddenly realised how serious it COULD HAVE BEEN if Beau's bows hadn't wedged in the lock - Beau would have been swept back downstream and Bill could have been drowned!  Help, don't ever want another day like this - need a vodka (or three) to calm my nerves.

Friday 6th June 2008

Good night's sleep though, as I said, just like being in a very vigorous washing machine and also very noisy.  Made some new friends, the local winos who use this area as there meeting place - gave them coffee in exchange for keeping and eye on the boat while Bill and I went for breakfast and did some shopping.  Beautiful sunny day so walked into the Oracle Centre and had some junk food at the big yellow M.  Got wrong off the security men for bringing Bill in to the centre as only 'working dogs' were allowed.  So I explained that Bill "is a working dog - as a sheepdog" only he's retired like me - twats.  Got a visit again from the other boaters asking how was I doing and did I need anything - fantastic support.  Also got another visit from Christine.  We chatted for a while and then she invited me out for dinner tomorrow evening - EVERY CLOUD HAS A SILVER LINING - feeling better already - can't wait.  Cor acting like a schoolboy - great isn't it!

Saturday 7th June 2008

Beautiful Day again.  The river has dropped another FOOT!  Coffee for the boys and Bill and I off to the shops.  Oh dear, what to wear tonight?  Still acting like a school boy.  Tried to fix the bilge pump to take my mind off tonight.  Christine arrived promptly at 7pm and off we went into town to Pizza Express which is, apparently, her favourite.  Fantastic evening with two sophisticated adults (well one, Christine and a schoolboy) chatting and eating.  Thank you Christine, I think you've managed to save my sanity after the trials and tribulations of the last few weeks - I hope we can keep in touch.

Sunday 8th June 2008

Weather fabulous again and boats have started to come down the river even though the Thames is still on red.  Decision made, time to move on as I'm in the way being tied up on this pontoon.  So off we go again and for all the warnings about Fobney Lock (nasty cross currents) and suchlike we had a lovely cruise to tie up in the middle of nowhere in wonderful peace and quiet CLAM waters.  Tomorrow is another day - isn't life wonderful.

Monday 9th June 2008

Set off for Woolhampton by 10am and got to Aldermaston Wharf to diesel up and guess who was there, Derek and Judy off Nb Firenza who I'd come down the Thames with.  They had carried on in Reading where I had chosen to to stop with the results you've seen.  Even they sustained damage having got through Reading.  Today was also my day to meet the biggest arsehole on a boat and his fat wife!  I was in Towney Lock coming up slowly as the wash from the gate paddles is quite ferocious.  On my own in a double lock I invariably only open one paddle so I can control Beau.  However, Along came arsehole wanting to go down.  Now usually when boats come in the opposite direction they tie up and offer to help.  But not arsehole and his fat wife.  Firstly, they stayed in the middle of the canal and when things didn't happen quickly enough for them the fat wifey waddled down and completely ignored me with her back to me until the lock was full and she opened her gate to let arsehole in BEFORE I'D EVEN BEEN ABLE TO GET OUT of the lock.  Well words were exchanged and I was accused of being THE WORST KIND OF BOATER ON THE CANAL as they had been doing this for 30 years.  SORRY didn't realise you owned the canal - ARSEHOLE on Nb Finch by the way.  On the Other hand I then met a lovely group of people at the very next lock.  Two young ladies with a group of seven handicapped adult men who were brill and made a real fuss of Bill.  Never mind ARSEHOLE YOU LOSE!  Even Derek took my key and opened the lift bridge for me in Aldermaston - thanks matey, a true boater.  Came through Woolhampton where there is a swing bridge and a lock - but between the two is a particularly strong stream that comes in sideways.  Very exciting - full speed ahead and don't slow down 'till you're in the lock mouth, hopefully not having hit anything - woohoo - no probs.  Tied up on the visitor moorings and had a few beers in the Rowbarge Inn to calm my frayed nerves (any excuse).  Met a lovely couple just back off their honeymoon in Australia.  Good natter about OZ.

Tuesday 10th June 2008

Staying over another day.  Took Bill for a walk along the towpath and met a smashing couple, Nick and Jacky off Nb Gloriana.  Had a coffee and a long chat about the K & A which they know very well.  Later Nick and I helped a couple of boaters through the lock and the swing bridge to see how they managed.  Looks OK but poss difficult to stop once through the bridge.  Had a few beers in the Rowbarge