The June Rose: Monday 13 July 2015

Happy Birthday Andrew!

Today we motored on still trying to catch up with Rob. We went through Bray, Boulters, Cookham, Marlow, Temple, Hurley, Mill End, Marsh and Shiplake Locks. When we got to Bray lock there were three South African ladies on a hire boat and the lock said self service but they couldn’t get it to work – they had phoned the lock keeper assistance number and were waiting for a call back. We couldn’t make it work either, then a couple coming the other way said you have to let the slackers open all the way (three delayed stages) before trying to open the gates!! Thankfully we only wasted about 15 minutes.

Through Boulters ok then onto Cookham lock – which had a powercut! We talked the lock keeper into opening the gates to let us in by hand which he did but said the downstream gates were not working so we had an hour in the lock – an opportunity to dry off!

It was great chugging through Marlow and Henley then onto Wargrave where Steve’s parents used to keep their boat when Steve was young. The houses through Windsor, Eton, Miadenhead, Marlow and Henley are stunning, huge and it makes you realise how much money there is in this part of the world! Struggling to find somewhere to moor we found a spot in Sonning that said “to moor here please call a number” – we took our chance as we knew we were going to get up early.

This chap doesn't seem to be bothered by the rain!

Cliveden House through the rain - now owned by the National Trust

Great Pod!

Enjoying the great British summer!

The Compleat Angler from the River - had a nice stay and great meal here many moons ago.

Three South African Ladies on a Hire Boat! They did mention at the lock that we were much better equipped with waterproof gear for the British weather!