And our Summer Cruising Starts Here ...

14:15 on Monday (8th April) ...

 the Mill Stream sluices were opened to assist us in reversing Still Rockin' from our winter mooring at Hambleden Marina out onto the River Thames

Squeezing past Gypsy Willow moored behind us and a narrowboat opposite ...

 Marina owner Peter and son Director/Manager Marc are on hand if we need a 'nudge' to help us round the sharp bend ahead ...

 but no help was required as we complete the bend and enter the main river

 We had to wait for this boat to pass, he was travelling quite fast and we were caught in its not insignificant wake

 Last look back at the marina ...

we are always happy here in this family run, friendly marina and will be retuning this winter.

 Passing the Flower Pot Hotel on our right ...

 and Russell Brand's house and narrowboat on the left.

 Not cruising far today ... 20 minutes after entering the Thames we're winding (turning) into our mooring for the next few days ...

 at Medmenham

 We've seen lots of baby lambs on our travels last week but only from the car ...

 but here on the meadow they are very inquisitive and come to look at the boat

 Sunset - after a hectic but wonderful time over the past two months, we can now really relax.

Tuesday late morning Chris on fuel boat Merchant called by to deliver diesel and boy did we need it!

George found it difficult afterwards to refit the fuel cap and lock and resorted to getting into the water to sort it!

 Wednesday (10th) was a boat-work day with George washing and polishing Still Rockin' and me catching up with laundry etc., we waved to Chris as he returned upstream to his base.

 Later we went for a walk on the meadow ...

 All the water fowl are now pairing up and this Coot is already on her nest

 and the Tufted Ducks are still squabbling over partners!

Still Rockin' looks great in the sunshine which has been shining all day but the wind reminds us that it's not summer yet!

We shall be moving on tomorrow.