Saturday 7 September 2019

Ready to migrate ...

 It had been a cold night and the blanket was deployed on the bed once again last night ...
 and there was mist on the Thames this morning 

 A couple of hours later we push off from Cookham where we notice that the river level had dropped again
 Swallows spend most of their time on the wing and at this time of year feast to gain weight before their long journey south in a few weeks time ...
 British swallows will fly low level 200 miles each day at approximately 20 miles an hour finding food on the way ...
 to spend their winter beyond the Sahara Desert in South Africa
Despite their fat reserves the Swallows' migration can be hazardous  and many will die from starvation, exhaustion and storms on the way.  They will winter in small flocks and join with other flocks roosting in their thousands and will arrive back in the UK during April and May.  We wish them good luck.
 Under Cookham Bridge and sharp left ...
 into Cookham Lock cut where the morning sun brings the lavender into sharp focus. 
 The lock was on self service and we were soon through into Cliveden Reach ...
 one of the prettiest and most interesting of the Thames Valley
 with its views and glimpses ...
 of Cliveden House owned by the National Trust, once the home of Nancy Aster and made famous/infamous due to the Profumo Affair.
At the top of the reach a cruiser is coming up through Boulters Lock Cut

where I notice that the happy chappy is still a fireman at the once home of the late Richard Dimbleby and impressive chimneys over the hedge ...
and a team of divers ...
preparing to inspect the lock and the landings perhaps
As we approached Boulters Lock I could see that it was on self service but there was a chap at the controls so I went to see what was what.  He was turning the lock in his favour and by the time I reached the lock the bottom gates were open and he was bringing his rowing boat in, I called down to him that I would see him through and waved a cruiser into the lock too.
Twenty minutes later we're entering the lock, the lady at the controls is off a cruiser which followed us in and has taken over from me so I'm back onboard SR.
We are surprised when we leave the lock to see wb Newlands leaving the pontoon moorings of Boulters Restaurant where they'd spent the night and they follow us through Maidenhead.
This is the cruiser that was behind us in the lock.  They had gone to the 'other' side of the island in an attempt to get in front of us; they had to perform a very tight left turn to navigate the bridge arch and they only just made it!

Through Bray Lock and we see that ..





work has finally started on what used to be Bray Film Studios ...






the redevelopment will include some demolition of buildings, some renovation and new build of detached and terraced houses
Egyptian and Canada geese making a mess of an otherwise immaculate lawn
Passing Windsor Marina in the bright sunshine, but it's certainly not warm today!
Our destination at Dorney a couple of miles from Windsor ...
bow in the weeds again ...
but who cares with great views ...
like these?
This will do us for a few nights.

5 comments:

Paul said...

That cruiser (Sparkys Dream) are always in a hurry. We had them follow us out of Clifton Lock 3 years ago and she was waving and gesticulating to us to go faster as we were holding them up. Every time we see them they are going full pelt.

Carole

Vallypee said...

I do love following your travels on the Thames, Carol. I don't think I would ever tire of its beauty. You must know all those locks very well, by now, but even still, you have lots to keep you busy. Another lovely post!
PS I've been away in Poland for the last ten days, and I've just posted my first blog since we came back. I wouldn't usually mention it but you might find it interesting :)

Paul said...

Yes, we smiled when we saw the distinctive bow of SR emerge from the lock as I was reversing off the pontoon. Another excellent dinner at Boulters the night before, after a day with friends who live locally. Anyone who turns up with champers and sandwiches is always fully welcomed aboard!

I see you've now met Sparky's Dream. We met them a few years ago when they got very impatient heading up a lock cut behind us and at the first (dangerous) non-opportunity raced past us creating such a wash we nearly got forced into the bank. Incredibly we met them that same year on the way back down at Abingdon when they just pulled off the water point in front of us without any warning .... sooo close to a hit. We refused to go into the lock with them and warned the lockie they we utter Muppets :). We've seen them a few times since and it seems they are still Muppets! I'm ashamed to say a small part of me would not be sorry to see them lose a chunk of superstructure on that bridge ... maybe they'd finally get it, that the Thames is not the M25?

We vacated OUR mooring at Runnymede for you, hope you enjoyed it :)

Now at Weybridge and heading to Hampton Ct in the morning where our daughters will join us. Wonderful.

Seems we may not see you again on this trip ... thanks for a great evening at Bills (now I see them everywhere!) in Marlow, and wishing you happy cruising and a peaceful winter mooring at Hambledon.

BTW ... I have the pleasure of many days in Sunbury on business in Oct/Nov, so if you're open to visitors I may drop in?

All the best
P&C
Newlands

Carol said...

Hi Carole, we'd not met that boat before but will look out for it and avoid it like the plague in future!.
Not sure if the second comment is from you or Paul but I think probably Paul. But anyway, you would be most welcome to call on us while you're on business in Sunbury. Have you got our numbers?
Carol.

Carol said...

Wow Val, just read your post, what an exciting time you're having in Poland and I envy you your experience on the incline plane. The boat trip looked amazing, lucky you!