Reading-Wallingford

Yesterday, once again in glorious sunshine, we made the most of the last bit of the Kennet and Avon Canal.
The last few miles into Reading are less canal cut and more river Kennet, and although flowing enough to keep us moving along at a quicker than usual pace, the flow has slowed compared to 3 weeks ago when we first turned off the Thames.
Again the colours of the trees, the flowers, the baby ducklings and goslings around were a joy to see.

At Fobney lock the gates are mended and this time the lock landing below the lock was now visible.




Riding the Reading Rapids

Whilst Ian was busy with business phone calls, Jumble and I had to make ourselves scarce for an hour or two. Forbury Gardens is just behind the town moorings, so we walked around there and enjoyed sitting in the sunshine doing the puzzles in the Times and dozing. (Jumble dozing, not Karen)






The Blade, the new office block, now looking for tenants.

This morning we had intended an early start, to get a bit of painting done on the gunwales, but we woke up to hear rain, so that plan changed.  However by the time we were up and breakfasted it was dry again, and so we cleaned, rubbed down and touched up the blue paintwork.  (James would be proud of us!)



The first lock for today was Blakes lock, operated by Thames lock-keepers, so no work for us,

out onto the final stretch of the Kennet,
with all the swans,


 




        and back to Old Father Thames, turn left for Oxford.

 

Spotted on our journey today.

 

 

 

 

Tonight we are moored at Wallingford.



Tuesday: 4.5 miles, 4 locks
Wednesday: 17.5 miles, 5 locks