Bye bye bilge water

Had a good night's sleep at our field side mooring and managed to cast off and turn the boat to carry on towards Reading.

We are now in the land of the real boats. Le Boat seems to be very popular (and, quite often, very big).

Just a little des res on the riverside

This is Brunel's skewed brick arched railway bridge. I must admit that it is an amazing piece of engineering.

As we head towards Goring the river gets prettier and prettier.

Ah now, this bridge brings back memories of times past when I was but a young man. Brigid and I had been to a wedding reception and on our way to our hotel we drove across this bridge, I, in my merry state, not realising it was a toll bridge. I just thought someone had left a gate half open, so I drove round it. Luckily, friends were following and they paid the 6d for us.

Another country pad for the weekend getaways.

They just keep coming and coming.

Entering Reading after 6 hours travelling today. One or two stops at locks and a chandlers but apart from that, on our feet all day.

But now, we've arrived at the entrance to the K&A (Kennet & Avon).

It looks like the captain is steering a ship but in fact she's opening the gate paddle.

A little effort and the gates open.

Moored for the night near Reading Jail. Keep your fingers crossed for a quiet night. We realise that we don't like mooring in town centres too much but after 7 hours travelling, enough is enough.

Whoops, nearly forgot! Bought an electric pump at the chandlers and it's great. Sucked the water out of the bilges in no time at all. It will also pump diesel, petrol, etc. Going to be very useful indeed.