The wind brings sunshine and showers, and a bit of a bonus…

Where we were moored yesterday was fairly well sheltered, tall trees on three sides making a good windbreak. In fact the rain wasn’t as bad as we’d been led to believe, at least not here.

It was bright and sunny as we left this morning at soon after 9 o’clock.

Leaving our mooring at Wargrave Marsh.
It’s a pleasant spot, no passing pedestrians, but the overgrown footpath is a bit dire. And TV is a iffy.

There are some smart properties along here, with Wargrave on one side and Lower Shiplake on the other.

Splendid chimneys


This one’s for sale…

You know what they say, if you have to ask the price you can’t afford it. But just in case…

Another “for sale” this time floating, and cheaper.
Still asking for £164,500, though!

The river is flowing a little faster after the rain, but not excessively so. We arrived at Shiplake Lock after about 20 minutes.

Shiplake Lock

We had this one to ourselves, then pulled on to the service wharf above the lock to deal with the essentials.

That done we pressed on, 2½ miles to Sonning.

Converted lifeboat Chiaris clearing Sonning Bridge

We had a short wait while a couple of boats came down, giving enough time for another two boats to turn up. We all fitted, just.

I wanted to do a bit of shopping at the riverside Tesco near the Kennet and Avon Canal junction, but it looked pretty busy along the bank when we arrived.

Tesco moorings

We tried, unsuccessfully, to get in just to the left, but then a boat pulled out further up so we made a bee-line for the vacant spot – just as the first of today’s heavy showers blew over.

Shopping done and lunch partaken of, we set off again and in the half mile to Caversham Lock the sky got darker and darker, finally letting go just as we got in.

Caversham Lock, just about to get very wet.

By the time we’d ascended the lock and got to Caversham Bridge the rain had stopped and the sun was out again.

Caversham Bridge

Less than a mile further on we pulled in, alongside the Reading Festival site. They’re setting up now, getting ready for the 22nd. It’s a huge event, with an impressive line-up this year. It’s been held every year since 1989.

Moored near Reading.

John Sage has been relocated onto the bike rack at the stern from the deck on the roof. Why?


Just along from where we were moored a tree was down, blocking the path. So I thought I’d do the EA a favour and remove it. Then another came down in yesterday’s wind, close enough this time for my electric chainsaw…

A good start for the winter fuel stores. I know, it’s a little early, but it’ll have a chance to dry out a bit. It’s all beech, too.

Locks 3, miles 8