The rain hammering gently on the cabin roof woke me today. It was forecast, thankfully, it had stopped by the time that we had finished our breakfast.
Being Saturday, one of Myra’s tasks was to buy a newspaper. This she did after we had locked up at Molesey lock, whilst I was filling the water tank. There was a lot of noise from two Canada geese just above the lock. Apparently, they are very keen to nest on the boat rollers next to the lock; the lockkeeper is doing his best to convince them that there are much safer places for them. At the moment, he is winning, only time will tell.
Having started out wearing a fleece, I soon put a jacket over the top. The breeze was quite chilly although the promised rain during the morning did not arrive.
We passed Port Hampton where MTBs and some MGBs were built during the war for the Admiralty; the boatshed and slip remain and look to be capable of use.
Through Sunbury lock and another friendly, cheerful lock keeper. On past the Environment Agency dock and wharf; there was a lot of interesting workboats and gear to grab your attention.
Next we could see some obvious novices in various rowing club boats; it was good to have a rowing coach approach us in his high speed launch and to warn us that being inexperienced, they might do something that we perhaps would not expect.
Good watercraft and courtesy on his part.
We passed under Walton Bridge which must be almost unique, being a Bailey bridge in constant use on a busy route. It became the standard military bridge in 1941; one of the requirements was that each component part had to be capable of being lifted by a six man party! We managed to get things right in those far off days.
Arriving at the Desborough cut, which was completed in 1935, we made the right turn into the original course of the Thames and moored on the island 24hr moorings.
The weather forecast promised heavy showers and strong winds, this mooring has excellent shelter.
We did a circular walk alongside the cut and back alongside the original course, stopping opposite Desborough sailing club to watch two Jack Holt designed sailing boats in the gusty conditions.
The Solo single hander was having an easier time with his 90 sq.ft. of sail area that the crew of the Enterprise with their 113sq.ft. That sail area was always interesting when it blew a bit. (For the non imperialists, the Solo is 8.36 sq. metres, Enterprise about 10.5 sq metres). They were both planing on the reaches and looking good.
Almost back at Martlet, we saw a pair of Egyptian geese with their 9 young.
The rain did not arrive, the wind was however, strong.
2009 Totals – Locks 106; Miles 115; Bus pass uses 2.
