Well honestly, yesterday morning it was rain that woke me up; today I managed all by myself and was pleased to see sunlight reflected on the cabin roof. The was no sign of any clouds whatsoever. Breakfast was taken and we decided to head for Windsor, the forecast was not quite so good for Monday.
We arrived at Shepperton lock before the lockkeeper and were able to check on the out of hours self operation arrangement. It was really simple to understand; a marked contast from BW's numerous differing schemes. No key required, a lot of the problems that we have experienced with BW schemes have been key related.
Leaving the lock, there was a Humber Keel in full sailing order tied up with two Dutch barges, it is good to see them in use; they are a lot of work to keep them in that condition.
More cheerful lockkeepers, with the well known and well documented exception close to the M25, I will not name him or his lock.
Passing Laleham, I always have a good look at the boatyard of Mike Dennett; some nice shaped boats ouside, with another out of the water on the ways. Not quite as many Dutch barges as last time approaching Staines.
We passed Runnymede as a Dragon boat being paddled for all the crew were worth coame towards us. Not a smile or grimace amongst them - miserable lot. We made our way to Old Windsor lock, we penned up and then stopped for lunch further up in the lock cut.
We were passed by a small outboard powered cruiser at Windsor Great Park. We saw him again as he had prepared Romney lock as it was during the keeper's lunchtime; we followed him in and Myra closed the lower gates and sluices.
We moored by the bridge and went into the town where we bought some food and had a free sample of fudge, it was lovely, but a bit pricey.
We will have another wander tomorrow, weather permitting.
2009 Totals – Locks 112; Miles 129; Bus pass uses 2.
