'Tis time for a change ......

We are off to complete the Kennet and Avon Canal/River Kennet Navigation .....

Kennet Mouth

Eventually we will arrive here at Kennet Mouth

Southcote Lock was our first stop ......

Below are a couple of well kept footbridges, over the river and over the weir stream. However we had Fobney Lock to do too -

weir reflection

Weir above Fobney Lock

The flow from the pumping station at Fobney has not abated! Apparently, John informs me, once past it, it is easy to get into to the lock landing for crew pick-up.

Below Fobney Lock

Water flow from pumping station and lock landing

Foudry Brook leaves to the right - it flows from Silchester and Tadley and has had some serious pollution incidents. It is also prone to flooding but water voles are prevalent and this has prevented flood defences being improved. It looked very pretty today, despite flowing alongside the busy A33.

Foundry Brook

Foudry Brook

We wound our way through the outskirts of Reading, a not unpleasant approach past gardens one side and light industry the other. Arriving above County Lock, boaters are instructed to wait below the Inner Distribution Road bridge (4) whilst the crew prepares County Lock. However when I walked to the lock the lock landing was not connected to the towpath. Maybe it is an anti-vandal precaution!

Broken lock landing

County Lock upper lock landing

I could have walked along the towpath and crossed onto the lock side that way, but John called and I walked back. got on at the front end and when John brought Epiphany into the jaws (avoiding the overhanging willow and being drawn to the off side by the flow) I got off to open the heavy double gate paddles. As it is only a shallow lock, it did not take long to fill.

Waiting at County Lock

Waiting above County Lock

Once through the lock the next section is controlled by traffic lights because there is usually a very fast flow through The Oracle section and not really enough room to manoeuvre to pass another narrowboat. We love this section - our first passage through was not long after it first opened. I think you either like it or loathe it.

Entering The Oracle

Entering The Oracle channel

So here we go .......

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