A hitch hiker to Pangbourne

Thursday, 30 June 2011 18:26

After our adventures at Beale Park and more socialising it was time to move again. We were off downstream to Pangbourne.

The River Thames at Pangbourne, looking downstream

It was not quite goodbye to our friends though .......

We had a hitch hiker aboard!

John and Geoff at the back of Epiphany

Our previous mooring (blog at the beginning of May) by South Island looked inviting - no vegetation to cut down and ready and waiting for another boat!

South Island mooring

What a glorious morning - the sun was in the sky, fluffy clouds but the hint of wispy clouds that might portend rain eventually. However, I sat in the bows - letting the men have "men time"!

It was only a short cruise down to Pangbourne and only one lock to negotiate. There were plenty of craft coming upstream but we seemed to be the only one going our way. As we reached a familiar sight, I knew that Whitchurch Lock was just around the corner.

The River and the Seven Deadly Sins of Pangbourne (see this blog)

They all looked so immaculate in the sunshine: well tended gardens, roses blooming and fine green lawns on the river side of the road, with a few boats moored on the private pontoons. How the other half lives! I wondered if this painter had a contract for the lot!

Painter on one of the villas

Whitchurch Lock, beside its large weir, was open and waiting for us. The Lock Keeper was on his mobile phone - I think he was the relief keeper as it was not the same one as before. At least I got a wave from him, as he chatted to whomsoever.

Whitchurch Lock

Below the lock, at the end of the cut, through Whitchurch Toll Bridge ( I have told you all about this before here and here), I could see the moorings on Pangbourne Meadow. Maybe there were some free?

Whitchurch Toll Bridge and moorings

I snapped a quick photo of the bridge repairs, straight into the sun, hoping that it would come out - it did.

We turned into the stream and found a mooring just above the one we used last time - our stern stuck out but at least it was easy to get on at the bows.

Moored at Pangbourne Meadow.

As this is National Trust Property we wondered (if and when they begin to charge here) if members will be able to moor for free - they should be able to, as the NT does not charge members in its car parks.

National Trust notice

We said goodbye to Geoff - not before he had sized up the mooring for Petroc tomorrow. We will reserve it for them by staying until they arrive! It was time to do a little shopping and some more exploring before lunch ......

River Thames, Beale Park North Island to Pangbourne Meadow
0 hours 55 minutes, 2.21 miles, 1 lock

PS. As I fiinsh this blog (at about 7.30pm) someone from Pangbourne Parish Council has just walked down the Meadow - taking note of the boats moored here. So be warned, you might be asked to move after 24 hours as per the only notice (facing away from the river!) at the upstream end of the moorings.