Running the Kennet- sticking swing bridges, ship-jumping chimneys, sunshine, showers and all

Thursday, 04 September 2008 14:24

Well actually, boating the Kennet - the canalised bits of the River Kennet. As you can see from the title we have had a fun day Here follows the saga!

Moving through Newbury was a doddle as the River Kennet was still in a quiet mood so we did not have to surf through Town Bridge!

On the new Victoria Park road bridge I spotted Newbury Town Crest.


I think we will adopt it as it has a very apt motto - Moving Forward Together. That is our plan, with the occasional reverse as necessary!

We stopped at Greenham Island for water - £1, but cheap for a quiet mind regarding water availability as the next water point is Aldermaston. Memories of leaving Silver Swan here in 1999 after our holiday on the K & A and the Thames.

Greenham lock (86) is the first of the metal sided locks, not very nice if you bash the boat. We of course NEVER do that

Ham lock (87) is very pretty. Ham Mill straddles the river and the sluice, the cut swings to the right into the lock.
Here we met a boat coming up who had a story to tell. The canal below the lock and also Bulls lock (88) had been drained by vandals last night. They were below Bulls lock and had to wait for BW to sort things out, as did 3 boats going down. BW even had a diver out to check the lock etc. The boaters warned us of a possible delay and a low pound below 88 with an obstruction just below the water.

There must be something about the area as we had fun here too. Here comes the story referred to in the title!

Firstly, we put the bows into the bank for Bulls swing bridge (48) and I waved to BW as they left crossing the bridge. Could I open the bridge? No way so John prepared to get off on the towpath side. As I got on and he got off the chimney rolled off the roof and I just missed catching it as I watched it sink from sight. John tried to retrieve it - the water nearly up to his arm pit, then the boat hook and finally our salvation - the sea searcher magnet retrieved the chimney, chinese hat still attached.

Then superman opened the bridge! Bulls lock had to be easier! It was, until John opened the gate and we could see a BW dredger approaching the lock, making for the lock landing. Hold on - we need the landing first. I have to say that their reactions were a wee bit slow. They ended up across the canal, aground with me just about able to pick John up. He then had to manoeuver around their ineptness and as a finale we heard our prop catch the underwater obstruction. Oh boy, fortunately no damage.

No photos either as we were both so busy!

After that it was plain sailing in and out of sunshine and showers, a couple monsoon like ones. I lost count of how many times I took off my wet gear and then put it back on again today.

After one more swing bridge that crosses the so called Long Cut we arrived at possibly one of the more famous lock on the K & A. Monkey Marsh lock (90). One of only two remaining examples of a turf sided lock, now listed as an ancient monument by English Heritage.

>>> View Next Post		View Previous Post <<<