A New Adventure

August 1st 2012

Narrowboat Winedown left the marina at Frouds Bridge shortly after 1:00pm. It doesn't matter how many times we leave the marina the feeling is always one of suppressed  excitement and today was no different. It was the start of a new adventure - our summer holiday.

I smoothly tucked the bow into the flow of the Kennet river at the mouth of  the marina, swung the tiller hard over and increased the engine speed. We cleared the 90 degree turn easily.

About 100yds up river from the marina entrance is the K & A canal; another 90 degree, blind turn. Taking the corner wide, I increases engine speed  and swung the tiller over again to swing the stern around the corner. Ian immediately started to gesticulate and I realised that a boat was coming around the blind corner. I pulled hard of the gear leaver to select reverse, and increased engine speed again. The heavy, old, Lister engine throbbed happily in response; it loves hard work, but I wasn't thinking of that as the 60ft narrowboat slowed. I saw the bow of the other boat and it too was slowing but neither boat slowed enough. The two button fenders attached to each bow kissed lightly and gently bounced each boat back. I continued to reverse back down stream and let the other boat pass. In all the time we have been in Frouds Bridge Marina, we have never met another boat on that corner - Oh well, first for everything.

We continued without further incident towards Aldermaston lock, the sun putting in an appearance and warming our backs. At the lock, we passed a hire boat that was just setting off. The people exchanged greetings and commented on the sunshine. When the English summer puts in an appearance, it's spectacular, nothing can beat it.

We were heading for Theale in no particular hurry. Along the way we passed narrowboat Aquarius moored on the side of the canal, and later saw that they were following us. At Sulhamstead Lock, I noticed that Aquarius was a short way behind so we waited at the lock for them to catch up and share the lock. Just as well we did.

Leaving the lock, they called out cheerfully 'See you at the next one,' to which Ian replied,
'We will be mooring near Theale swingbridge for the evening. We will wave as you go by.' Famous last words...
The mooring at Theale bridge was very busy so we headed for a space that would just accommodate our 60 ft length. The current on this part of the canalised river was flowing strongly and struck the stern forcing it broadside across the canal  and in no time at all we found ourselves jammed sideways across the cut. A couple on narrowboat  'Cats Whiskers' were just mooring up and ran to help us as we struggled to regain control of our boat. Roger grabbed our bow rope while his wife hauled on the centre rope but to no avail. Roger grabbed his bargepole and nimbly traversed the gunwhale of Winedown  to help Ian free the stern while I went to help Christine with the centre rope. I noticed the cap she wore had 'First Mate' embroidered on its crown and thought how she had unselfishly  become our first mate.

We all struggled to no avail and at that point, narrowboat Aquarius rounded the bend, saw our predicament and pulled into the bank of the canal to lend a hand. As we all tugged and pulled, prodded and pushed against the barge poles, a pair of young cyclists rode up. 'Need a hand?' the young man asked me, leaping off his bike and grabbing the centre line that I was struggling with . 'Yes please.' His friend ditched his bike and grabbed the rope as well.  All in all, it took us a good 20 mins to get the boat under control and securely moored at Theale swing bridge. A huge THANK YOU to all for your help.