I can’t believe that it was a week ago that we left the marina. After an interesting first day, things settled down into a relaxing rhythm

The swing bridge at Theale is about halfway between the marina and the river Thames so we had a comfortable day’s cruising. Between locks, I was able to sit back and enjoy the beauty of the countryside as it slowly slid by. The sun beat down warmly without being too hot.

I was standing on the stern of Winedown with Ian as we passed under the M4 motorway. The vehicles overhead rushed passed and probably didn’t even notice that they were crossing a canal. I waved heartily but my greeting wasn’t returned. The heads of drivers and passengers alike didn’t even turn in our direction; they were absorbed in their own world. The worked out gravel pits that are now filled with wildlife brought a degree of serenity that was in total contrast to the busy M4.

All too soon, we were on the outskirts of Reading where the waterway, a river, is shallow, narrow and fast flowing. The section that flows through the Oracle shopping centre is controlled by traffic lights. After opening the lock gates at County Lock, Ian pressed the button on the traffic lights and they immediately turned green so we were able to continue, taking the tight bends easily as we wound through the Oracle and out of the other side. Just before Blake’s lock the canal split and we took the left hand (port side) turn to moor on the courtesy mooring at ‘Bel and the Dragon’ restaurant . It was here that we met daughter Jo and baby Hollie for dinner.  The convivial atmosphere, excellent food and friendly staff is a must for any discerning diner to sample. Tanya, David with grandson Daniel met us at the same point at lunchtime on Friday to spend a long weekend with us. 

We quickly stowed their baggage and in no time at all, we had cleared Blake’s lock and turned onto the Thames. Before we could sit back and relax, we had shopping to do so we moored up outside Tesco – very conveniently – and quickly filled our basket with the supplies we needed, anxious to be away as soon as possible.

Mooring just beyond Mapledurham lock, we relaxed on the front deck with sun-downers while we caught up on all the news before starting to cook dinner. The flocks of Canada geese honked loudly just to let us know that they would not be left out of the conversation. The beautiful mute swans glided alongside the boat expectantly waiting for a morsel of bread.

A leisurely start the following day saw us traverse the three miles and a lock before we moored at Beale Park. Daniel couldn’t wait to get his fishing rod out but to be honest, it was more like… Daddy spent the afternoon untangling fishing line than Daniel quietly fishing.  Every now and again, Daniel would disappear and on his return he would regale us with fisherman stories. The fishermen along the riverbank must have been thankful to see the back of us when it was time to call Daniel in for dinner.

Sunday and we had planned to spend the day in Beale Park. Ian locked up the boat and as we were about to set off the heavens opened and we ducked under the covers of the cratch. Thinking that the shower would only last a few moments, we were content to huddle together watching the sky.  Thunder crashed and lightning flashed and the rain pelted down. Half an hour later we were still huddled together wanting for the storm to pass.  Just as we were about to give up the idea of going to the park, the sun peeped out from behind the dark cloud. A few moments later it was as if there had never been a downpour – except the soggy grass underfoot. The sun shone brightly and warm and we scuttled off down the path towards the park entrance before the weather had a chance to change its mind. The Wildlife Park and gardens didn’t disappoint and we even had a chance to celebrate the summer holiday with a cream tea.

On Monday 6^th, Tanya and David left us to return to work( leaving Daniel to spend a week with Grandma and Granddad) but not before we had had a lovely lunch at Bel and the Dragon. Once we had waved them goodbye, we set off once again through Blake’s lock and headed towards Pangbourne where we moored for the night.