Friday 31 August 2012

Watch out for snakes!




We left Godalming this morning and after filling the water tank came to Catteshall Lock where first time boaters were receiving lock training for their day out ...


... The member of Farncombe Boat staff now appears to be giving steering advice as the day boat leaves the lock, presumably she will escort the family up to Godalming, showing them how to wind (turn) and descend a lock too.  Very good training indeed.




We continued down the three locks and moored up just below the weir at St Catherine’s Lock ...






... a snug fit ...



... with the weir behind us, but hubby George didn’t feel too happy being there, thought the noise from the weir would disturb us ...















... so we moved from over there ...


  



... to over here on the off-side of the river just below the lock (there was a day boat moored here when we arrived) ...



... on Shalford Water Meadows.  Once settled we walked round the natural course of the River Wey shown on the map here ... 






... it was rather overgrown in places - lots of nettles ... 


... and some unusual plants - these are like the tiniest toadstools or mushrooms ...




... but best of all we saw ...





 ... a grass snake - it was at least two and a half feet long ...

 ... basking in the sun - we were so lucky to see him (and not to tread on him)
The view across the meadow as I sit here posting this blog ...

... from my new posh chair!!

3 comments:

  1. Hi Carol,
    These are great pics--especially of the snake! It appears all the sunshine that is to be had over England, is concentrated on teh southern waterways! YOu look quite comfy!
    Jaq :)

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  2. Smart snake and smart chair - it looks lovely down there. We haven't done it yet

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  3. Axiom boats together..........I should be there too, but am in Stoke Bruerne this evening on the way to Oxford Open Doors, but the long way round, as I have an Explorer Licence to use up. Have fun you guys. Will be coming down the Thames after next weekend, back to The Wey.

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