A lock, a swing bridge, a lock, a swing bridge ...

The sun was still a little bit hazy ...

 ... as George went to set the first lock of the day as we left our mooring at Woolhampton yesterday morning just after 10.

Just below the lock is a swing bridge which carries a busy road and between the lock and bridge and just beyond there can be very strong currents (see Woolhampton).  Fortunately we weren't picking up crew at that point (they were walking) so it was foot down throttle in and through it - and it was quite fierce!

 The fallen trees still restrict the channel by 50% but it's still just passable

 Rock n Roll continues to be accompanied by tug Sirius as John takes her out of Aldermaston Lock where we need to stop to fill the water tanks

 I wonder which letter was originally between the 'a' and the 's' on this notice?

 A row of pretty houses between Aldermaston Lock and ...

... swing bridge where once through we pass ...

 ... lots of moored boats, some private and some hired ...

... and that boat in the middle of the picture looks suspiciously like Waiouru waiting patiently to be restored to her former beauty.

After Padworth Lock and Swing Bridge and Ufton Lock and Swing Bridge and Tyle Mill and Swing Bridge and Sullhampton Swing Bridge and Lock (for a bit of a change) we moored for the night just above Theale Swing Bridge and Sheffield Lock!

 Early morning sun on a horse chestnut tree across from our mooring at 8am this morning ...

 ... the leaves just above the water are starting to change colour making pretty patterns on each one ...

 ... and the mist is just starting to lift.

 We can see a huge expanse of water from the top of ...

 ... Garston Turf Lock which is a grade II listed building

 3 miles and 2 locks later we reach our destination for the weekend above Fobney Lock ...

 ... were a wild meadow is being created by the towpath ...

... which will have a stream running though it to encourage wild life.

We have said cheerio to John and Kathy on Sirius as they are continuing on through Reading today, but if they are only cruising slowly up the Thames we may well catch up with them next week!

In the meantime we hope to meet up with our nephew Steve and family on Sunday for a (nother) BBQ.