We had no mobile signal last night, so sorry no blog yesterday !

Yesterday was an easy day, with all the batteries and devices charged up overnight. We did 3 locks and then called into Cartbridge Marina to look at a possible new berthing spot. As we now have mobile mechanics looking after PT there is less incentive to stay at Pyrford. The bathrooms are a lot cleaner, it has a slipway and the washer/dryer is a real bonus for us. Close by is the ever popular New Inn at Send, who provided lunch…….Scampi and half a pint of cider ! It was cool as well, so after a bit more cruising to Worsfold Gates we managed a bit of maintenance. The touch up paint I bought from Australia was a perfect match, I also re vanished the interior of the rear doors and Hazel ‘Mr Sheen’d” the interior.

This morning was cool and still as well, with some beautiful reflections in the water, captured by Hazel and her camera.

After lunch in Guildford it was going to be an easy 2 lock run to Guns Mouth where we were going to catch up with our friend Penny. Farncombe Boat Hire had different ideas though….on arriving at Millmead lock a 70’ hire boat was wedged across the weir with a Day hire boat pulling it off. Fortunately they knew what they were doing, but it took a bit of cajoling to get them both in the lock, which Hazel and I helped with. I managed to get the day boat out, Prime Thyme in, then the 70’ out….I didn’t really want that boat trying to use the lock landing whilst PT was on it. He would weigh over 20 tons, and could put a serious dent in ours being handled by an inexperienced helmsman.

When we got to Catherine’s Lock another Day hire boat wanted to turn around in the narrow river, with no room to spare. I talked him into going thru the lock, turning in the weir stream and joining us going back thru the lock. I joined him on the boat to talk him thru but was asked if I could turn her, no problem and we were soon thru. It was a birthday cruise for an 89 year old, who was fast asleep in the cabin, on leaving we received 2 pieces of lemon cake, yum 😁 They passed us once we tied up, the old boy helming her and just getting around a bend in the river without getting stuck on the bank ! Well done sir ! I hope I can still go boating at 89 😳

Penny found our mooring later on, so a celebratory G and T was had, till we cruise again. She has certainly helped with this long distance boating 👍, and offered to move PT if we change Marina. Marks and Spencer’s salmon fillets expertly cooked by Hazel finished a full day.