With good weather forecast we thought we’d push onto Windsor today. Even going thru Marlow Lock at 8:30 it felt rather warm. We shared the lock with another Sea Otter, Locks Ride

Prime Thyme with Locks Ride in the background

Locks Ride were heading to their home mooring at Penton Hook, a long day with numerous locks so I waved him on. On both days our alternator has failed we’d put in 6 hours in hot weather. By now it felt in the high 20’s and I could feel my feet burning on the hot engine deckboards…….time for a re think. After utilising the services at Cookham the allure of a shady stop in Cliveden Reach could not be thwarted.

Rather than be marooned on Gulls Island as usual we elected for a shore bank one. This allowed us to walk up to Cliveden House and Gardens. It was considerably longer and steeper than expected, so a cool drink and early lunch was first. With the temperature in the low 30’s now we had a short stroll around before the long walk back, at least this time it was downhill.

We’ve pulled our chairs out to sit on the shady riverbank, it’s still over 30 in the boat ! Tomorrow we will try for Windsor again, the forecast is for much cooler weather.