Our mooring last night in Godalming got interesting as I moved the boat out from under the tree, with its messy roosting pigeons, and found a wasp nest in the bank. Thankfully they were sleepy and didn’t seem to mind us, but we closed the windows that side.

We’ve been passing Alan in Eleanor, a 40’ Aintree Beetle, all this trip. So when he set off downstream to Guildford, joined him to halve the lock load. First up Cattersall lock and the narrow pass thru the Farncombe Boathouse boats.

Godalming is surrounded by Lamas Land, ancient river meadows. Excellent for dog walkers rather than grazing.

Then onto Guns Mouth, site of the junction with the disused Aran canal, and very low Broadford bridge

Going thru St Catherine’s lock we met up with NB Flat Bottom Girl. Owned by a lovely couple, they had given us a tour of this magnificent 60’ boat whilst moored in Guildford Meadows. A keen knitter she and Hazel had lots to talk about.

Saying goodbye to Alan we transited thru Millmead Lock, Guildford town centre, Dapdune Wharf and onto Ladymead for shopping. Not food but tissues and medicine, I’ve come down hard with a cold, again.

Dapdune Wharf is the centre of the National Trusts Wey Navigations, with lots of old buildings from its days of barge building. It also has a tea room, good idea let’s stop !

With me starting to wilt in the sun it was time to find a shady spot, under an ancient Oak tree just above Bowers lock was ideal

We had 3 hours rest without any boats, the 4 arrived from all directions ! Time to move, but not with the new hirers…..Giving them a hand thru, we soon caught up later on. Our usual spot by Send Church had a spot for overnight…phew.