It’s officially a scorcher !

It’s definitely hot, we are shady tree hopping our way back to Pyrford. Walsham Gates had a perfect spot for morning tea, which turned into lunch then afternoon tea !

We made it as far as the pub opposite our Marina entrance. Since there is shade here and not in the Marina, nothing to do with cold cider, we will stop here tonight. Tomorrow will be a quick clean job after mooring and then a limo ride to Rivera at Southampton.

After a very pleasant evening moored at Guildford Meadows we decided to head upstream as far as Catherine’s Lock before it got too hot. Guildford was initially sited on a river crossing where the Pilgrams Way crossed the River Wey. The exact spot is marked by a band of golden sand on the banks and a plaque to mark the many drownings.

The River was peaceful this morning with some lovely reflections.

Turning around we passed our mooring spot and headed through Guildford lock. The old Town wharf has a great boatsman sculpture.

After toping up with water at Dapdune we met up with Victoria and her crew, who we’d done some locks with yesterday. Our little convoy went through 3 more locks, sharing the work makes life a lot easier, especially when they’ve got good boat skills.

My sleepy little birth town of Woking has undergone a major transformation with numerous high rise buildings on the go. A cooling drink at the New Inn at Send sees us moored for the night at a favourite spot, High Bridge near Send. We are waiting for the the afternoon to cool down, it’s been over 30 today! Tomorrow we will return to the Marina and fit a visit into Wisley Gardens before packing for our big ship cruise.

Thankfully we both got some sleep last night, and after adjusting to our commodious bathroom arrangements, set off. At first it started out well, but then every lock was set against us, we had to share with some inexperienced hirers and got squashed, and it’s too hot ! I was steering under an umbrella to keep from burning when I noticed the engine note changed, oh no……..not a lot of water coming out from the exhaust? As we are raw water cooled and silenced it needs a continuous supply of water, so out with the old coat hanger and prod around under the waterline. Start the engine, all ok now, must have been some weed blocking the intake, still took an hour to fix though. By then numerous boats had overtaken us, slowing us through the locks even more, especially when Angel Blue appeared, all 65′ wide beam taking up the whole river. No lock sharing with her, and friendly girls who said size does matter looking T42’s 27′!

Pushing on we pair up with some experienced crew, bliss, we wizz through the next 3 locks and call in to Dapdune Wharf to empty the black water and top up the fresh. Then onto Marks and Spencer’s at Guildford for some groceries. Being Sunday my favourite watch shop will be closed, but I’ll go and look through the window…..some days you are lucky….they are open and haven’t sold the piece I was looking for!

Then onto Guildford Meadows to try and find a shady mooring, after going through Millmead Lock and all it’s gongoozlers. Success, it’s been a long day but satisfying, all problems fixed and objectives met.

Following up from our last blog…..

We used the air conditioned Hop On Hop Off bus to get to the National Botanic Gardens which have stunning displays of orchids.

However an hour later we had melted, so collected our luggage and retreated to the Qantas Lounge at Changi. The showers were heaven, but it was a long wait for our midnight flight. There was heavy turbulence flying out, something I don’t appreciate, but the super attentive crew looked after us well. We arrived just after 6am, a 13 hour flight, and Heathrow was filling up. Kendall cars picked us up and we were driving to the Marina by 8am ! A quick pit stop for food and we were reunited with T42, in body but not mind. Sleep deprivation made everything difficult, so we forgo Wisley Gardens today and are currently moored at Walsham Gates. The weather seems to be following us, with a predicted high of 30 degrees later on ! Dongle and UK phone activated meant time for a quick blog before crashing. Good Night

After a superb meal last evening, and a better nights sleep, we managed a fairly early rise to sally forth once more. Gardens by the bay again, but this time by an audio tour in an oversized golf buggy. Got to see a few more areas and learn a little about the history of this amazing place. We then walked to a few highlights for closer viewing.

“Jane” next to a topiary King Kong. By now the heat was intense, so we retreated to a cooler food court and a salted caramel waffle, Yum !

Then onto the hotel for this blog, shower and late check out. We don’t fly out till midnight so might try the hop on/hop off bus, or hop on/stay on if it gets any hotter. I’ve loved my time here, but it’s time to fly, see you in England.

After a slightly warm night, the aircon doesn’t seem to want to go below 23, and brekky, we set off for the gardens. Direct access from the hotel also provided stunning views looking back.

It was starting to warm up so we bought a multi ticket and went straight into the flower dome. A huge cooled glasshouse with a lot of familiar Mediterranean plants. However the main feature at ground level was an orchid extravaganza, with a stunning range. I’m not so certain about some of the “sculpture”, and it’s the first glasshouse I’ve been in with muzac playing full belt !

Next up was Cloud Display dome. This is AMAZING, from the 5 storey waterfall to the overall planting. Basically you go up 7 storeys by a lift and make your back down by a series of suspended walkways and internal escalators around “mountain”. The textures and range of foliage varies with the “height”. Some great carnivorous plants, not sure about the LEGO ones, and stunning orchids again.

By now the legs were starting to tire, so Satay by the bay for an early lunch. A timed entry for Floral Fantasy saw the last of the biomes. More flower arranger than greenhouse, it nevertheless showcased a variety of plants, water and poisonous tree frogs!.

A final walk thru the Supertree Grove, then back to the hotel to cool down before this evenings foray. Overall very impressive and well worthwhile visiting.

It was cold and windy in Melbourne this morning, tonight it’s 30 degrees in Singapore, even on the 57th floor having a cocktail, or if you want a swim in the infinity pool.

Our room has a superb view of the gardens by the bay, with the light show starting just after we checked in. Thousands of tourists still around, all intent on getting the perfect selfie……time to crash.

Lots of snow on the mountains as we departed Launceston this morning. We are having a quick overnight stop in Melbourne, in case of the dreaded fog delays so prevalent at this time of year in Lonnie. After a look around the DFO whilst waiting for our room, and some obligatory watch trading, we are retiring for tomorrow’s travels. It should see a slightly bigger plane, a double decker Jumbo to Singapore and warmer climes !

With snow on our local mountains it’s time to head for the sun, and the UK ! This year our adventures in big boats will see some European ports, a return to Scandinavia, plus the Faroe Isles and Iceland.

Meanwhile on T42 we will be cruising the ever popular River Wey, as well as the Leceistershire Ring. This involves 101 locks, bit of a rest for H after last years 189 ! and 5 tunnels. However we will traversing the mighty Foxton Locks, involving a triple set of 5 staircase locks, tricky stuff managing the right water levels. Luckily Lazy Otter will be accompanying us in our travels, once we’ve been trailed to Calcutt Marina.

I’ve also managed to schedule a return visit to the Goodwood Revival, entailing much activity by H in the sewing room. Stand by for all new outfits ! Blogging will commence in a week, barring any hiccup’s with data card and dongle. Cheers Tasotter

Well it’s been a fabulous trip, new places explored, another Sea Otter Rally done and T42 hasn’t let us down on our travels. As Douglas Adams almost said “so long and thanks for all the……bread”