A eureka moment

 Having slept well in spite of worrying about the bridge, both of us were up fairly early and while I started breakfast, Ian remove my plant boxes, TV aerial, top box solar panel and the top box covers  with the hope of reducing as much height as possible. By 8am we were ready for the off. First though we had to wind! We debated whether the river was wide enough by our mooring on the meadow but having watched a hire boat make a complete arse of himself by getting stuck just a few yards further on, thought better of it. Only place left was the weir stream above the lock. We waited for a boat to pass and go into the lock before attempting the maneuver. The pointy end went in fine but when Ian tried reversing to swing the front end round we found the pull on the bow from the weir a tad strong. In the end poling the front round seemed the only option. Eventually we made it and very pleased was I that the gongoozlers were nowhere to be seen! Next stop St Cathrine's lock and then the dreaded Broadford Bridge! Now I can safely say we had that eureka moment when the highest point of the boat, being the horn, went through with an inch to spare.

River was a bit higher today with all the rain we had over night.

Slowly does it.

Didnt think the horn would fit but cleared the board by an inch.

We celebrated with a cup of tea and slice of my banana cake and went merrily onwards to Godalming. The start of the Wey and Arun was soon upon us so photos had to be taken.

Start of the Wey & Arun

Jade waiting patiently at Unstead lock

She looks so sad.

On reaching Godalming not a mooring to be had. To wind was a little difficult as the trip boat was on its moorings and with the wind blowing against us Ian had to jump off at the front and virtually pull the boat round. We stopped on the services and with a very quick shop in Sainsbury while Ian emptied loo and watered up, we set off back to Guildford. This time the bridge held no fear and now that we were going with the flow, made good time. We did stop briefly at Dapdune Wharf visitor center to have a wander round but within an hour we got underway once more to find a more rural spot. Certainly been a day to remember at Broadford Bridge and one I'm so glad we attempted. We so nearly chickened out!

Godalming Facilities. To wind you need to aim for just left of the small gate.... by the red building.

Reliance the original Wey Barge.

 An array of wooden sculptures aligned the towpath at Woodbridge meadow (Near to Dapdune visitor center) plus this fabulous train marking the height gauge of a car park.

Looks like a person laying down.

Dragonfly

Wooden boat

This notice was by Cattershall lock on the hire company wall! 

And finally:-

Large Skipper butterfly

Type of grasshopper. No bigger then a matchstick head.