River Wey...... here we come.

Another spectacular dawn on the Thames.  Sometimes waking before 5.30am does have it's advantages even though I could have wished those Canada geese further with their awful racket as they flew overhead! 

 We set off well before 8am with the sun streaming down and only a light breeze. Our Thames license runs out today and we wanted to be on the River Wey by early afternoon. First lock was another Self Service, Old Windsor lock, but half way through the operation the Lock Keeper arrived and took over.

Loved the reflections of this bridge. We think it is the new Victoria bridge

Noticed a couple of unusual weather vanes on route.

We had gone through Bell Weir lock and as we exited Ian reminded me that the next lock Penton Hook was approaching. How could I possibly forget this lock! 3 years ago, and at roughly the same time in the year, I broke my wrist tripping over one of the bollards. If you would like to have a look at that post click here 

Approaching Penton Hook lock

I was amazed that 2 out of the 3 lock keepers remembered me. There was shouts from them begging me to stay on the boat. My accident is still the only one written in there incident book!

Last lock on the Thames for a while was Shepperton lock. A beautifully presented lock with an amazing display of flowers The lawns could have graced any bowling green and for two years in a row they won the best kept lock award.

We have now reached another first for us, The River Wey.  Both of us are really looking forward to the trip. I will leave you with a few photos as we enter the Wey.

Stop lock

Waiting area until the pound is flooded

Thames lock

Stop lock gate is closed ready for filling the pound

We must have risen by several feet.

Thankfully there is no need to purchase this windlass. We were loaned one for our week long stay.

And the best news for me is the carp swimming around by the weir. Fishing may be good on the Wey!

And finally:-

Hoverflies

Tiny caterpiller