And yet another crew member trying it on!

The chap, (farmer/bailiff/mooring officer call him what you will) arrived to collect his money ....very late yesterday evening so no free night then. Never mind, it's lovely to moor on this meadow so don't begrudge paying the £7 for the privilege.

Had a fabulous sunset and the Egyptian geese came to roost (do they roost?) right by FS's bow.

This morning the first lock was Hambledon. Another side fill but his time the lock keeper was ever so gentle in bringing us up.

Here we gained another freeloader in the form of a duck. Having disliked the force of water coming in she took off to land on FS's roof!

Going through Henley no boats to interfere with our cruise other than two men in a rowing boat each playing tennis!

 But on the approach to Sonning lock, it was a game of dodgems with all and sundry.

Trying to find a mooring at Tesco in Reading was impossible. We still gave it a go though as you never know someone may have moved! In the end, we winded and moored on a stretch just before the K&A canal. A tad difficult as only the bow made contact with the shore. FS's arse-end sticks out by at least 4 foot!

Tesco moorings

 Walked to Tesco from our mooring, not too far really but with a full trolly as well as a backpack, heavy going on the way back.

One other bit of good news. Anglo Welsh at Haywood (Carl who we know very well as our other boat Merlin is in the fleet) has managed to source a head casket set with bolts and mountings at trade price. Still, nearly £200 but cheaper than we can get anywhere else...and boy did we try to find cheaper! So now when we pass their yard at Eynsham it will be ready and waiting for us, as well as the bill!

And seen on route,

Henley

Oh to be rich!

And wildlife,

Rubbish photo but fish looked to bif for it to swallow.

I was wrong.