Public mode for a reason!

It's always nice to be ahead of schedule but there's ahead and there's a long way ahead! Runnymede to Teddington is but a mere 19 miles and 6 locks and we still have 5 days in which to do it in. Our minds made up last night, we would go back to Dorney.

Having already done that stretch of the Thames I didn't think there would be much to say about the journey, but I was wrong. Okay, there would be a different viewpoint and apart from putting on a few photos of the bottom of locks instead of the top, not much else to photograph.

What was I saying about lock keepers manning the locks because of half term? Three to do and only Boveney lock manned. Old Windsor lock had a narrowboat exiting so I took FS in without using the landing stage and once in, Ian climbed the steps. Took no time at all because pushing the buttons to start the hydraulics worked a treat. On 'public mode' for boaters safety it does take longer but at least the boat isn't thrown all over the place.

Got to Romney lock and that was a different matter. This lock was a right pig. No lock keeper on meant no hydraulics!! Instead, it has to be all done by turning a wheel.  A boat was descending and it was obvious that this poor chap was exhausted! That bloody wheel with its hundreds of turns just to get those huge gates open, and then to get them closed and paddles dropped, took a hell of a toll on his stamina. We turned up and Ian went to give him a hand, much to his relief. Then it was our turn and this time on our own. I climbed the steps after FS had been secured and between Ian and myself taking turns turning this damned wheel,  watched as the gates closed inches at a time. We got the gate almost shut when a cruiser turned up! So those blooming awful heavy gates had to be opened again by turning that god awful wheel...again!! By now we had been at it for 30 minutes! Suddenly things looked up as the chap on the cruiser produced an override key which enabled the hydraulic mechanism to start up.  He was not a lock keeper and by rights should not have had access to the electric box at the back of the hut. In a way, and as difficult as it had been, I wish we had continued by hand because no sooner had Ian got hold of FS's bow rope, and me on the stern rope he pushed the button to raise those paddles without a moments thought to regulate the flow. Well, the surge nearly took me, Ian and FS across the lock. The chap then had the audacity to ask if I was okay. Told him "no I was not and you should have raised the paddles slowly". His reply...Well, at least I got you up quicker!!!!

Hanging on for dear life!

Call me a snitch but I did mention the incident to the lock keeper at Boveney Lock. Personally, I think that chap a liability and should have it confiscated!

Eton college rowing centre at Dorney was where we stopped and in the nick of time. A massive downpour lasting about 5 minutes drenched the back cabin engine room. In our haste to get in, we had left it open!

Tomorrow we go back again, past Runnymede and towards Stains. I do hope Romney lock is manned this time as turning that B of a wheel.....!

On the journey,

Whats that speeding toward me on the right?

Blooming great trip boat!

Union Jack flying over Windsor Castle means the Queen is not in residence.

Crikey a levitating boat.

And seen on route,

Watch out, lawn mower about.

Dry the front and..

don't forget the back.