The forecast strong winds were already in full force by the time we were ready to depart. Nevertheless, it was a bright sunny day making everything look cheerful!
The wind did not make too much difficulty along the Wey navigation - actually most of the remaining section is an artificial cut, up as far as Town Lock.
West Hall retirement home we noted on the way up last week but it still looks incongruous with the ultra modern structures alongside the old hall. Strong fences and thick shrubs suggest that they want to keep river folk at bay. The pictures on the web site of the accommodation inside look rather splendid!
Our plans to go up the Basingstoke were finally abandoned as we sailed past the start at Woodham Junction.
Immediately afterwards we went under the huge M25 viaduct. Some of the graffiti must have taken some effort and not a little skill to create.
As we approached New Haw Lock a small cruiser came up behind us and shared the lock. They were not over talkative. Christine popped to the nearby shops for a newspaper whilst Mike operated the lock. Although Christine returned almost as soon as the lock was empty, we let the cruiser go ahead, but it was not a long section to Coxes Lock.
We were more than a little surprised to see the boat ahead shutting the top gates just as we were approaching and they made no attempt to let us in. Conversation was even less on the agenda! Coxes Mill did, however, look very splendid against the bright blue sky.
We successfully emerged from the narrow entrance to Town Lock and then avoided the pile driving work boats close to the new road bridge.
At Thames Lock, the end of the Wey Navigation, we bade farewell to Mandy, the friendly and helpful lock keeper (her husband was also helping today as their small child was being looked after by grandmother!). There was just enough water over the cill so that she did not have to operate the pound lock for us.
By now the wind was rather strong so we stopped on the moorings below Shepperton Lock at the junction and had an extended lunch break. The forecast suggested that the wind speed would reduce by mid afternoon and by 3.30 we felt that it was safe enough to give it a go. If it proved too difficult there were several good moorings we had noted on the way up but our aim was to reach Hampton Court for the night.
As we waited, Christine spotted the sign on a bench just outside the boat and insisted that an appropriate photo be taken! Just in case you cannot read it, a close up . . .
Mostly the wind was coming from behind us, adding to the good speed we were making down river. Occasionally a more exposed stretch led to gusts being quite feisty - once or twice the boat had a distinct heel over to starboard!
The first experience was as we came out of the more sheltered Desborough Cut into the wide expanse at Walton bridge.
But steering was not especially difficult and at the two locks the landing were on the down wind side making the approach easier.
Hampton Ferry and Church are shortly before the second lock. At this point some very dark clouds arrived and it seemed that we would have a sharp shower before they passed. However, apart from a few drops it remained dry and once the clouds had passed over bright skies returned for the evening.
Almost choppy on the landing above Molesley Lock. As we waited for the lock to fill we took advantage of the sani station alongside.
As we waited for the lock to empty, Christine managed to take a photo of a pretend
paddle steamer as it arrived at the landing stage just below the adjacent road bridge - and then it turned to go back downstream again.
The approach to the moorings at Hampton Court was not easy. There was plenty of space and Mike made for the first part of the landing but came in at too sharp an angle and the speed of the water dragged the boat too close to the small cruiser moored just below.
So, he backed off to make a fresh approach but as he did so a trip boat came upstream at full tilt, not looking as if it intended to allow for our manoeuvre! Hence we had to come in a bit sooner than was optimum. Although we did come alongside where intended to, the bow did bump a little harder than we should have done! Still, we are here now.
As dusk gathered, Christine took a walk along the towpath to see the gates and fence being restored - a before and after shot.
The clear sky meant that we had a good sunset.
10.6 miles - 7 locks
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