Three Visitors

The task for the morning was to collect a couple of grand daughters - except that we had a phone call to ask if we could take a third! The predicted journey time was just about an hour - but that did not take full account of the delays. The main hold up was on the North Orbital road down to the A40 where we had to queue for almost three miles, all because the A40 is being dug up to be repaired and is down to a single lane out of three where we joined it.

The M25 and M4 were quite free flowing so we thought the problems were behind us until we came off the motorway and found a long queue on the dual carriageway into Windsor. In the end we were not noticeably late as we had given ourselves quite a good margin for error!

After inspecting the latest home improvements and a welcome mug of coffee we loaded Ellie, Alice and Jess, together with luggage for a week not just overnight! On the M4 we were glad not to be going the other way as an accident was causing tailbacks for many miles but we were able to keep going and were back at the boat in good time.

By now it was definitely lunchtime so it was a variety of sandwiches and snacks to suit every taste!

Now we could leave and Ellie and Jess set off with Christine to set the first lock, leaving Mike to manipulate the boat off the shallow bank where we had moored overnight - the water level varies quite noticeably.

Apart from a brief shower, it was bright and sunny as we rose up through a succession of locks and bridges. First the next stretch, all three girls huddled around the iPad to play various games.

Later, while Alice and Jess settled down to watch a DVD, Ellie practised her steering skills - very much more aware of what it involves. She successfully navigated several bridges including the well-known Grove Park Bridge.

The Grove Bridge

The last few locks saw Ellie taking charge of the lock with either Mike or Christine steering into the lock. As a result we made good time and were able to moor up above North Grove Lock. With several roads, a motorway and a railway line close by, it was not the quietest of moorings but at least we could come alongside (just) and have a line of sight to the satellite for a tv signal!

Time now for a roast dinner!

3.9 miles - 8 locks