Summer 2013 - Upriver

We've been able to spend some time using Misterton this year, which has been great. Lines were cast off in early August and we headed upstream, although not too far on day one, as we only got to the Runnymeade park. Past Windsor was the result of day two and on day three we made it to Cookham lock and managed to get a mooring on the lock layby. The next day we found a lovely mooring on Cookham green and were visted by Harry and Hannah, our friends from the barge 'Jenner'.

We set off early downstream and managed to find a mooring in Windsor. Our use of a willow tree as shelter was a little unconventional, but it was a great spot for a few days.

The friday night there was our 5th wedding aniversary and we managed to have a 'romantic' meal in the wheelhouse once Nate had gone to sleep.

While at Windsor, we made a 'stick garden' as pioneered by my father, here are Nate and Mary with the result. Naturally we kept my parents abreast of developments.

 After Windsor we again made an early morning departure and went back to Runnymeade. We find that given our barge's size, its easier to travel early as there are fewer boats around.

We managed to find a lovely mooring on the National Trust land, near the JFK memorial and Magna Carta island.

Another 'stick garden' was duly created and pictures transmitted to the aged parents.

After that, we headed back to Staines for a couple of days before our next adventure, more of which soon.

Comments

[Bob]

Phew, that's a relief: with such a long time between posts I was worried.

Glad you had a really enjoyable cruise but please beware mooring under willows especially those heavy in leaf.

I used to keep my boat under a pleasant willow that we always thought was safe.

However one night the wind got up and the huge bough that snapped off because it was rotten in the core straddled the boat and missed sinking it by inches: we had to saw our way out!

It was a salutary lesson so by all means use the pleasant shade in daytime but move away at night!