Thatcham

Left Woolhampton at 08:00 and arrived Thatcham 10:30. Very gentle, leisurely and enjoyable cruise. No pressure!

Moored up at Thatcham next to nb Caen Hill, a Reading Marine hire boat, which was the first boat we ever hired 3 years ago. I saw that the engine still smokes badly and the occupants complained about the very uncomfortable bed. I don't remember the bed, but perhaps I didn't know any better then. We also didn't know that you don't have to leave the bilge pump on all the time, that it has an automatic float switch, and that it is not normal for the batteries to give out by 9 pm, or that one can have hot water all the time if you turn the gas heating on etc. etc.

A maintenance day I think and waiting for my daughter Gemma who joins me this evening. Gemma will be returning to London on Sunday from Great Bedwyn, thereafter I shall be solo until Pat joins me at Devizes on Tuesday.

Today: 2.9 miles, 3 locks 2 swing bridges 2hrs 30 mins.