Reading

We upped the plank (gangway!) and left the mooring at 7:50.  Just a few rowers about and the water was very smooth.   On approach to Marsh Lock we enjoyed a heavy downpour, but the rain soon stopped.  The lock was empty with the paddles up and on self service because of the early hour.  So no need to moor up, just drop Pat off to open the gates using the push buttons.    I am essentially single handing at this point, Pat working the lock, so the central rope to a bollard at the rear, and the stern rope likewise.  Once the boat is stopped, the centre rope can be looped over a bollard near to the centre of the boat.  Marsh Lock is not deep, and being at the rear of the lock the turbulence from the sluices is not a problem, especially as the automated controls are set very gentle.   Each lock has its own set of particular instructions.  In this case, just close the gates on exit and leave the paddles up.   By the time we reached Shiplake Lock, the lock-keeper was on duty.   At Sonning we squeezed in behind a large dutch barge.   Although the River still has quite a flow, it must still be decreasing because we seemed to make good headway on less power than yesterday.   I had checked the fuel level and we had used only 40 litres since Uxbridge, so the greater throttle setting we have been using was not a problem.   Arriving at Reading, we ascended Caversham Lock and moored temporarily just above Reading Bridge for Pat and Alfie to reach the station.   They are going home for a few days, while your scribe goes to Snowdonia to do a small job.