Teddington

Just a few rowers out when we left Maidenhead at 6:50.  Bray and Cleeve Locks must have received some Olympic money because there was some fancy electronic signage at the layby displaying "messages".  The lock signage has been renewed also, but although it is very pretty, not any good when viewed from a distance.  Black and green merge with the background.  These two locks and Romney Lock were all self service being before 9:00 am.  However, Bell Weir was also on self service and worse - the power had failed and it was hand wind or nothing.  Fortunately 4 boats had pitched up with the delay and there was ample muscle power available.   It is a big lock and just raising and lowering the sluices is hard work.   Rapid progress from then on with lots of small boats, canoes and sailing training schools out on the water in the Teddington Reach.   Overnight mooring is now £8 for us at Teddington.  We are due out at 6.00 in the morning.