River Thames:Thames & Kennet Marina

Yes I made it!  Whitchurch Lock was closed.  Apparently one gate was jammed and would not open.  The internet report advising such mentioned divers were brewing brought in this morning to find out why.  Two up coming boats confirmed this. They had been allowed through by the lock-keeper using the opposite gate.  In conversation with another Narrowboat also waiting, we could have just turned up and hoped, but at Goring we are in a good situation and Whitchurch has very short lock-landings right on the edge of the weir.  Not a good place to be if hanging around.  I advised the marina at Reading of the situation, the shortly after, at 1 pm, we learned that the lock was fully working again.  It took an hour to get there and down, about 30 minutes to Mapledurham also with lock-keeper so very quick and by 4:15 I was reversing into my allotted berth.  There will now be a short intermission. Next report on Thursday.