As we left Reading on Weds evening things got interesting. Roger & I left the Tesco moorings separately to go round behind the prison. A canoe with a family in it came past the other way and shouted. 'There's a narrowboat in trouble over there!' Over there was in the trees opposite the Kennet Mouth entrance. I went over on Nackered Navvy and we tied up together & I towed him out. That was once I had got him out of the trees that I backed him into. He wanted to go to the Tesco moorings so back we went and eventually got him where he wanted to be. We then set off again for the prison, passing through the lock after the lock keeper had gone home, for reasons I won't go into. We got into the lock and just started winding the wheel when the lockkeeper turned up. He had been shopping. We had a chat and a laugh and continued on our way. As we arrived at our proposed moorings the Burchett taxi service turned up. Friends in Reading who are very kind and shuffle us around if necessary. Coffee was served and camper returned home so we were ready for the start of the next stage of our trip. Bright & early on Thursday morning our mystery boaters turned up. Talk about internet dating, we knew even less about our 'guests'. Ken & Annie turned up with their black & white collie cross Lady. Ben took an immediate liking to Lady even deciding to guard her against a couple of rottweillers. Luckily they were friendly. Ken & Annie know what they are doing so have been very helpful. I hope they are enjoying the trip as much as we are. We are now at Aldermaston where our first job for tomorrow is to do a diy pump out. You get to see all aspects of boating with us!
Sue nb Nackered Navvy
