Not far from Newbury

Tuesday was the promised rainy day so we stayed put, although it was not the deluge that was forecast.
Today we set off bright and early as we had to be at Newbury Boat Services for our engine service by 0830.

Needless to say no one else was on the move at 0650!!!!  The exit from Newbury lock can be exciting when there is a strong flow but despite the rain yesterday it was all very tame.  

Looking back at the bridge and lock

The bottom moorings where we had stopped on the way up were completely empty(Look closely and see Geoff and Barney striding away in the distance.

Somebody is up, look closely at the stern.

On through one more lock and we were soon at our destination.  Derek was there to meet us, despite the fact we were far too early, and to direct us to moor alongside his rather nice looking Dutch barge.

The plan was to have the service done and move on down to Thatcham late morning.  However the service took a little longer than we thought and we discovered we could have a temporary mooring for the night for just £10 so staying over seemed quite attractive.  We had all facilities and even hooked up to electricity, first time since leaving Clifton in April.  

The boatyard is immaculately kept and we had a very thorough service done at a most reasonable price.

Unfortunately we may have used up the good weather as it was a brilliant day, too hot to sit out in the afternoon, and the forecast for tomorrow is for the rain to come back......so it may be a mac and wellie job tomorrow.

1.08miles, 2 locks, 1 hr