Another lovely morning, and we enjoyed the sunshine on the river. There seemed to be more boats out today, and we had to wait at every lock, and they were all full with narrowboats and cruisers.  The lock keepers seem to be in a bit of  rush on this stretch, and don’t check that you’re ready before opening the sluices, so no cake offered I’m afraid

A right hand turn off the Thames, and we were on the Kennet and Avon. Would you believe, there are traffic lights through Reading shopping centre.  I had great fun using the hook to press the button, I felt like a jouster, and even said ‘charge’ as I approached, I did get some funny looks.

The first four locks or so are horrible, with really heavy gates, and fierce water streams even with only one paddle half open.  We really did seem to make slow progress through these locks.  We also got our first major scratch on Oliver, the stern of the boat got caught by a lock pontoon and left its mark!

And why the title I hear you ask?  Winners all round with both Toby and I winning £25 on the premium bonds, and a chicken dinner for supper!