Friday 8th August

Reluctantly we left our really lovely mooring and travelled through Chertsey lock and then Penton Hook Lock. In past years ( certainly as recently as 2012 because we have seen the winning plaques) there has been a competition for the best kept lock. The locks on this stretch of the Thames are certainly well kept with lots of neatly tendered flower beds. One of them even had a greenhouse! This is Penton Hook.

We found a slightly unconventional mooring at Staines. The quay only had room for 2 boats and they were taken. We managed to back up onto the end of the jetty meaning that to exit the boat we had to climb over the back. It was, however, very convenient for the town and the weekly laundrette visit!

Staines was the home to the first Lino factory which was opened by Frank Walton in 1864. For many years it was a main employer in the town. Graham thought he would help out with this roll.

The shopping centre is large with a nice Waitrose. It was strange to think that I taught in a school here for 18months and never visited the town!

The rain started at 6.30 and was very heavy at 10pm. Graham and I walked to the railway station to meet Fiona who was parking her car there. We had to get a taxi back to the boat as we would have all been soaked. The forecast for tomorrow is better.