Monday 4th August

Back to boating today although not too much. We only had 2 locks to pass through but as we arrived at the first there was a boat waiting to come up and one of the paddles was stuck open. CRT had already been called and they arrived within 20 mins. A discussion took place!

A very large lump of wood had become lodged in the paddle hole. It was quickly dragged out and we could continue. 

At the same lock we saw a dog with a little cart to help him to exercise when the leg muscles don't work.

It was a very short trip to Brentford basin for a water fill and then a good piece of reversing by Graham back to a nice mooring round the corner. There is a big old warehouse overhanging the canal here. Most of it is in disrepair but the tow path actually goes underneath it. Although there was one space for a boat we thought it would be too dark as we wanted to change the engine oil - which we did. We then walked into Brentford for some shopping and a quick look round.

With the maintenance now all done, we are ready to return to the Thames tomorrow to begin our non-tidal journey to Oxford.