Messing about on the Kennet and Avon

Spent the weekend going up the Thames from Henley to Reading, then into the Kennet and Avon canal. Chris 'Narrowboat' Larkin saw me but don't think he recognised. Reading is much more attractive seen from the water. A couple of stretches and bridges positively Venetian.

Heckled going through the Oracle Centre but nothing actually thrown and soon after in the lush, overgrown, watery greenery of the Kennet. The water is clear, the reeds, water hyacinths, Iris and lilies abundant. In one part, the trees form a tunnel. The grebe, ducks, coots and moorhens are busy with nests or young. And unlike the Thames there is very little traffic. Just the odd narrow boater chugging slowly along. A happy breed. No big white plastic fantastics; they can't do the bridges.

Our little 'Lusi' looks very African Queen in the windy, jungly bits. Funny, but the most attractive parts are where you'd least expect them; by the sewage plant and behind warehouses. We picnic-ed simply with Laithwaite Sauvignon and a terrific Pinot Blanc from Bott-Geyl.

Eight locks to Sheffield lock, which is right near Theale HQ. Got there just before 5. So no good for commuting, then. We made it to Aldermaston only to find our planned pub for dinner shut two months ago. Got a lift on the A4. After such a slow day, cars and lorries appear to go terrifyingly fast. A good fish n' chips with Sunday Bay.

Back next day. All well till in Sonning lock when, with a big audience, she conks out!

So have to leave her by the lock. Get Ivan the Motor next morning and it was only a fuse I didn't know about. Trundle home to hectic Henley. The 'blades' have now taken over for regatta. Not safe to venture out for a week.