So take off your coat and hop in a boat, just messing about on the river 🎶

We have most recently had a fabulous day aboard Bruin who is the sturdy and noble steed of our friend Norman who has kept her afloat and has explored nearly every inch of Britain's navigable waterways and even ventured along the coast to bring Bruin along the Medway.


We met Bruin at Pyrford Marina having passed Wisley church which used to be frequented by senior Woodward's 


The boat is immaculately made and everything has a dual purpose or at the very least a neat way of folding in order to be stowed 


One among many- the boats at Pyrford


Heading out we passed through some flat locks which are actually flood gates


We passed a ruined Priory


Ahoy there!


Some parts had quite an industrial feel. There is a new marina being built just beyond here.


We went along to... well we were here:



For lunch here:


And a cup of tea afterwards here:


And then a leisurely run back through the locks to Pyrford. I learned that there are techniques to locks which make it easier and better for the boat rather than just opening and shutting them as quickly as possible


We passed this lock which apparently moved... I must remember to look up why!


Going down


Waiting to be collected after doing the lock


Here they come


Along the way the was wildlife - I also saw a real kingfisher


A pike?





Some kind of insect


You go all year without seeing a single narrow boat...


🦆 


And safely back 


Surrounded by a flotilla in the marina




Tying her up for the night
And last but not least the final sculpture we spotted -ratty?




So off to research the lock that moved good night all xxx