Monday, November 1st 2022

It’s late morning and we have just moored in an idyllic spot in Shepperton in preparation for moving onto the River Wey tomorrow. We arrived yesterday having enjoyed a beautiful run from Hampton Court, sun shining and not too much breeze, accompanied by good friends from Epsom, who arrived laden with goodies for lunch. It was slightly unsettling to see two dead swans in the water, about a quarter of a mile apart, as one can only imagine what the cause of death may have been. Just chatting to a passerby, he said further ahead we will see more dead swans and he thinks they electrocute themselves on the overhead power lines. He had noticed a lone swimmer shouting not far from our boat. We reassured him that she had been swimming nearby for about fifteen minutes and could easily have swum to the river’s edge or signalled to us for help. I think she was just happy!  I noticed on the map we are close to a cold water swimming area but rather her than me. It feels unseasonably warm for November, but there is still a hint of winter coming, especially now the clocks have changed. Walking through the woodland adjacent to our boat the muddy paths reminded me of our previous canal trip over the winter months, much in inclement weather. This summer has softened us up and lulled us into believing that bad weather doesn’t happen!

After mooring up yesterday by a park bench, we received a genial greeting from an inebriated man, which slightly made us wonder how long we would have his company, but we obviously were not that interesting as he wandered off shortly after! Surprised to find it was barely 4pm we walked around the locality, only to find ourselves caught in a downpour which drenched the four of us from the knees down! That was the beginning of some wild weather that continued into the early hours. I didn’t manage to sleep much as I kept imagining our mooring ropes loosening and us ending up someway along the river. The boat gently banged against the concrete ledge of the riverbank throughout the night and I realised the difference between river and canal conditions as our boat really did rock! It was still raining when we awoke and the weather app did not look very promising. However the rain stopped long enough for us to walk further along the river and pinpoint our next mooring, which is where we currently are, surrounded by trees and only one other boat in sight. There are plenty of planes overhead and the distant rumble of train tracks – the river looks an oasis of calm and yet it’s only a short distance from vibrant life. Our view at Kingston, where we have just left, was totally different – a large John Lewis store and numerous brightly lit restaurants viewed across the river. R’s back went into spasm, I think from pushing too hard on a lock gate and a night on a rather hard bed, so Friday saw him staying on the boat whilst I took myself off into Central London to meet up with some of his American cousins, B and S. Arriving at their hotel I went through a revolving glass door that was so clear I didn’t see it and banged my nose into the plane of glass, much to the amusement of B, sitting in the lobby awaiting my arrival. Saying I needed the bathroom she thought I would like to try the Japanese facilities in her room – a heated toilet seat followed by a wet wash and then, because I was fiddling with the remote control, I discovered a hot air dryer!! We then went to an amazing Indian restaurant in Kensington. The slightly complicated and long bus journey to and from Kingston was certainly worth the effort! By Saturday R’s back had eased so we visited my niece and her family near Acton. Originally we were going to meet at a cafe in Richmond, but it was only after arriving in Kingston I realised how scarce our water supply would be until we reached Hampton, so she kindly said we could use her shower! I was unaware water taps on the Thames were in such short supply. Had I known, I would have searched more diligently for the water tap at Brentford and filled our tank. At the time, I was more anxious about travelling the tidal Thames, than how much water we had on board. We had a great visit with my niece – she knows me well, so there were crumpets, chocolate cake and gin to partake of along with a couple of amusing hours with her delightful two year old to entertain us and the rugby for R to watch!

On Sunday we went to the parish church at Kingston as it was so close to the River and I was reminded of my father’s services – the priest singing the Eucharistic prayer and the use of incense on special occasions, which this service happened to be. The choir sang beautifully and it was very moving to be part of an adult baptism – two new members of their congregation committing themselves to Christ and making a public declaration of their faith. In the afternoon we moved the boat to Hampton Court amused to see that the car park to the palace was full and the traffic very heavy – it would seem it’s easier to arrive by boat!

Later the same day:

Shepperton, unlike Kingston, still has a coin operated launderette so I took myself off to find it whilst R enjoyed a couple of hours of peace. Whilst waiting for my wash, I sat outside at a nearby cafe, warmed by the sun as the rain had eased. A lady introduced herself, told me she was a Christian, so I said I was too and we chatted away. As I left, explaining I was going to collect my laundry, she told me her address (a flat across the road) and said that if ever I needed to do any more washing or wanted a shower I was to turn up at her door and if she was in I could make use of whatever I needed. I could tell that she meant it and the reason I am recounting this story is because I am often taken by surprise at the kindness of strangers. In return, I treated her to her cup of coffee!