Mucky Thames

[nonitoo]

We have just returned from a 10 day jaunt from Dover up the Thames getting as far a Windsor. Thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A couple of things we noticed.

How helpful the EA lock keepers were to fresh water newbies such as ourselves and how beautifully kept the locks were.

How filthy the upper river is, the boat accumulated a dark ring round the waterline on the first day and this became progressively darker as the week wore on and needed a good scrub when we got home. This is in stark contrast to the tideway, so much cleaner nowadays.

The surprising number of semi-derelict and poorly maintained boats moored at what appeared to be sheds on the river bank contrasting with the beautifully maintained 'tween wars wooden cruisers parked at the bottom of stunning houses.

For our first foray into the fresh water it was most enjoyable.

Tom

 

[Moody]

Haven't been up there for a few years now, but I do recall the tidal being a mess, but it was fine above Richmond Lock. I'm interested in how much the EA charged you for a temporary license.

As I recall it was pretty steep.

Neil

 

[boatone]

[ QUOTE ]
How filthy the upper river is, the boat accumulated a dark ring round the waterline on the first day and this became progressively darker as the week wore on and needed a good scrub when we got home. This is in stark contrast to the tideway, so much cleaner nowadays.

[/ QUOTE ]

We are still experiencing the aftermath of the flood waters fom late July. You probably also noticed that in many mooring and lock waiting areas a thin layer of silt/mud has been deposited. Its also possible to see a distinct tide mark on trees and bushes below which the vegetation has died due to being submerged.

 

[nonitoo]

The EA charged me for a 15 day licence and it came to areound £65

Expensive but it was a 'one off'

Tom