Shame to waste a weekend.

[oldgit]

With a bit of warmth still clinging on and the boat lying idle for ages it was either down to the rather lumpy estuary or the calm of Allington. After an interesting departure due to wind. and actual mini white horses soon came under the shelter of the Downs. On up through the lock to Maidstone town centre. Recently refurbed with stainless mooring rings and decent modern lighting throughout the entire area, making the place much more visitor friendly for over night mooring. Wandered down for first time to The Millenium Park, about half mile downstream, really nice area but the public bogs were in dire state of repair. River just below lock was as usual full of drift wood and reeds but navigable at tickover without drama . Steve at the lock very helpful as normal, seemed pleased to actually see someone. EA been active cutting back trees all the way up the river, judging by number of tree stumps on river bank.

 

[tony_lavelle]

Did you see many "bombs", sorry gas cylinders, floating below the lock?

 

[RobBradley]

Looked a lovely day. Always loved walking that part of the riverbank any time working in Maidstone.

 

[oldgit]

Did you see many "bombs", sorry gas cylinders, floating below the lock?

No gas cylinders but a decent number of sawn lumps of tree trunk lurking just under water.
Just appeared to be gathering mostly under the M20 bridge.
Back up late November for the RCC Xmas Cruise, after that its hunkering down until the New Years day "Icebreaker "
The local council really have gone to some effort to tidy up the riverside.
A pleasant walk all the way from the "Malta" into the centre.
The area does seem to have earned a bit of reputation , but of course, its all fourth hand and yet to actually speak to any boater that has actually experienced any problems .

 

[Actionmat]

It was good weekend to be out in the boat, we enjoyed ourselves. Bloody windy on Friday night though, bathing ladder banging and tender swinging about, I had to get up in the small hours and strap stuff down. Not what you expect at Hampton Court!

 

[oldgit]

... but warm wind.
Not often you can sit on the back of the boat in UK exposing your bits with all covers up during an October evening .
Of course you could subject yourself to sit for hours in an airport lounge followed by hours an cramped metal tube inhaling every lurgie known to man,to achieve the same thing.

It started to rain just we entered lock, wiper immediately in front of helm resolutely refused to work, despite fiddling with wires and thumping motor body.
Came downriver peering out of side window for 2 cold wet hours.
Made plans to sort.probably with replacement motor.
Marched up pontoon on Monday eve armed with screwdrivers and multimeter it was not raining at all.
Of course wiper worked perfectly. .