So day 1 continued and our target (given the delayed start) was to hit Kingston. As we pulled away from the jetty at Richmond it was Myself and Gary rowing and Keith steering. Within almost no time at all we could no longer see Richmond Bridge which i think may have been more down to a meander in the river than distance, but either way it was good motivation. Shortly after (probably around 45mins or so) we had a quick break and switch around, it also gave us a chance to take on some fluids.
With the new setup we seemed to get speed and rhythem relatively quickly with myself and Keith doing the hard work, whilst Gary steered us in the right dircetion, and provided historical facts along the way.
Within no time at all our first REAL test came around as we approached our first lock at Teddington. Worryingly we appeared to conquor it in a fashion that would suggest we were experts in the river!
Whilst sitting in the Lock we experienced some true hospitality of the river, something that was to become apparent the further we progressed. We got talking to the crew of the barge next to us, who very kindly let us tie to them, on hearing of our challenge (and lack of alcohol on board), he very kindly passed us a bottle of wine from his vessle and wished us all the best.
I referred to the hospitality of the river previously and this is apparent as you cannot pass a boat without someone waving at you, or wishing you well. Likewise when you moor up if someone can help tie you generally they will.
And so as we pushed on and reached Kingston, it was deemed another 5 minute break was necessary. As we moored just beyond Kingston Bridge memories of Gary and Keith's Uni days came flooding back with the sight of McCluskys. Whilst this was intended on being a brief stop it almost cut our whole trip short. As we went to move away the chain of another boat had got lodged in our rudder. Had it not been for a monumental leap from Keith and far more effort than it seemed necessary, we may well have been stuck for the duration. Anyway as we became free it became apparent that our rudder had subsequently stopped working. Therefore a quick dash accross the Thames (and the oncoming 'Traffic') and we moored on the opposite side of the river. Thankfully this problem was easily solved and we were on our way.
We kept pushing on in the hope to make Hampton Court by the end of the day. During this time once again myself and Keith got into a swift rhythem and subsequently made Hampton Court in no time. We moored up for a quick couple of pictures and then decided to try and get passed Molesey Lock by the close of play.
Molesey lock was an experience in itself as this was Self Service. However we had no reason to worry as Gary took this time to come into his element and randomly press buttons. Before we knew it we had bypassed Molesey Lock.
Whilst in the lock we had been given some advice on where to stop for the night. However when we got to the Island it was a private island. And thus we kept on going until we could find a place to moor. Subsequently we actually made it to Sunbury, meaning we had covered 10 miles in 6 hours, which we deemed as a sucess given our few hicups along the way, and the need to gather what we were actually doing.
After mooring up the boat against 2 trees we popped to get some food for the night and Gary and Keith swiftly made there way to the local pub. I on the other hand went home as i had work today, needless to say I'll be back rowing tomorrow.
For now....
Dave
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