11 August - Captured by the River Cops
Up and off as usual, wide spaced locks, smooth river, a few boats up and down, we stopped for toasted sandwiches at the Bounty in Bourne East, a pint and carried on.
We broke the stick on our Silver Fern flag the other day, it was getting shorter and shorter. While in Windsor we bought a St George Flag for its stick and have since given that flag to some new boaters doing their first trip out on boat they bought Sunday. Our black flag now flies higher. First bridge we go under is 3 metres, just made it under, shall have to watch going under trees.
The river was nice and calm, very overcast day though.
Some impressive houses and hotels along the river
We got to Marlow lock and the Keeper asked if we had a licence for the river, we smiled and said you win the prize to be the 1st one to ask us . Marlow is the 1/2 way point between London and Oxford, he was surprised that we had not been challenged before now and sold us a 7 day licence.
Marlow lock, halfway mark between London and Oxford
Pete waiting for me after we become legal on the river
Let me explain how this works. In Limehouse Basin you are controlled by the CRT. They let you onto the river controlled by the Port of London only when you comply with the ports rules, VHS Radio, Life jackets, and an Anchor on board.
You can then go upstream to Teddington Lock where you come under the Environmental Agency who run the rest of the river [ non tidal ]. You should by a licence at Teddington as you go up river or Oxford if you are coming down. No one asked or offered any advice but we had sort of twigged after a couple of days, so we just ran till we got caught, we now have 7 days to reach Oxford but have had the last 3 free.
View for night, opposite a campsite and very peaceful - 8 pounds 90 for night mooring
We are moored on paid moorings tonight just above Hurley lock and it is raining steadily but only since we stopped, we have a private spot with our own tree and lawn.
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