Heathrow

It seems like forever but eventually Tom turns up to rescue us.

Twenty minutes later he has replaced the guilty split-pin; the cause of the problem that meant we were stuck in reverse.

The mechanics are such that you can only ever start the engine whilst in neutral.

We have nothing but good things to say about Tom and the folks at RCR (River Canal Rescue) - polite, responsive and certainly know their stuff.

By 6pm we are going through Penton Hook Lock and back under way.

Passing through the lovely Staines, or should I say Staines-on-Thames, we reach Bell Weir Lock after the lock-keeper has gone home for the night.

After one or two challenges and the assistance of a 12 year-old we are through the lock and on our final stretch to Runnymede. At least the lock is electric and not manual.

We find a lovely spot and moor up ready for some vegetable rice and a cold beer.

And this is just Day One !Read more