Holed up in Newbury

The title is a bit of a misnomer as we have not been holed up just because of rain. We had a good run up from Woolhampton on Tuesday. The first few locks were done in company with Anthony on Fish Eagle which made life much easier in these double locks. He stopped to shop in Thatcham so we did a couple on our own and then picked up a hire boat for one but then he too deserted us. The weather was kind to us and macs were not required. The entrance to the first lock at Newbury(86) has an interesting approach due to the River Kennett coming in from the right. However lots of wellie and we were OK. We decided to moor just after the lock as it was late lunchtime by then, thinking we would see what openings there were further up after lunch. Lethargy then took hold so we stayed where we were! The forecast for Wednesday was not good and so it proved, so we stayed put all day.
We managed to do a shop in between the rain and decided to go to the cinema in the evening. We saw "The Other Boleyn Girl" which was not brilliant but I enjoyed...Geoff was not so sure.....It was a small very modern cinema with very comfortable seats (all 39 of them) in the converted Corn Exchange.
Thursday true to the forecast dawned dry and with the promise of sun so we set off with the intention of going to Kintbury. We went through Newbury lock which is another interesting approach due to strong currents and moored at the top to go into town for a paper. It as so pleasant there that we abandoned plans for Kintbury and decided to stay for the day.
I did the washing as it was a good drying day and we took it in turns to explore the town. Newbury is a much bigger and prettier place than either of us had imagined. We shall definitely stop here on our return journey.
For those friends who fancy a visit this seems to be a convenient canal for collecting and dropping off as the railway runs close by for a large part so offers opportunities to leave a car and do a days trip, or several days if you have the time. Anyway please call us if you are free.