But venture above Bursledon Bridge for half a mile and things are very different indeed. Upstream from the last of the moorings and the country park, it's easy to imagine the river as it was 200 years ago with oak trees growing along the banks.
On a clear winters day, with the tide making, you can have the place completely to your self - brilliant!
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Isn't it funny, perhaps comical, that all those vessels sit on their moorings with such a pristine environment so close by?
ReplyDeleteI live on just such a river, on a smaller scale, and it's surprising how many boaters can't navigate their own river to go upstream for a haul-out.
Thus an enterprising fellow like myself can hire out as a pilot, where none is necessary.
That would be "funny" as in "cynical".
It really is quite idyllic up there beyond the bridges, and so peaceful, that is unless the HBBR are having a rally in which case you'll get mown down in the stampede to the Horse & Jockey.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of most seasons, before stepping the mast, I would motor up river under Bursledon Bridge to swing the compass. Charles Roberts, my friend and mentor (and Editor of Reeds Almanac) would sit on the cabin top using his astro-compass to determine the boat's compass deviation.
ReplyDeleteIt was the ideal place to do this because there's plenty of room, it's sheltered and calm, and there were never any other boats to get in the way