Thames - Eynsham

We were off in good time - just after 9 o'clock.

Although the route is reasonably familiar to us now, it is always in change - even after 10 days the weed-narrowed section seemed even narrower! It was a rather overcast morning, extra layers of clothing seemed necessary.

Before long we passed Kirtlington Quarry - scene of last week's BBQ etc - onto the River Cherwell and off again, and then on down to Thrupp. We stopped only to dispose of rubbish and empty the elsan but had a quick chat with Heron, the Tom Rolt Cruise boat which moors alongside us at Lower Heyford.

The new hydraulic operation of the lift bridge at Thrupp seems to be working well, despite some misgivings by local boaters! A little further on we moored at Gunpowder Wharf in order to go to the Co-op local shop for some supplies including a paper and bread for lunch. The builder's merchant, however, did not yield the brass hook for the rear doors so that repair will have to wait even longer.

By now Christine was suffering from banging her head on the rear hatch and opted for extra sleep. Mike set off slowly but was quite fortunate at the locks. By the time we reached Kidlington Christine emerged a feeling a little improved but still a bit queasy. Again we were lucky at the lift bridge as we arrived just as another boat had opened it and let us through!

After Duke's Lock we turned onto Duke's Cut and the shallow stop lock. As we worked through the locks, rain returned and for a while was very heavy, so we sheltered in Duke's Cut lock under a railway bridge until the worst was over.

By the time we were on the Thames proper sunshine returned and the cruise upstream was delightful. We looked at the spot where we moored last year but decided to see what we could find below the lock. Alas, the two spaces were already taken so we passed through Eynsham Lock - the Summer Assistant Keeper was still on duty to pen us through and advise us on possible mooring just a short distance beyond the road bridge.

Indeed, although there were several boats already moored up we did find an eminently suitable spot. At least, unlike below the lock, the satellite TV signal was available. Pity that there is nothing exciting on tonight. Time then for Mike to start preparing the roast vegetables for the evening meal.