Category Archives: Cats

Giraffe Legs. 13th October

Kirtlington Quarry to Somerton Meadows

An hour or so was spent going through fonts and seeing what happened to them when saved as a pdf. A font was chosen, alterations done then it was whizzed off to Promptside to see if it was good enough to be printed 25 times bigger for the panto song sheet. Emails about cloths, confirmation of sizes before the big print button could be pressed. Emails about flats being primed, was the paint too thin? Would these emails continue all day? That might be a problem as we’d be going through the big black hole of everythingness at Allen’s Lock!

Today’s mission was to get as far as we felt we could manage. With one bag of coal on the roof and no NB Dusty until next week we’re needing another bag to keep us warm, so we need to reach Aynho in the next couple of days. We pushed off around 11am, still the emails kept coming about panto. I did my best to answer them as quickly as I could not knowing quite when the signal would vanish.

At Northbrook Lock a boat had just arrived above, but the chap waved us on, the lock more in our favour than his. It must have seemed odd us stopping quite a distance away for me to get off as the chap opened the bottom gate for us. Today I needed the boat to be stationary and close to the bank for me to step off, my legs having developed the wobblyness of one of those giraffe toys you used to get in your Christmas stocking. Even though I was well aware of how big a step there was my brain could not communicate this to my feet which reacted in the opposite way they needed to. Step/no step!

I walked up to the lock and explained to the chap who was very understanding and left me to close the bottom gate, he’d do the honours at the top end for us. I waited for Oleanna to rise before stepping back onboard, I don’t normally do ladders and today was most certainly not the day to start.

Dashwoods Lock came into view, Muddy Slipper mooring below it was available. Did we want to stop? We needed to carry on, but I wasn’t sure for how much longer. Mick today was starting to suffer from the waterfall effects covid gives to your nose and I just really wanted to sit down in front of the TV and stove for a snooze, but that wouldn’t get us coal or me to work next week. There was however a possibility that we’d end up stopping deep within the big black hole of everythingness. I warned those who were still emailing me that my responses may not return for a day.

After a short while the railway hugs the canal, not somewhere we’d choose to stop. Just about all the Oxfordshire Hire Boats were at home leaving a narrow channel to aim for through the base. There was a familiar named boat NB Perseus, Forged in Sheffield, another Finesse boat. No-one was at home.

Gradually as we approached Allen’s Lock we watched our phone signal drop away along with the internet, things hadn’t improved along this stretch. A boat had just come down the lock but closed the gate behind them, luckily for us a walker stopped and pushed the gate open for us, saving some energy.

New lock gates here have a geared paddle on the bottom gates with brakes similar to those you find at Hillmorton Locks. I wonder how many of the rotten gates will be replaced this winter? We’ve only looked at stoppages on the Oxford that will affect us and not for one’s in the new year.

Thankfully we couldn’t stop even if we wanted to above Allen’s Lock as it was full. Then not a lot further on there was a skip boat and some dredging happening. One man sat on top of his digger scouping out large chunks of reeds which he then span round to deposit in the skip boat. After a couple more scoups he helped a tug move the skip away, giving us just enough room to pass them.

Up ahead was where the dredgings were being off loaded. A bigger digger/crane was gouging out the sludge from a skip, a third skip and tug stretched right across the canal blocking it completely. The tug driver was doing his best to get the skip out of the way, pushing and pulling, adjusting the connections, pushing and pulling. In the end he had to disconnect from the skip completely and give it a damn good biff to get it of the bottom, if ever anywhere needed dredging!

**Heyford Common Lock the last for the day**

Heyford Common Lock sat filling itself up, leaks round the gate and from the cill. The bottom gate beam is still how it was last year, at least today I knew it would flex before I got any movement from it. This would however have to be our last lock of the day, energy levels were getting low even though we’d topped up with paracetamol an hour or so earlier.

*It’s still here! Everything’s in order*

We wound our way to Somerton Meadows hoping there’d be space for us and thankfully there was. We pulled in and kept ourselves to the end nearest where Tilly likes to climb the fencing and furthest away from other boats. Tilly headed off to do what she does whilst we had some lunch and a much needed sit down.

Around about 5pm there was a loud beeping. What was that shattering the peace? A boat was heading towards us, were we moored on a bend and someone felt they might hit us? We’ve moored here before and not had any problem! Then some shouting followed.

Hang on, this wasn’t someone with a problem, it was someone trying to get our attention. It was NB Perseus with Julie and Simon. Mick feeling rougher than me stayed inside by the stove whilst I headed out the back with Tilly to say hello. Standing on the bank I could keep my distance easier. A couple of months ago when we met up with NB Barbarella on the River Nene, Noni signed me up to a Whatsap group for ladies on Finesse boats. I believe Julie was the instigator of the group. We’ve had text message communication and a few comments on the group, but today we finally got to meet.

Have to say it pepped me up somewhat. A very jolly couple who moor at Cropredy, I’m sure our paths will cross again hopefully when we are feeling better. Very good chatting to you both.

As the evening progressed Mick’s waterfall nose increased in flow, mine subsiding. My head also started to feel a little bit clearer as if the clouds were starting to part over head. Here’s hoping so and that Mick follows the same track.

4 locks, 6.6 miles, 2 many emails, 7 fonts down 2 1, 1 black hole of nothingness passed through, 3 skips, 1 stuck, 2nd lady with Finesse, 2 giraffe legs, 3.5 hours shore leave, what will day 5 have in store for us.

Thank you to the crew of NB Hafren for your help today.

https://goo.gl/maps/H8FP3A6XY4H8MJft6

The Plague Boat. 12th October

Kidlington Lock 43 to Kirtlington Quarry

Lemsip in bed for both of us this morning. Mick was most certainly worse than yesterday and had had a bad nights sleep. We decided to leave the bed made up for ease of afternoon snoozing should one be required.

**Funny thing to fall through the hedge**

As we got Oleanna ready for the off a boat was just appearing above the lock, we left them to it even though the lock was in our favour, no rushing about anywhere for us and we’d be able to keep our distance from them too. Whilst we waited there was a noise in the hedge of the garden across the cut, it sounded like something weighty had fallen into it. Two cats sat and looked about as a Mutkjac Deer appeared, not that much bigger then the felines. They really didn’t know what to make of it, their instinct to hunt like lions kept them close, but the size of it was a touch off putting.

**Hope this one’s on the list for this winter**

Once we were up Kidlington Lock we worked our way along what felt to be quite a low pound to Roundham Lock. A boat was appearing out of the lock, but the gate was closed behind them, a helpful passer-by who hadn’t seen us apologised as he walked onwards. This was to be the first lock that took some getting into today, the water level low not helping. I quickly remembered to wait for Mick to take Oleanna out of gear before closing the bottom gate, it’s far easier this way with the big single gates and anything to make life easier was needed today.

A lady from a down hill boat walked towards me, I explained that she might not want to get too close and why. Locks are handy for social distancing, I stood on the off side ready to lower the paddle, the lady quite happy to open the gate up for us to leave.

**Someone’s keeping an eye on moorers!**

Round into Thrupp not yet filled up with winter moorers. Aubrey’s Lift Bridge now has flashing lights on both sides for road users. Last year we overheard conversations about this as too many vehicles had been crossing the bridge without it being fully down and causing damage. I don’t recall seeing any stoppage notices about the bridge this year so the lights must be working.

We pulled in, disinfected our hands for the umpteenth time today and filled up with water and dealt with the yellow water and rubbish. Thankfully none of the very friendly people from Thrupp came over to chat, so we could keep ourselves to ourselves.

Not far to where we should be stopping today, cruising hours reduced now thankfully. But we decided that if we could get that bit further today it would be good, not knowing what Covid might have in store for us over the next few days.

This year we’ve seen more and more boats moored up using their centre lines. This really isn’t good practice as it tends to encourage your boat to keel over more when boats pass and should there be any flooding this can end up sinking your boat. But this boat moored under the railway bridge was doing it in a completely different way, centre line upwards away from any harm to walkers up onto the railway bridge!

Shipton Lift Bridge 219 has been rebuilt, kept open to boat traffic with a sign saying not to use it until further notice. The water level at Shipton Weir Lock was in our favour, I stepped off and opened up the gate, just to see NB Peggy pulling up behind us also wanting to use the lock.

The lock being lozenge shaped meant we’d possibly be able to get both boats in at once, Peggy being a touch shorter than us. She nestled in nicely and the chap at the helm pulled her right over to step off with a rope. Even though we were sharing a lock with another boat we were still at least 6m away from anyone. The lady suggested I close up the bottom gate and she’d work the top gate and paddles, so no need to be close.

Back out onto a river, the Cherwell, some speed again. We’ve got rather used to it over the summer. Then we were up Bakers Lock and back on the slower water.

We pootled on to Pigeons Lock. No-one to help here, but that was fine, we hoped it would be our last lock as we were tired and starting to get cold, paracetamol levels dropping and aches setting in. Oh what a time for the bottom gate not to open fully, Oleanna didn’t want to fit through!

Time to try the waggle the gate about technique. Oleanna was brought out of the lock. I semi closed the gate and then swung it open as quickly as I could muster, maybe it opened a bit wider, but with extra umph Mick managed to get her into the lock. Phew, we’d not have to call C&RT out and sit and wait for assistance.

Jane’s Enchanted Tea Garden is no longer along the next stretch. The business was sold last year and has moved to Ducklington near Whitney. Sadly we never managed to be around when afternoon tea was being served on the banks of the canal. There are still the quirky buildings, Morris Minor and Cosy Caravan, but now it’s just for the owners.

We hoped for a space at the quarry and the moorings gods were looking our way, we had the place to ourselves. It took us time to moor up, everything so much slower than normal. Tilly was given 3.5 hours shore leave and we settled down to enjoy the effects from a top up of paracetamol and some food.

During the day I’d been receiving emails regarding a backdrop for panto. It has a practical doorway through it. Because models are quite often made certain sizes to accommodate card thicknesses the backdrop piece of model had a slightly wider opening than was needed. I normally like maths and making sure things are correct, but today it took such a long time to get my brain round the sizes, tolerances the carpenter was asking and translating it all into an opening for the cloth.

Then the very basic artwork for the Song sheet wasn’t good enough to be printed, could I resend it in a different format? Easy except the font I’d chosen altered itself between formats loosing all the characteristics I’d chosen it for in the first place. Why oh why couldn’t this all have happened last week when my brain functioned better!

Mick did a second lateral flow test this afternoon. A second line. We are now officially the Plague Boat!

5 locks, 1 shared, 6.3 miles, 4 lemsips, 8 paracetamol, 1 box of tissues in a day, 3.5 hours, 1 friend ejected, 1 cat with it! 2 lines, 2 boaters feeling sorry for themselves, 1 bag of coal left, 1 song sheet pain, 1060 or 1129? 1 brain full of covid fog, 1 plague boat.

Thank you to the crews of NB Waratah and NB Peggy for your help today.

https://goo.gl/maps/AXQDwSZdpeUF1cxR8

Then There Were Two. 11th October

East Street to Kidlington Lock, Oxford Canal

Shopping arrived bang on 10am. Mick informed the driver that I was isolating. The crates were put by the side hatch and emptied into bags everyone managing to keep their distance. After a bad nights sleep the last thing I wanted to do was stow things away so that was left to Mick.

Last night the East Street moorings had filled up and this morning they emptied again, apart from those who we suspect know that the Lock Keeper has covid so won’t be coming round for mooring fees. The workmen started dismantling more of the power station opposite at 8.30am. This was not helping my headache so as soon as we’d got ourselves sorted we moved on.

In the past we’ve taken the route north up the canal from Isis Lock, today we’d be heading for Duke’s Cut instead, hoping that this route would bring with it fewer people to avoid. With the sun out, blue skies surrounded us as we cruised along Port Meadow. Model planes flew round in circles, cows and horses grazed, what a lovely day, chilly but lovely.

A group of people stood round the control panel at Godstow Lock, I willed them to walk away before I got anywhere near. A Hotel boat was just entering from above, they watched as the gates closed behind it and the crew member walked down to the panel. I kept my distance, at least 6 meters. Thankfully she was far more interested in reading her phone than me.

By the time we got into the lock, ropes sorted and the sluices button pressed we were joined by a Lock Keeper. I stayed very much by the bow rope adjusting it as needed whilst she opened and closed the gates for us.

Traffic lights gave us a green to head under Godstow Bridge where a floating pontoon with skips loitered, diggers either side of the river.

King’s Lock the first of the match stick locks, I made sure I had some hand sanitiser with me so I wouldn’t be leaving anything for the next person. Thankfully no-one was around, apart from the dragon who watched our every move.

Right onto Duke’s Cut. We think we’ve only done this route once on Lillian the first time we did the Thames, so today it was new water to Oleanna. It seems to have grown somewhat from how I remembered it, much longer. Here boats sit on a stretch of water avoiding Navigation Authorities and licences. One end C&RT water the other EA.

Faces peeked out from the dark of the boats, I may have covid but I can still say hello to people, even if they didn’t reply. The last stretch of the cut is narrow, boats lined up on both sides, we of course met a boat coming the other way up the lock. Just enough room for us to squeeze past each other.

***Only good boats go through my lock!***

Someone was waiting for us on the lock beam. Oleanna needed a good checking out!

The full length of roof was checked, then as I was about to lift the paddle I spotted the stow away in the well deck, having a good sniff of a bagged up Tilly deposit. The full length of cat walk was tried out, pauses at each window, especially the bathroom where Tilly quite often begs strangers to set her free!

Then the black cat was off to do some hunting, leaving us to turn north onto the Oxford Canal and meet a boat just pulling out from the lock.

The last lock of the day, or so we’d planned. I then walked up to the lift bridge which is now windlass operated. Doing this route meant we avoided at least two other lift bridges, are they now windlass operated?

**Lifting that took more effort than normal**

Our aim today was to reach Kidlington Lock, our normal stop after Oxford. A few boats were already moored up, but thankfully there was space for us before the lock landing. We pulled in, moored up and let Tilly out. She was gone for quite a while, does she recognise these moorings that we’ve stayed at in the past?

Time for a kip for me. Mick had been starting to cough during the day, a test showed as negative. By the end of the day we were both sat on the sofa with a box of tissues between us. The likely hood of Mick not getting covid was minimal, he’d most probably caught it off me before I suspected anything. He’s about a day behind.

Tilly came in all very silent during the afternoon. Where had she left her collar? She was quite pleased with herself showing off her white chest and strutting about. It didn’t last long as I pulled out a box with another three collars and cat tags. A blue collar with a boat cat tag was soon back around her neck, the boat doors open again, shore leave could resume.

4 locks, 5.5 miles, 1 lift bridge, 4 boxes wine, 1 box tissues finished, 2 boxes of tissues in the order, 1 straight, 1 right, 1 left, 6 meters minimum, 1 new collar, 1 cat tag, 2 snotty coughing boaters.

https://goo.gl/maps/aQimWWezVQYE57XJ8

Fluid Category 5. 9th October

Abingdon Bridge to Jericho, Oxford Canal

A slow start this morning so that we could join the Geraghty zoom. Subjects today acorns, anti-virals and loft insulation.

Another sunny day meant the river was busy. A canoe stopped a wide beam from pulling out across the way, they were wanting to wind so waited patiently then waved us on before they started their manoeuvre.

Abingdon Lock was set for us and we rose up with plenty of people watching, then pulled along onto the water point. It seems that some of the water points are being changed, the other day at Cleeve Lock I’d noticed the new short hose already attached to the tap, here the water point is long and tall with a yellow surround to it.

The pressure wasn’t too great and the hose just managed to reach our water filler on the off side of the bow. Water seems to be pumped up high to a small tank and then it flows through the hose to your boat. This is all to do with not wanting to have river water flowing back into the water mains, which is understandable with the amount of sewage that is allowed into the rivers. But it all takes time. We were patient and made use of the big skips to dispose of our rubbish and recycling. Talking of which, if you are a boater, have you filled in the C&RT survey regarding services and distances between them? It’s anonymous so no reason not to have your say in what C&RT will see as the national standard for services. Survey Link

The next river reach goes on and on. Not as bad as when Mick did it a few years ago with an overheating engine with a large amount of fresh coming the other way. The sunk boat is still mid channel, then numerous rowing boats and plenty of cruisers out for a Sunday pootle.

There was a blue board at Sandford Lock, but someone had set it to empty. I walked up with the boat hook and opened the gate. The Lock Keeper arrived, he’d been just about to go for lunch as we arrived, could he help with ropes? We got ourselves sorted and then waited for a cruiser to join us. They had no idea! A rope from the bow was put round a bollard as their boat continued into the lock. The rope was moved along, then again and again. The Lock Keeper went to help, pulling them back in the lock and making sure they had two ropes round the bollards. This lock fills from the sides as well as from the end, so you need to keep hold of your rope.

We led the way, coming across numerous rowers all at bends which made positioning ourselves very awkward! I don’t think we’ve ever come into Oxford on a sunny Sunday in term time before. I think we’ll do our best to avoid it in future!

Iffley Lock, the Lavender Lock was on Self Service, it always feels like we’ve arrived in Oxford when we go through here . I headed up to see what needed doing. A small day boat was just entering the lock above to be followed by an eight, the lock just wide enough for them. A chap asked if I could open the gates for them so they could get back on board, of course I could. But this all took time as they hadn’t got a rope round a bollard, the boat tipping from side to side as people got on and off.

Then a Lock Keeper appeared and requested that they put a rope around a bollard and then actually hold on to it! A request came from the boat, could he help with the rope. ‘No, I’ve got covid’ he then retreated to the other side of his garden.

Our turn next with the cruiser. We let them leave first as they’d be quicker than us, all we both had to do was negotiate our way around the waiting rowing boats and those also heading towards the lock.

Someone with a different style has been decorating the walls under bridges. An Arthurian subject, with knights on horse back jousting and a unicorn.

Towards Folly Bridge there was a log jam. The cruiser we’d been sharing with had pulled over to the side, two eights were sat waiting for a big trip boat to wind and head down stream. The eights then had to wind themselves, another trip boat was about to back away from it’s moorings, but we got in first only to meet four canoes coming under the arch of the bridge. Hopefully now the river would calm down.

No! The cruiser suddenly appeared having come round the island of the bridge the other way. They headed off and we soon passed them trying to moor. Hopefully NOW the river would be quieter.

Osney Lock had a boat coming in from above. A lady closed the gates behind the boat the chap held onto his centre line. I suggested that I could work the bottom gates and sluice allowing the lady to get on board. She was happy with this and just carried on walking away from the lock, I suspect a helpful passerby rather than crew.

Here we were on our own, no Lock Keeper. A fella walked past and informed us that the Lockie here also had covid. There was space on East Street, maybe because the old Power Station is being demolished opposite.

On upstream under the bridge to Sheepwash Channel where we turned right. The old railway swing bridge that last year was shrouded in covers has been restored, sleepers and track, the workings all shiny black and yellow. Not that there is anywhere for it to connect to as houses stand where the line once used to be.

Isis Lock. Time to dig out the windlass again. This lock means Panto, Autumn leaves, Inspector Morse watching, Christmas shopping, fish and waiting for the River Cherwell to come out of flood. It’s nice to be back.

We pulled into the first space. Tilly was given 2.5 hours, Yeh yeh, I know where I am! It’s that isthmus outside! You always tie this one up! Still no new complex opposite. Time to put a Sunday roast on and have a catch up with my brother.

5 locks, 1 narrow one, 9.58 miles, 1 right, 1 left, 2 many boats, 1 tall waterpoint, 2 poorly Lockies, 2 boats with no idea, 1 near miss, 2.5 hours, 1 roast chicken, 1 sore throat!

https://goo.gl/maps/3fLKfvt1Zex53v7F6

Catching The Sun. 8th October

Lake Field to upstream of Abingdon Bridge

Thankfully you don’t have to be awake too early at the moment to see the sunrise. The golden sky warming up a chilly morning and what a wonderful morning, not a cloud in the sky.

It would have been nice to stay an extra day, but there are places to be so no choice.

As we pushed away we waved goodbye to the clumps behind us, one day we’ll walk up there. Then further along the big field we realised that we hadn’t been the only boat moored up last night. At least they were some distance away and this morning we’d have had a much better sunrise.

A Kingfisher darted in front of us, stopping in flight and hovered like a Hummingbird or a Kestrel, it did it a second time, I just managed to get a blurry photo before it then settled down on the bank. We’ve never seen one do this before, maybe it was imitating a Tern and had spotted a possible fish.

We pootled up stream to Clifton Hamden Bridge with it’s red brick arches. Here we met three paddleboarders who were enjoying the sunshine as they headed upstream. At the lock a volunteer opened the gates for us and waved us in. Here numerous plant pots fill the lock area. The Lock Keeper suggested we should wait for the paddleboarders to arrive which was fine with us, he then carried on moving tubas and bulbs around for winter. What a sight it must be when in full blown colourful flower.

The ladies hung onto the chains on the opposite side of the lock, they were from Culham and had done the loop this morning, presumably dropping down onto the river by the weir a little further up stream.

Last year as we waited below Culham lock we watched a Mink hunting on the offside bank, two pigeons met their maker with alarming swiftness. Today there was no queue below the lock, we tied up and I walked up to see the Lock Keeper who was surprised he’d not seen us. Culham is a deep lock and assistance in getting your ropes around the bollards is needed. I was glad we’d not be sharing the lock with the paddleboarders as when that little yellow flag on the top gate starts to rise there is quite a flow around the lock.

Now on the Abingdon reach of the river we discussed where to stop today. A full days cruise in our schedule would have us moor a distance on above Abingdon Lock, but we were already a day ahead of ourselves. Should we stop before the bridge, after or just above the lock? First however we needed to avoid the sailors and fisherman. Both in line with each other, we slowed our pace, hoping we’d not all three be trying to be in the same few meters as each other. The fisherman had to move his long pole and the dinghy crossed in front of us enabling us to pass by with plenty of room to spare.

The first stretch of moorings was fairly busy so we carried on through the bridge pulling in at the first mooring. Here we hoped there’d be less footfall along with some friendly cover close by. Tilly was excited running back and forth inside, only to be disappointed when the doors opened to see the number of walkers with woofers!

A load of washing was put out to dry, Tilly came and went, paddleboarders (all who seemed to be French) paddled by, a stunning afternoon if you were out in the sunshine. Just a shame we were creating our own shade with both front and back doors open so we had a nice cool breeze through Oleanna!

Having spent much of the afternoon having the aroma of steak and chips wafting in through the back door we decided to eat out this evening. A hunt through menus at various establishments for gf options at a price that wouldn’t break the bank came up with Beefeater, The Brewery Tap. Sadly the Brewery Tap was fully booked this evening. Mick had walked past The Broad Face so we booked there.

Odd decor, either based on a Gentleman’s toilet with all the copper plumbing powering the lights or a butchers with pink fake blossom festooned in the corners. The chap serving us was slightly odd too. I asked if the blue cheese sauce contained gluten, he said he’d ask, if it didn’t would I like it adding to my order? This meant I didn’t actually know if I was getting the sauce until we quizzed him when he came to change our cutlery.

**A very nice steak with triple cooked chips, I get get a dribble of sauce too**

Having said that, my steak was the best one (other than homecooked) I’ve had since we visited The Paper Mill Inn near Bugsworth Basin nearly six years ago. Mick’s burger was also very good and tasty. Just a shame there was only chilled medication on the dessert menu that I could eat, so instead we headed back to Oleanna to finish off a tub of vanilla from the freezer.

2 locks, 7.12 miles, 3 paddleboarders, 3 boats at Jubilee, 1 perfect day for boating, 1 chilly boat, 1 cautious cat, 1 newspaper, 1 glass wine, 1 pint, 1 burger, 1 steak and chips, 2 many geese and woofers!

https://goo.gl/maps/Utpet3vPQVXGkya99

Never disappointed. 7^th October

Pangbourne Meadow to Lake Field, Day’s Lock

A cuppa in bed before breakfast, followed by a zoom meeting with Amy and Penny from Dark Horse Theatre Company. They have been successful in being awarded funding to take #unit21, the show I worked on last February, on tour next year. Lots to talk about and things to put into motion. There will be two new cast members, so some costume bits to do. New props for Act 2 and an upgrade to the set if we can afford neon lights. All very exciting.

Not a sight you expect to see on the Thames, a large boat sitting in the middle of the river. I wondered why they’d dropped anchor there, then realised their anchor had not been dropped and was still nestled on the bow. Wild swimmers passed as we approached saying that the boat was grounded, inside silhouettes of passengers could be seen one holding binoculars. Mick considered asking if we could help, but such a big boat and such a small narrowboat!

At Whitchurch Lock the Lockie was surprised that the Captain had taken such a line on the river, but The Amazon Queen had been stuck since last night and they were trying to get hold of a tug to get them afloat again. I had a look at their itinerary, last night they should have been at Mapledurham, this morning a hearty breakfast before setting sail to Sonning to enjoy dinner and a show at The Mill, we doubt they’d make it in time now!

Past Shooters Hill and the Seven Deadly Sins. Shooters Hill is supposed to have been named in the C17th after an artillery station was positioned there in the Civil War to guard the Thames crossing, cannon balls were dug up when the Great Western Railway was being built.

It feels like some serious pruning has taken place in front of the Sins as I’m sure one of them used to hide away. They still are wonderful houses, we tried to decide which one we liked the best, maybe the last one.

The railway moves away for a while as the river passes through Beale Park, only one boat on the moorings there today, a chap just checking the signs £10 for 24hrs, maximum 48hrs pay at the café, same as last year.

The white board at Goring Lock changed to Blue as we approached, the Lock Keeper was heading off to check out reports of a tree down over the towpath, he’d started to empty the lock for us. Boat hook at hand and bow rope on the roof are now the standard set up on the Thames.

A short distance on was Cleeve Lock also full. Despite its shallow rise the water comes in with quite a force. I was glad that the control panels were not on the other side as I’d have been bombarded with acorns dropping in the wind which was increasing in strength. Last year we’d watched as people got showered by the new tap at the water point. This year someone has provided a suitable length of hose attached to the tap to avoid such occurrences.

**If only the staircase was a helter skelter**

Our schedule had us stopping in the next reach of the river. We had a choice, moor below Cleeve Lock, not enough cruising hours. Carry on and try opposite Sheridan Marine, last year the mooring was very awkward with a high uneven bank. Continue to Wallingford and see if there was space for us, or get a day ahead of ourselves and reach Day’s Lock and one of our favourite moorings on the Thames.

Lunch was had on the move, we slowed down for a big pontoon to be moved and have it’s supports dropped to the river bed to steady it ready for more pile driving on a new stretch of bank.

Wallingford Bridge, not much spare room for us, maybe one mooring but we wondered if that space was reserved for a trip boat, maybe the African Queen, well she’d not be needing it today! As we passed the last couple of boats we spotted NB Atropos whom we’d spent the really hot days with on the Great Ouse. We beeped the horn and called out to say hello, but Fran was busy exploring the Castle. Maybe next year our paths will cross again.

Benson Lock, quite deep and the start of Lavender at the locks was on self service. Above is one of the bases for the big Le Boat Hire boats. Today they were four deep, not a spare space on the moorings. A couple of boats were being loaded with bags and shopping, one boat just returning from having a test drive with this weeks holiday makers.

Whittham Clumps comes into view, a hill with a clump of trees on the top, one day we’ll take a walk up there, but today we just wanted to moor up before it started to rain. The Lock Keeper saw us up through Day’s Lock, then it was time to find a mooring.

**New looking signs and music at the farm on Sundays**

New signs along the bank, both here and below the lock there is now a mooring charge. Below the Lock (Thames Path £7) with a very high bank and plenty of friendly cover an awkward mooring. Close to the Lock (Day’s Lock £10) some parts a touch too shallow for us, but a reasonable step off your narrowboat and one or two straight lengths. Then where we were heading (Lake Field £7) in between the trees maybe a touch uneven bank, but a feeling like you are the only one moored on the field. Basically today we would be the only boat here.

Tilly and I had a walk up and down just before the heavens opened. Would this be our first time here without a good sunset? The rain didn’t deter Tilly and she looked round for friends. I put a bolognaise sauce on to cook and Mick waited for the rain to stop so that he could chop up some kindling and light the fire.

Then as the sun was dipping down towards the horizon the sky cleared. To the west we had a sunset, to the east a rainbow. Day’s Lock never disappoints!

5 locks, 15.7 miles, 1 grounded boat, 1 Tilly fan, 7 sins, 2 days into 1, 1 blustery day, 2 hire boats, 1 short hose,1 favourite mooring, 1 downpour, at least 1 friend, 1 bag kindling, £7, 1 sunset plus rainbow.

https://goo.gl/maps/kXgey2PNUBfJuM1M8

Misty Morning. 6th October

Shiplake to Pangbourne

The stove isn’t being kept in overnight as yet so on a chilly morning it’s hard to crawl out from under the duvet, but we succeeded this morning. Breakfasted and on our way at 8am, today would be a busy day.

As we pushed our mooring away the mist on the river rose and swirled around us. It reminded me of one of my first trips out in the theatre van in Scarborough. Heading to Bempton to find props for a show we drove through my first proper experience of sea fret. The mist drifting through the transit vans cab from one window to the other right in front of our noses. Today with the low sunlight catching it at the right angle it was magical.

Shiplake Lock was on self service so I did the honours. The lock was empty but the bottom gates didn’t want to open, it took forever for the lock to go through the sluice cycle before the gate button would work. The still water below the lock reflected trails in the sky. Oh what a beautiful morning. I just needed to find my gloves!

The lock island here has sheds with large tents. Earlier in the year these are all occupied, but now in October there were only a couple of tents erected, the rest removed and most probably stored til spring. We pulled in to top up on water. A Kris hire boat arrived and the couple on board had difficulty with their ropes as a gentle breeze caught them and pushed the stern out across the river, so we went to help, the chap on board saying he’d rather be on a narrowboat! It turned out that they used to own a shareboat with Carefree Cruising as did we. Their boat was an earlier one and the syndicate has just sold it, each of them getting a nice return.

At Sonning we had to put the brakes on as a cruiser was heading downstream under the bridge. It’s easier for us to stop as we were facing the current. We paused for a second boat to come through and then made our way up to the lock which was on blue boards, self service. However there were plenty of people around the lock and one came to open the gates, a large tug and skip boat came through leaving one chap on land to work the lock for us.

The massive display of Hollyhocks we’d seen last year are now reduced to one rogue plant still with a couple of flowers showing. Get the Lock Keeper chatting about the hollyhocks and you’ll never stop him!

Paul from Waterway Routes had asked us to check on reports he’d been having about new moorings at Sonning Lock. The reports had been correct a new length of good edge has been added to the nearest length of moorings, add to that nice new bollards. This does however mean that there are now signs saying to see the Lock Keeper as the moorings are chargeable.

Our hopes of a mooring close to Tescos were dashed for the first time. In the past there has either been just one space left that we’ve shoehorned ourselves into or someone has been about to leave. Today we tried one space, but it was far too shallow and the stump of a tree overhung it. We regrouped, stocks onboard were low, but I was certain I’d be able to rustle up three meals, we carried onwards.

Next was diesel. Could we remember which of the boat yards was known for being the cheaper one, above or below Caversham Lock? I thought it was below so we pulled onto the service pontoon. A chap who was craning boats in and out shouted to help ourselves, ‘Okay, but how much is it?’ £1.39! Yes please the cheapest we’ve paid in months and on the Thames.

Once the tank was full we headed into the shop to pay. What a curious shop! Did we want to buy a hat? A ceramic bust of Churchill, some slippers, Javanese puppets, a tin train, a model ship with rigging, a clockwork rower or a Dalek? Eventually someone came to take our money, they were having a busy day moving boats.

Caversham Lock had a keeper on duty, we asked her if we could stop at the end of the lock landing to head to the shops. Thankfully she was fine about it. We headed to Aldi who supplied us with much of what we wanted, but there were a few annoying gaps. Mick took the majority back to the boat whilst I tried M&S in the Station, then M&S in town, then Sainsburys finally had some cereal I could eat without added slugs or flies.

**I love this house, ship weather vane and a bell in the tower**

On we pressed, water diesel and food stocks replenished. Would we be able to make up for time we’d lost yesterday? We passed the wonderful house with the nautical theme.

**£325,000 click on the photo for details**

A summer house was being shown to prospective new owners with it’s grass and 70ft mooring. Nice.

Above Mapledurham we disposed of our rubbish, then continued on to try to find a mooring. The first place we were about to pull into we were warned was too shallow by a chap chopping wood. On to Pangbourne, we’ve never managed to find a space here, but today there was room along the high bank.

Tilly wasn’t overly keen due to lots of footfall and woofers, but when next door came back with his dog and started to sand things she decided she’d rather be inside. At least we’d got back on track today and achieved all the chores.

4 locks, 13.2 miles, 1 full water tank, 1 clean pooh box, 3 bags rubbish gone, 88.02 litres diesel, 3 bags shopping, 4 shops, 0 room for us, 1 postbox, 1 Lara, 1 last Pangbourne space, 2 hours shore leave, 1 final goodnight to Janis x

https://goo.gl/maps/2fPLjnLk9Gcp8gmx5

Halfway Up The Thames. 4th October

Marlow Lock Cut to Temple Island Meadow, Remenham

We allowed ourselves a cuppa in bed with the papers this morning, hours still need to be cruised but not quite so many a day. By 10:30 we were ready to make a move the board at Marlow Lock being blue (Self Service) I prepared the bow rope on the cratch board for ease of picking up with the boat hook.

Gongoozlers awaited our arrival, one of them filming our every move! I pressed buttons, got the bow rope, secured the bow, closed gates, pressed buttons, adjusted rope, etc, then we were on our way again.

A big pontoon sat below Marlow Bridge, two chaps stood looking up at something.

The big houses and their gardens stretch off into the distance, a balustrade wall with an urn full of flowers every 16ft or so marks the edge of their estate. We’ve seen staff moving around these properties in golf buggies before!

Temple Lock marks almost the half way point between London and Oxford on the river. Here two chaps who looked like they were working on the gates pressed the buttons for us, a big sign besides them with a phone number should you have any problems with the lock 24/7.

**So many coats of varnish o their boats.**

A short distance on is Hurley Lock, blue signs lied to us as there were two Lock Keepers on duty. There was just enough time to have a peek over the fence into Peter Freebody and Co to look at the pretty boats. Oleanna was the fifth boat they’d had through the lock this morning, a quiet day.

Just over three and a half miles to the next lock. We were wanting to be moored up before the weather took hold today, should we stop at Medmenham? There was plenty of space but we really needed to be at least another hour on especially if the weather tomorrow is bad.

Passing the weir cut for Hambledon Lock we waved to where WB Still Rockin used to winter, wonder where she is now with her new owners?

The wind was starting to pick up by now and dropping me off to work the lock took a while to get the bow in so I could head of with the boat pole. A couple were just entering the lock from above on a Kris hire boat. Their skills suggested they’d done this before a few times. The lock took forever to empty, I suggested the lady get back on and I’d open the gates for them. But still it took forever, not helped by very few of the lights working on the extensive panel, of which you only need three buttons! Then at last the gates moved, they were set free and the lock was now ours.

With no gate paddles obvious I suspected this to be a side filler. The bow rope was wrapped round the bollard several times, no lugs to hold it tight. I pressed the button to fill the lock and gently the water started to flow in. The bow rope was adjusted and as the flow of water increased Oleanna sat a distance out from the side of the lock, kept away by the filling water. Thankfully we could leave the top gates open as a cruiser appeared with perfect timing to go down.

It now started to rain. That rain that soaks you when you’re not looking! Our scheduled stop today was Temple Island the start of the boat racing in Henley. Waterway Routes suggested there were moorings beside the island, so we headed towards where there was a sign that confirmed this, however all along the bank were signs saying Private Mooring with names of boats on them. Winter moorings maybe, the signs didn’t look permanent.

Up ahead on the other bank were a few boats, a sign fixed to a tree suggested that maybe these were pay for moorings. We pulled in along the good edge, sign checked £12, but it would mean we wouldn’t have to battle onwards in the weather.

We were soon settled and the doors opened up for Tilly to explore. We knew she wouldn’t be too keen due to the manicured nature of the field and gardens.

After an initial explore she preferred to sit on the stern and watch the world go by, or walk along the catwalk keeping a close eye on the woofers. Inside I ticked off a few more jobs for panto and cut out another couple of stencils. A logo was drawn out, scanned and sent on to Jo the props maker, I quite like it and may see if I can get a t-shirt printed for first night.

**Cutting out the cats with supervision**

4 locks, 2 self service, 1 side filler, 7.5 miles, 1 blustery damp day, 1 sunny afternoon! £12, 1 tidy green mooring, 1 bored cat, 1 assistant, 2 stencils, 1 Petiti Pie, 1 stove lit, 2 cosy boaters and their cat.

https://goo.gl/maps/6wBpfKxW4qSgZXM78

Blowing Up The Rats. 3rd October

Marlow Lock Cut

Up, out of bed, breakfasted and walking towards the station this morning for Mick to catch a train into Maidenhead, then one to London, the tube, on to York and the final train of that leg to Scarborough. Our latest lodgers had moved out yesterday, so the house needed checking over and the grass cutting.

**Only a bit of space on York to moor today**

I meanwhile headed off to Sainsburys to see how much I could carry back to the boat ending up doing an intermediate shop which would keep us going until we reach Tescos in Reading.

The shop windows in Marlow have tantalising things in them. I SO wish I ate gluten still as one cafe had the most enticing looking bread in their window and trays of wonderous baked goods filling the counters. Oh well I most probably saved myself a fortune.

**I behaved and didn’t stock up on yarns**

A shop down a side street caught my eye, a crafty shop with fabrics and yarn. My bumbag needs the zip replacing, so I waited outside for the shop to open then purchased what I hope is the correct length zip for the job. Just need to find the time with enough daylight to put it in now.

**Alan, still King of the wall in Scarborough**

Today I was going to make use of the table whilst Mick was away and do a bit of prep work for panto. The elaborate portals that I’ve designed have quite a few things that repeat themselves, so a quick means of drawing them out is required. I could project them onto the scenery, a method I’ll use elsewhere this year, but as these are so repetitive I’m going to use stencils.

I gridded up the card I’d bought in London and transferred the designs across, trying to better the originals I’d used for the model. The correct lines were picked out from the mistakes with pen and later on in the day I started to cut them out. After two I’d had enough, the others can happen over the next few days when we moor up.

Around the lock was busy today. Plenty of boats coming and going. At one point I looked up to see a grey widebeam gliding past with no-one at the helm. They were sorting out their centre rope and ran back down the roof before the boat went off course.

**EA getting ready for some work somewhere**

A work boat and skip came down the lock. We’ve seen a few worky type vessels about the place, presumably getting ready for winter maintenance.

Several of the overstaying boats moved off too. Notices removed from windows. That left us and one other boat that looks like it is quite happy here.

**Thankfully no friends were brought home today!**

Council workmen arrived and did a bit of pruning in the park we’re moored alongside so whilst the chipper chipped Tilly was kept in. A big vat of carrot and orange soup was made from the remaining cheap carrots we’d bought at M&S, Not bad for 45p, a roast, a cake and soup.

Mick’s return journey from Scarborough wasn’t quite so good. The trains to London from York were cancelled so a detour via Leeds was taken. This train ended up stopping everywhere so got into London late. A fast train to Maidenhead got him slightly back on course where he caught up with a train he’d hoped to catch back to Marlow. He was back on board Oleanna just gone 10:30pm. A long day with a lot of trains.

0 locks, 0 miles, 9 trains, 2 tubes, 1 tidy house, 1 load washing, 1 catch up with neighbours, 2 bags shopping, 1 zip, 6 hours shore leave, 2 cancelled, 1 busy river out of season, 7 stencils drawn, 2 cut.

A Tootle And A Wave. 2nd October

Cliveden Island to Marlow Lock Cut

Sadly we could only stay one night on Tilly’s birthday island, we need to keep moving, admittedly not far today.

But first there was time for Mick to rustle up a breakfast and for us to join the Geraghty zoom. The Basingstoke Canal, flights from Barra and the general state of the country were topics today.

We pushed away the island around 11am, passing our nearest neighbours soon afterwards. I wondered who might be staying in Spring Cottage at the moment (£2,750 a night) an extra £50 a night to include breakfast. Or at the cheaper NT run cottages £896 for three nights, no option of breakfast being included there.

**You brought it with you, it’s now lighter, so much easier to take home!**

We followed a big hire boat up to Cookham Lock where a volunteer saw both boats in and pressed the buttons for us. Mick had picked up a bag of rubbish on the island so we paused to drop it off at the bins above the lock. Why would you parcel up your rubbish and then hide it behind a tree on an island?! We topped up the water tank as a load of washing spun round in the machine and then carried onwards.

Bourne End can be so sunny, it almost feels like a resort as you glide along the wide water.

Sailing dinghy’s raced back and forth, the wind being in the perfect direction for their course today.

Another house for sale, with a good length of mooring, only £2,750,000.

We paused at a familiar boat, bipped our horn, but only the wagging tail of a dog greeted us today. Next time we’ll make sure we send a message in advance.

All the big houses climbing up the cliff and pretty boats moored below.

Round the big bend in the river, we spied space on the EA moorings below Marlow Lock and pulled in. We then nudged along in front of one of several boats with overstay notices on their windows. The route to walk up to the lock takes you round the houses a touch, but does give a great view across to Marlow.

Only a volunteer on duty as it was lunchtime. Mick ventured back later in the afternoon to check in with the Lockie and see if it was possible for us to stay for two nights instead of just the one. As it was out of season he gave us permission.

Tilly got busy, bringing a friend inside to the warmth! Luckily it turned out to be easy to catch, but when released in the hedgerow it scarpered so quickly it didn’t see which way it was going and ended up in the river. It did swim, so I’m hoping it found somewhere to climb out.

I put together some photos and words for the Panto programme. They wanted a two page spread about the set design process. Lots of photos and a sentence with each one, I suspect I’ve given them too much.

What a lovely mooring it is here, we’ve only stayed by the park above the lock before which is quite busy, just a shame there is constant nose from the road bridge!

1 lock, 5.16 miles, 1 bag of rubbish, 1 tank of water, 1 load washing drying on the whirligig, 2 nights okay, 4 hours shore leave, 0 island, 7 photos, 7 sentences.

https://goo.gl/maps/cHYPdR62T54KTTn17

Narrowboat Oleanna

Travels of Narrowboat Oleanna