There are 2 places where I can get diesel; Eynsham (upstream) or Abingdon (downstream). So, I went downstream today and filled up.

What else? I got a rope burn in Abingdon lock. Seems I was a little too close to the incoming flood, and I struggled to hold the bow in.

Ordered new teak rails from Albin Fashion in Sweden and they arrived within 3 days.

I have fitted these with new brass screws and I just need to add some teak oil.

The wheelhouse top rails will need some planing concave to fit the slightly curved profile.

from Oxford to Farmoor. Sunburn in May! Amazing. Met 'Lucy Locket' another Albin25.

As I am sure you will know, Lechlade is as far as AViVA can reach towards the source of the Thames. We have been there before but it had been on my mind for some time to get there again.

We passed through all of the hand operated locks on the Thames, and sometimes the lock keeper was off duty, so the skipper needed to walk back and forth opening paddles and closing gates while AViVA was warped up taking care of herself.

From Oxford to Pangbourne and back in 3 days. This was during some blistering hot days, and I found myself hunting for shaded spots for mooring up - even getting under the trees underway!

After a winter wrapped up, AViVA gets 2 coats of anti-fouling and a good polish. Back in the water now but with a new alternator.

First the first time in 2 years, AViVA has got a chance to dry out over the Winter. She is up on dry land at Osney Marina and awaits an opportunity for me to winterise the engine and wrap her up under a tarpaulin.

I love getting one of these slots at Wallingford. It is, by my estimation, a lovely place to be.

A walk up into the town from the bridge gives us access to a huge branch of Waitrose. Boaters with plenty of money can stock up their galley cupboards.

AViVa's cleats were probably the original ones fitted in 1973. Seemed time to replace the wood with some light hardwood sourced at Powell's timber yard in Oxford.

AViVA has three cleats; one in the bow and one each side in the stern.