Time to take off on my own for a trip upstream. A bit nervous about handling the ropes through the locks but there was no need!
No parking for the car at Bossoms so a bit of a delay until 12.15. Spotted Tarsus (my father’s old boat) on the other side of Godstow lock. Police divers at Godstow bridge - thought it might be a body but lock-keeper informed me that they were simply cleaning up the river. Diver swam to the bank and allowed me to pass under the bridge.
Encountered rather rude (later apologised) narrow boat. They only left one half of the lock gates open and I had to tie up and open up the other half. One gate is not enough for Aviva. Whilst fiddling about in the lock (keeper was at lunch), Environment Agency boat turned up. Pleasant chat with the skipper.
No parking for the car at Bossoms so a bit of a delay until 12.15. Spotted Tarsus (my father’s old boat) on the other side of Godstow lock. Police divers at Godstow bridge - thought it might be a body but lock-keeper informed me that they were simply cleaning up the river. Diver swam to the bank and allowed me to pass under the bridge.
Encountered rather rude (later apologised) narrow boat. They only left one half of the lock gates open and I had to tie up and open up the other half. One gate is not enough for Aviva. Whilst fiddling about in the lock (keeper was at lunch), Environment Agency boat turned up. Pleasant chat with the skipper.
Good run to Eynsham and past Oxford Cruisers. Lock keeper at Pinkhill was very chatty.Got to Bablock Hythe at about 4pm and met the previous owners of Aviva. They had recently sold their 2nd Albin 25 which I spotted earlier on another mooring (I took a picture).
Headed upstream through Northmoor lock and found a mooring for night downstream of Shifford lock. Made myself a pasta supper and a beer. Cleaned the decks and was observed by a deer in the nearby field. Had a peaceful night but breakfast was accompanied by the sounds for a busy farmer on his tractor.
Continued upstream through Shifford lock and located a wide spot to turn Aviva around. The day was windy with some threatening clouds. Passed my night-time mooring spot and went through the bridge at Newbridge with the mast down. Had a good look at the houses at Appleton. Envious of their moorings - some with boat houses. A herd of Aberdeen Angus on the opposite bank were enjoying the attentions of an enormous bull. Glad I didn’t moor up there. Followed a slow cruiser all the way to Pinkhill where I was held out of the lock because of overcrowding. Took the opportunity to wash down the hull. Keeper then went to lunch so, with help from some passers by, got through.
Got a friendly wave from Oxford Cruisers and went through to Eynsham where I attended to the elsan. A lonely run to Wytham and I tied up for a bite to eat. The strong wind made getting away again rather tricky. Got to KIngs lock and then (damn it) the engine failed to start in the lock. Lock keeper helped me pull the boat out. Starter motor seems to be the problem but luckily I did get it started. Got permission from the lock keeper to keep the engine going.
Got caught by a sudden downpour through Port Meadow, but got back to the mooring with the covers up.
New mechanical problem now to be dealt with.
Headed upstream through Northmoor lock and found a mooring for night downstream of Shifford lock. Made myself a pasta supper and a beer. Cleaned the decks and was observed by a deer in the nearby field. Had a peaceful night but breakfast was accompanied by the sounds for a busy farmer on his tractor.
Continued upstream through Shifford lock and located a wide spot to turn Aviva around. The day was windy with some threatening clouds. Passed my night-time mooring spot and went through the bridge at Newbridge with the mast down. Had a good look at the houses at Appleton. Envious of their moorings - some with boat houses. A herd of Aberdeen Angus on the opposite bank were enjoying the attentions of an enormous bull. Glad I didn’t moor up there. Followed a slow cruiser all the way to Pinkhill where I was held out of the lock because of overcrowding. Took the opportunity to wash down the hull. Keeper then went to lunch so, with help from some passers by, got through.
Got a friendly wave from Oxford Cruisers and went through to Eynsham where I attended to the elsan. A lonely run to Wytham and I tied up for a bite to eat. The strong wind made getting away again rather tricky. Got to KIngs lock and then (damn it) the engine failed to start in the lock. Lock keeper helped me pull the boat out. Starter motor seems to be the problem but luckily I did get it started. Got permission from the lock keeper to keep the engine going.
Got caught by a sudden downpour through Port Meadow, but got back to the mooring with the covers up.
New mechanical problem now to be dealt with.
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