With crew collected at Osney Island, we made or way downstream for a rendezvous with colleagues and students at the ‘Head of the River’ Pub. Although we had passed this pub at Folly Bridge many times, I had never seen a boat tied up there. The pub has an interesting history as a building belonging to Salters (the famous Thames steamer company), but I had a feeling that the pub is more (town facing than river facing). I was a little anxious, that some of the pub guests might try to stowaway, but as the evening wore on I became more relaxed.
A terrific spread of food was provided for our party, and after some good conversations liberally moistened with wine, crew and skipper headed off into the night (navigation lights glowing with nautical impressiveness).
The passage upstream through Osney lock and under the lowest bridge on the river, was magical. We were glad to have a powerful torch to help us see our way occasionally, but our night-vision was good enough to make our way in the dark.
A terrific spread of food was provided for our party, and after some good conversations liberally moistened with wine, crew and skipper headed off into the night (navigation lights glowing with nautical impressiveness).
The passage upstream through Osney lock and under the lowest bridge on the river, was magical. We were glad to have a powerful torch to help us see our way occasionally, but our night-vision was good enough to make our way in the dark.
Lifeboat Launch at Folly Bridge, Henry Taunt 1900
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