Chaye's 5th Birthday

Friday 15th August chugged up to Thrupp. Lovely moorings there and we managed to get in along the best bit by the cottages. The Wine Boat that we briefly said hi to at the Kidlington Lock moored up 2 boats in front. We meet Andy and Diane a couple of years back at Cosgrove near Stoke. They came round to us for a beer on Friday and had an enjoyable eve.

Sat 16th we Facetimed Mick an Elly it is so good to chat to our Aussie pals,we miss Mick's colourful words and Elly's wise ones. Andy and Diane invited us onto their boat Sat night which turned into a very boozy one trying all the new and old wines they had made this year,finishing with melon liqueur. what a head we had the Sunday! We needed to move on to Heyford as we had a train to catch Monday to Eastbourne.

We made it to Heyford about 5pm and so lucky got a mooring spot 100 yards from the station.

Monday 18th caught the 12.56 to Oxford, changed for Paddington, across London and on the Eastbourne train arrived at 16.45 so not a bad journey for £29 return. Pays sometimes to be a senior!

Faye, Chayse and Zelda there to meet us. Ryan got home from work and we had a nice dinner and played Rumikub after I'd read lots to Chayse.

Tuesday went over to Worthing and had lunch at The Cricketers in Broadwater. Meet up with Nan and Grandad, Anne and John and Maria and Anita. A pre birthday do for Chayse but appart from the lovely presents Chayse was pleased to get over to the park after dinner!

Got back home and played lots of games with Chayse which she really enjoys.

Wednesday 20th had a morning shopping for Chayse's birthday present from us,settled on Operation,clothes,belts and books. Went back for lunch then back down to the seafront with Zelda for a walk along to see the remains of the Pier fire earlier in the year.

The clouds came in abit dark but the sea breeze blew them away and we had ice cream with a flake! On our way back to the car.

Again went back for a lovely roast dinner and more games with Chayse.

Thursday 21st decided to spend our morning doing abit of gardening, Baz and Faye done the digging and planting I supervised and tidied up at the end,whilst Faye got lunch.

Caught the train back to Heyford at 12 58. Not such a good journey back as the train from Paddington to Oxford was running 5 mins late and we only had 6 mins at Oxford for our connection to Heyford and as that train only goes every 4 hours we needed to make it. The guard informed us that he would make a phone call and ask the train to wait as their was several of us expecting to catch that train. However just as our train pulled in the Heyford train pulled out! However First Great Western were very apologetic and put us all in Taxis to get home.

Friday 22nd as we only managed to pick up milk and bread in M/S at Paddington we went over to Kizzies Cafe in the boatyard for breakfast,yummy. Then chugged onto Somerton and moored up Baz went in search of blackberries but not very successful.

Saturday 23rd  Filled up with fuel at Aynho Wharfe at 84p needed 111 litres. The long awaited Dr Who was on in the eve. We decided to moor just outside Banbury near Morrisons as we were in need of supplies, and we knew TV signal was not good in town centre. After 3 attempts to moor up and get a signal we got it. Much to Baz relief, I thought the episode was abit naff but what do I know!

Sunday 24th Baz went back to Morrisons to do a beer run and I went into town for some retail theropy. Baz brought the boat into town and then we moored up again as there was a spot right in town. Banbury had beautiful flowers on the bridges. 

Baz brought a couple of tee shirts and a jumper. So then we did a late afternoon chugg and moored up to Slat Mill Lock just outside Cropedy. A boat moored up behind us late in the eve and got completely stuck as it was too shallow. All hands to the deck we managed to get him off but split our boat pole.

Bank Holiday Monday  25th August and it's the wettest coolest day we have had for ages so a day on the boat having a clear up.

Friends and Family on the Thames

Tuesday 5th August set off early out from the K & A into the Thames not as warm as it has been but no rain!  Managed to get good moorings at Goring and had a wander around the pretty village. Saw the Mikron theatre boat there and had a chat will try to see them in Abingdon on Thursday.

  

Wednesday 6th off to Wallingford again where lucky with a mooring although abit high it was a lovely day and really busy there with boats in all directions. We had another boat ask to breast up did not like to say no but it made our boat dark inside. But the weather was fab so we sat out on the back with our table out and had dinner out there and played Rummikub till it got too dark to see.

Had an incident with a poor lady dog walker who had lost one of her dogs and we had seen it swim past our boat about an hour earlier. Lots of people where out looking for Bue and when I text them on Thursday the dog had been found. Hurrah.

Thursday 7th arrived in Abingdon again where lucky to get the last mooring by the bridge. Decided to go to see The Mikron theatre showing Troupers. We realised it was in The Plough in a village about 8 miles out of town so got a Taxi, had a lovely eve the performance was fab and we managed to get a lift home.

 Friday 8th August Sue and Kay arrived about 2 pm long journey as traffic was bad. Went for a walk round town through the Abbey ruins then went for a cuppa in Thromwing Buns. Then back to the boat for dinner and a game of cards. Such good fun having the girls here.

Saturday 9th August cruised up the Thames to Oxford. A little breezy but no rain yet! Moored by The Folly Bridge, unfortunately we where right by the bench where the regular town drinkers sat. Reasonably harmless we where told,but at midnight one of the guys had come back fallen asleep on the bench then fell off! We called the police and by the time they came the street drinker had disappeared ! ! We had a lovely afternoon around town having tea at The Vaults at St Mary's Church. Kay managed to find a smashing dress for her nieces wedding. Played Uno and 7's for money! In the eve.

Sunday10th I went into town with the girls got a wander. Baz. Stayed on Boat,happy to have some peace and quiet! Girls went home about 4ish after late lunch.

Monday 11th August we went to the station to meet Kate and the girls unfortunately the train was two hours late. Had a wander back to boat, I enjoyed time with Molly and Connie whilst Kate and Baz went in town for a drink. Played Careers and Baz won. 

Tuesday went into town for a wander, Kate loved the old buildings, but with heavy showers on and off went into Pub for lunch. 

When we came out sun was out so back to boat for tea. Connie did not settle in the eve,but eventually went off to sleep. Played Go and I won.

Wednesday 13th decided to go to the castle before catching the 1.30 train,had fun going in the stocks and trying on the battle ware in the shop.

Said our goodbyes to Kate, Molly and Connie sad to see them go,went to the Pub for our dinner as I could not be bothered to cook! Came back after shopping at Sainsbugs and had a little nap! Then had a grand tidy.

Thursday 14th August left the Thames and got up to Kidlington after filling up with water and emptying out!  We painted the roof of the boat here last year. Had a nice chugg and missed all the showers although a lot of thunder around. Strang to be back on the single locks again seems so small! But spied a Kingfisher tonight catching a fish,whooh.

Hungerford to Reading

YTuesday 29th left Hungerford intending to stop at Kintbury,we have not manage to get BBC to watch the Commonwealth Games which is a little frustrating! So we stopped at Kintbury and again no BBC so we decided to chugg on to Newbury.

We got there 4ish and where lucky to get the last spot before top lock under the trees lovely.

Wednesday 30th just moved our boat up a couple of spots and went round the town. Baz brought some new shoes,Crocs again, and I found a nice top in Trespass sale. Had a coffee in square and watched the sports centre youngsters promoting short tennis. Great fun. Back to boat for lunch,then had an early eve pint at The Hatchett in town, Faye phoned to tell us about Eastbourne Pier.

Thursday 31st moved on to Thatcham nb Robert asked to moor up alongside then the boat behind moved so we walked him up to the vacant spot. Then 10 mins or so another boat asked to 'breast up' this time it was the Canal Christain Minister hardly going to say no! They where very pleasent good job I am a good Christian lass!

Friday 1st August needed to get some hours done as we knew Saturdays weather forecast was not good. Started out ok got to Woolhampton and 2 boasts pulled out in front of us. Not hire boats so did not hand about. We where pleased of their help at Aldermaston as the Big Road Lock is really heavy and we had an Electric Swing Road bridge to go through so all went together. Then we got to. Tyle Mill another electric swing bridge which had broken and had to operated by RCT only every 3 hours so had to wait till 3 pm. We all decided to fill the gap between lock and bridge and lock so would be first out!  Then all had a cuppa.

Got to Sheffield Lock at Theale and after mooring up and chatting to Alan our travelling companion and Dog -James, and another couple who where just walking their little dog Toby we all went up the Pub.

Sat 2nd the BBC got it right and we had some heavy down pours, but it cleared by the eve and we had a lovely walk round Hopshall Lake before dinner. pudding was freshly picked blackberries and apple crumble.

Sunday 3rd headed off to Reading hoping for moorings round the Loop by the Gaol and old Abbey ruins. We where lucky and had a wander around town having a beer at Iguanas in the Oracle. it's like being abroad with everyone sitting out in bars enjoying the weather.

Monday 4th had my hair cut in town and got train tickets to go and see Chayse for her birthday on 18th for a couple of days. John Lewis have a fab store in town but nothing we need Urggg!

Going out tonight for a curry having a break from my galley 

Reading is much nicer than I expected and the moorings are very safe and quiet. Apart from the geese!

Off on The Thames tomorrow.

Still Steaming

Moved onto Wooten Rivers on Thursday 24th lovely moorings and walked up to The Royal Oak with Mick and had a disappointing pint of 6X she'd have complained but did send Wadworths Brewery an email telling them how much we enjoyed the tour,but could they keep an eye on Pubs selling their beer! No TV signal can not watch The Commonwealth Games bit disappointing.

Friday made our way to Crofton as we wanted to see The Crofton Pump in full steam which would happen on Saturday. Still no TV signal. Walked into Great Bedwyn to get the train to Hungerford as I had an appointment at Doctors to have my ears suringed. Then had  a lovely eve with  nb Moonshadow more Aussies we meet up on The Oxford talking about all our travels.

Saturday 26th went on the tour of The Pumping Station very interesting although abit smelly!

Went onto Great Bedwyn for midday as Gill & Mick where joining us for the weekend. Had lunch and a walk round village and a ice cream then a beer.

Still very hot an humid so sat out till 10ish.

Sunday 27th had an early start as we wanted to get to Hungerford for early pm to secure a good mooring. Got a lovely spot at Top Lock.  Gill ,Mick and I went for a walk in town leaving Baz to desperately get a T V signal to watch the Gran Prix. No joy could not get BBC!

Enjoyed a game of cards in the eve

Monday 28th  Gill and Mick got the train,eventually, back to their car at Bedwyn they are off to Glasgow to watch some of The Commonwealth Games.

Said Goodbye to nb Smile and Wave who have been great cruising buddies for the last 6 weeks or so. Thanks for your company a Heather and Mick lets hope we meet up again.

Baz had a day using his Bus Pass to get back to Devizes to give blood, drink Guiness, have a Cream Tea and a Haircut. Whilst I had a day on my own cleaning and chatting to a very nice fisherman!

Laughs, Locks and Liquor

After shopping at Sainsbugs Thursday morning Pete and Dizzy arrived about 6ish. The day had been very hot and storms were forecasted. We had dinner and decided on a walk round the town. Getting back to the boat we had a game of cards and waited for the fireworks to begin. We were not disappointed at all we had the biggest, loudest and most spectacular lightening we have seen for a long time,and boy did it rain.

Friday 18th started a little grey but turned out to be another glorious day and we finished in Seend Cleeve opposit a lovely pub The Barge Inn. Went for a walk up to the small village, then back for dinner and cards, Pete did not seem to win much, unusual for Pete, and Baz did his usual at Uno lost!

Sat morning again a little cloudy but thought we ought to get out for a walk so walked to Sells Green had a pint in The Three Magpies, then set off back. We got caught in another huge thunder storm thunder and lightening that made us jump! After drying ourselves off and having lunch the clouds cleared and we chugged off down to Foxhanger, at the bottom of Caen Hill Flight. The locks we have planned to do Sunday.

Sunday got started to leave for 9am, but already about 5 boats went passed us. We set off, in hindsight we possibly should have waited about half hour or so because we caught them all up after the first 6 and the Lock keeper asked us to wait as nothing coming down. Hard work for us all, and alot of hanging about for Captain Bazza. Nearly got to the top when the lady on the boat in front of us fell in the lock. She was ok just abit shaken and bruised ribs a Boater for over 20 years and had never gone in until then. So we all helped that boat get to top. We where all knackered on arriving in Devizes. But after a few beers normal service was resumed! Early night though!!

Monday  21st July I had booked for us to go on the Wadworth Brewery Tour. And very good it was, tasting several beers at the end. 

A wander around Devizes and then back to boat for a late lunch before saying Goodbye to our fabulous friends. I think they enjoyed their stay even though we made them work their passage!

Tuesday 22nd July. We decided to explore the countryside around Devizes so caught a bus to Avebury. We saw the Stone circles very much like Stonehenge but on a smaller scale. 

Then went onto Marlborough for lunch by the river Kennett. A very classy town and prices reflect!

Buses where few and far between back to Avebury so got the 70 to Swindon, had a cuppa there and back on the 49  to Devizes.  Did not get back till about 7pm so picked up a delicious curry from The Taste of Bengal, one of the best we have had.

Wednesday after filling and emptying the boat with water etc left Devizes about 10. Slow going as we seem to have hire boats popping out in front of us on every bend! Moored up at Honey Street not our favorite place so many 'travellers' here. Our nice clean boat does not really fit in here!! Still haho off tomorrow.

Bradford on Avon again!

Thurs 10th July we left Bristol hoping to get to Bitton where we know there were good moorings. The swing bridge out of the harbour looked so low on a big river we just got under brushing our flowers,don't think our old T V Ariel would have made it!

There was just the one spot at Bitton so we breasted up with nb  S & W on the bank side so the dogs could get off. Watched loads of teenagers climb up the buttresses of the railway bridge and sit on the struts, the folly of youth! Then more youngsters along with Mum and Dad all came down for a swim. I guess the river is a lot cleaner than the canals.

Friday 11th July moored up at the bottom of Bath as Faye and family spent the weekend with us. There are only 48 hours moorings, so we could moved up to the top on Sunday.

Lovely eve chatting to nb Yesdear who have home moorings at Etruria near Stoke, and had a fab lamb roast from Waitrose.

Sat 12th July  Faye, Ryan, Chayse and Zelda all arrived about 1pm had lunch then walked into town. Watched a great street act then back to boat for a curry. Again care of Waitrose!

Whilst having breakfast we watched a Heron catching and eating a whole fish.

Sunday we chugged up to top of Bath and had a lovely day walking back into town to the Royal Cresent. Faye found Anthrapology, a shop she lovedi in New York. Spent a good hour looking at all the things we do not need! Weather was hot again so found a pub The Pig and Fiddle for a pint and live Sunday pm music.

Back to the boat  Chayse enjoys the old game of plastic beads in a mosaic board we have kept. 

Had Pizza and fresh fruit before we watched the final of the World Cup. We had a sweep stake running with S & W involved, Chayse was the only one to have Argentina to win. Well I won the dosh!

Monday 14th went into town for supplies. Fridge empty and Pete & Dizzy coming Thursday. Had coffee in town centre, got back and had a tidy up.

Tuesday left Bath and had a glorious morning chugging to Dundas Aquaduct. Went for an afternoon stroll for a nice cream, after painting the chimney collar.

Wednesday 16th back at Bradford on Avon. After the second attempt have got great moorings for a couple of nights. It is such a shame there are so many rubbish boats moored along the canal on this section, no wonder the K & A always features in The Towpath when it comes to 'Continuous Moorers'.where RCT have allocated Permit or Long Term Mooring it seems the Derge boats do not want to pay for anything.

 

Bristol

Monday 7th July 

Bit of a grey day so decided to go on the SS Great Britain. Had a wonderful time it was so interesting and well done to all who restored her a fantastic job.

Brunell had such vision,fancy building a huge ship out of iron! And the enormous prop with the rudder positioned yards up on the shaft so the water flowed in both directions making it easier to turn the wheel.

The decks have all been lovingly restored, dining room laid out. You could always climb the rigging but we chickened out

Justine arrived soon after 4pm and after a cuppa went back to their house for tea. Lovely to see them all the girls are so grown up now.

Tuesday walked into the Town Centre huge shopping area called the Cabot Centre brought some new Crocs,flip flops as mine are now sooo thin. Stopped at The V Shed good old Wetherspoons and had a very late lunch. Enjoyed a bottle of the red stuff with Heather & Mick in the eve.

Wednesday caught the bus up to the Clifton suspension bridge walked over and back again, then walked through Clifton village back to Bristol Catherdral. Then home for a cuppa.

This is the glass globe outside the Aquarium

Leaving Bristol tomorrow so spent the eve using as much electric as possible. Heh Mick, got the Hoover out!