Found a mooring at Goring this morning, time now for some snoring!!

After a lovely day spent with Stuart, Caroline and the Grandchildren celebrating Samuel's first birthday we set off early from Sonning to get the first lock operation of the day and headed for Tesco at Reading. After getting re-provisioned we set off again, not sure how far we would aim to go, but just after passing under 'Reading Bridge' we saw a lovely mooring alongside Caversham Park. The only problem was that we were in direct sunlight all day, and boy was it hot. Never mind, we are not going to grumble about that after the last few summer's!!

Saturday morning came with lovely hot sunny windless conditions, so we set off before 8am heading for Pangbourne meadow. very glad we set off early as the numerous rowing clubs were already filling the river with 'sculls' with anything from single rowers to teams of eight. The one thing they all had in common was they appear to be unconcerned regarding rules of navigation, and totally blind indifference to any other vessels that are on the water. The fact that we are making better speed on the Thames than we have ever achieved on any canal, yet still get overtaken by these rowing boats I can live with. But when you get one ramming you in the stern you start to think they have a Kamikaze madness about them!!!, then there was also the boat with four women rowers in it that turned and stopped broadside to our approach as we made for Mapledurham lock landing, I signalled them that I would pass them to the left, so they move right in front of me again, there is no hope for some people!!!

Josephine waiting at Mapledurham Lock

Finally got to Pangbourne meadow and got the last space available. Very hot again, but set up our own little camp alongside the boat with parasols and pegged sheets to get some shade. Jean's Sister and Brother in law arrived late afternoon to stay with us. The boat was so hot even with every door and hatch open, and with all curtains closed that we ate outside, and stayed outside until turning in about 10:30pm


Sister Pat and Brother -in- law Chris

Sunday morning came and what a surprise, we wake to bright sunshine and hot temperatures, that makes a change!!!
Pat and Chris kindly offered to take us by car to visit the new marina at Cropredy on the Oxford canal. We have been interested in it for some time but have never been to see it on any of the previous 'open days' so, as this was the final one, and it is advertised as being ready to open in a matter of weeks, we were keen to see it with a view to taking up our future moorings there. We were somewhat disappointed on arrival to see it was far from complete, and despite their firm commitment that it will be fully finished and operational by September/October of this year we find it hard to see it happening, so we think we will stay at 'Aston' for this winter then look again at how Cropredy pans out next spring.

Cropredy marina entrance

Jetties at Cropredy

This morning ( Monday 15th ) we turned the boat around and went back to Mapledurham lock to use the facilities, ( water up, elsan and rubbish out ) then turned again and cruised up through Whitchurch lock and on to Goring where Pat and Chris departed. We walked with them up through the charming village shops on the high street to the station where they caught the train back to Pangbourne where they had left their car. We will stay here for the day and head off again tomorrow.   

Mooring at Goring! Nice cup of coffee.