Finally life is slowing down, the 4mph on the canal speed has been achieved. We were passed by a jogger on the tow path, and by a horse in the pasture, absolutely delightful!
We have grown accustomed to the narrow boat walk. To pass the length of the boat you have to turn your shoulders as if you were windsurfing to pass along the hall way to the back of boat. Kirk was wishing for 1 more foot, but nixed that after we lost 2 bumpers in the last locks. Boat barely fit through.
Tied up at The Boat Inn (pub) at Thrupp for the night and had dinner there and then went to Annie's Tea House for dessert.
Met the commodore of the Thrupp Canal Cruising Club, after a knock on the cabin door asking us for our Oxford Canal pass, which we did not have. Oops! Well this boat is not exactly perfect, It needs to be taken through a car wash about ten times. Unfortunately we could not find a car wash. Kirk and I spend most of the time on the river scrubbing it down, but it is still pretty dirty.
Adam the Commodore introduced us to the Thrupp Canal Club, the closest thing we have seen to a marina yet. Takes forever to get a slip, have to buy a boat to get one, but has a head, shore power and water...worth waiting for.
We headed back down the canal after Kirk made a spectacular turn around, and I successfully got a key to operate the lift bridge. Negotiated many locks today like pros!
Discovered if you do not put the lock paddles back down after you are in it will take a hell of a long time to empty the lock of water...brilliant!
Ended up on the river bank of the Thames in the weeds for the night over looking a beautiful field of yellow butter cups as far as the eye can see. Finished with 4 hot air balloons sailing over head and off into the sunset. No pub insight, but a magnificent evening and glorious sunset.
Again no rain...Toto, this isn't England!
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