Time to move off the K&A. Whilst it’s been an interesting few months on the Kennet & Avon – we really need to get moving. It’s looking like the Letchlade run on the Thames is not going to happen this year (again!) as with it getting to September – and the weather starting to turn – I’m not risking getting “red boarded” and stuck on the Thames again – so were going to run onto the Oxford, and slowly make our way up to Banbury.
Were still undecided about a winter mooring in Banbury this year – so we may go through Banbury and up towards Coventry – and then, if we decide to winter moor in Banbury (which would need paying for this year) we can turn around and come back again.
I have a lot of work on through the end of the year and into April – a lot of which would need short-notice access to a car.. so that’s one of the main deciding factors about staying in Banbury – but we will see..
First stop – Tesco’s – out of the K&A, turn left and onto the mooring outside tesco’s to get a quick top-up shop in – or not! the mooring is full – no room. Ah well.. the top-up will have to wait until we get to Goring then.
Second Stop.. Better boating. Topped off both diesel tanks, got a 6kg gas bottle but no pump out.. Monday, Tuesday and Friday.. And another boat is waiting to get to the services, so no water either..
On through Caversham Lock, joined by this lovely little steamer..
Under Reading Bridge..
And.. Our third stop.. Caversham Boat Services.. Got the pump out done and filled the water tank. So were set – there are bins a few locks down before we get to goring, so we can dump the rubbish there.
There is something serene about having the river to yourself.. not even the gentle rumble from the engine can disturb this..
Past the location of the Reading festival.. which they are still cleaning up after.. under the temporary foot bridge to get from the campsites to the location of the sound stages..
Mapledurham lock.. Just a few more locks before Goring to get done…
Past a field FULL of Alpacas..
And onto Goring.. and thankfully, there is room for us right at the start of the mooring run.. There is a couple having lunch, with their canoe tied up where I would like to moor.. so asked nicely if they can slide up a bit to let us in.. which they are happy to do – so this will do us very nicely for tonight. And the cats like it here too.. Kizzie already has a vole.. 🙁
