Cruising with the Trotters

God Bless Derek Nicoll and all who cruise with him!

We met up with Rodney and Derek (they're not really "The Trotters"!) on Saturday at Napton.

Gill also drove up from Staines to join us for 24 hours and it was lovely to see her.  Both she and I wished it could have been for longer.

Together, narrowboats "Ellen" and "Akela" have travelled up the Grand Union to Warwick where we are at the moment.  We are moored in the Saltisford Arm which was recommended to us by other boaters.  From here it is only a 10 minute walk into the centre of Warwick.  Derek wants to visit the castle and John and I want to have a general 'mooch' about.  I think Derek and I have earned a day off after all those heavy locks - those steering on the tiller just do not appreciate what hard work it is!

Since Saturday the weather has been really hot but today there is a bit of a breeze so it looks like things might be cooling down a little.

Spring Migrants arrive in Britain

Our 'old' friends Chris and Ray Lowe have flown over from Cyprus where they now live and came to find us at Bablock Hythe.  It was really nice spending time with them again.  We had a good, old, traditional card session in the evening and, it will come as no surprise to those who know us, that a copious amount of wine was consumed! 

They are both really well and very happy living in their lovely villa in Cyprus.  

Tonight we are moored by Swinford Bridge which I think is lovely.  The plan is that

tomorrow we will walk into the little town of Eynsham to see what it has to offer and then make our way back to Thrupp where Rodney is to meet us on Thursday.  He is bringing tools

and materials for John to begin the task of mending the cratch-board.

                                                                                        Swinford Bridge

We have really enjoyed out time here on the reaches of

the Upper Thames despite the dreadful high winds and heavy showers we have had.  It is all really pretty and the birdlife has been lovely.  Highlights:- hunting hobbies and barn owls.

Lechlade is a lovely little town with interesting, individual shops.  Walking opportunities across the meadows have been good too and I always like seeing farm animals.

These ponies were really interested in Maggie and wanted to follow us across the footbridge.

I will be sad to leave tomorrow. As I said before, having grown up with it,  I love The Thames.

The sun always shines on the righteous

NO!  Not us!  I mean the Elliotts!  Anne and John joined us for the weekend and they really are jammy little whatsits!  Whenever they go anywhere the sun always shines!

We had a really nice weekend together cruising from Aynho to Thrupp.  

It wasn't ALL play and

 no work, however.

Some people just HAVE to take advantage though!

Thanks for a lovely weekend you two.  Don't work too hard and we hope to see you again soon.