Date - 28 April 07 Day - Saturday Start - Thrupp 0930 End - Abingdon 1700 We set off at 9-30 and as we passed the Jolly Boater we noted that all the mooring spacer had been taken overnight so it was just as well that we stopped at the Boat Inn. There were a couple of hire boats waiting to pull out so we timed it well, we just entered the first lock as they drew up behind us. We had planned to fill with water just prior to Ducks Lock but some happy hippy had decided that he would set up home, chained his boat and genny to the piling, run his engine flat out right in the "No mooring" area for the water point. If he is still there when we return, proving to me that he hadn't just stopped to take water I will have a word with BW. We continued on to Ducks Lock discussing whether we should go through Oxford to the Thames or turn left and go via Ducks Cut. The boat ahead settled it for us, once they finally got in the lock they lifted one bottom paddle at a time, very slowly and then after leaving the lock at tick over they stood leaning on the balance beam talking to the steerer, finally deciding to close up and headed off to Oxford still on tick over. The Thames was a lot quieter than last time we visited, it has also silted up a bit with several new marker buoys below Kings Lock which also has signs warning to stay to the centre of the channel. As we passed the Perch Pub we were surprised that there were no boats moored there for Saturday Lunch, as we drew alongside the reason became obvious. All the planks have been removed from the landing stage! We had to work the lock in Oxford ourselves as the keeper was at lunch. Its the first time that I have used the electric, DIY button system. We topped up with water at Abingdon Lock and enquired the price of pump outs, they are still £6 so we may make use of the facilities on our way back. We moored for the night at 5pm just below Abingdon Lock and at present we are waiting for the BBQ to get hot to cook dinner. -- Brian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
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