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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Sunday 21 June 2015

Another mishap

Finally we made it. Got to Thrupp by 9ish after doing Shipton Weir lock and one lift bridge to see Vixen already on the services. Hose went out to top up the tank and also give the cabin top a bit of a wash. Last night we moored under trees and the roof was covered with seeds and sap.


Another diamond lock, Shipton Weir


Keep sitting Ian. Dont fancy that dropping on the boat.

And letting it down by the chain




Then after what seemed like an age to fill up with the water (A very slow tap not helped by anyone flushing the loo or having another boat filling at the same time) we set off to do the sharp R turn to Aubreys lift bridge. We had help from a gentleman who offered to lift the bridge. Forgot to ask his name but he knows Maffi very well. Stopping briefly at Kidlington for shopping and lunch, we decided to press on and find a mooring on the Thames. It was as we were approaching Kiddlington Green lock by one of the bridges ( forgot which one but could be either Bullers bridge or Yarnton) that I almost destroyed the large Buckby can. I misjudged the height and hadn't realised it wasn't a true arch. Although I thought I was far enough over for the cans to miss the wall I was wrong and a horrible crunching sound was heard as it buckled. Talk about gutted! These cans are not cheap and we had it specially painted by Tricia at the Long Buckby shop.



 Arriving at the lock Dave was hovering midstream. Knowing someone was working the lock, I wondered why he didn't pull onto the lock landing. Found  why when a loads of canoeists came out.




We are now moored on the Thames above Kings Lock. Found a lovely mooring on the meadow with only one down side, it's full of thistles! Tomorrow we have decided to purchase a weeks licence and head for Lechlade first and then do the K&A after.

Few more photos of our journey.




Dukes Cut





Vixen moored behind us.

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