No Thames for us today

Have you ever heard the likes! A pub with no beer!!!! Okay, okay, maybe it did have some beer but nothing that Ian liked. As we had arranged to meet Maffi in The Boat Inn and the only decent beer on tap was Guinness, Ian ordered a pint (me sticking to the red wine). Maffi arrived and also ordered a Guinness to which the bartender replied, "Sorry Maffi, just sold the last pint!" After a bit of friendly banter (what sort of pub do you call this and fancy selling just Greene King Cask Ales) Ian finished his pint, I downed my large glass of red wine in one go (not recommended) and walked to the Jolly Boatman another 400yds or so along the towpath.

We supped and chatted, supped and laughed and supped and chatted some more. Before we knew it we were the only ones left in the pub. That walk back to FS, well I have no idea how I even got into bed. I blame my slightly inebriated state to hurridly downing that first glass of wine. Of course, it wasn't the three or, maybe was it four? more large glasses thereafter! 

Today we knew Dusty the diesel boat was on the way and a phone call to Jock & Kati mentioned  they would be with us within the hour. But they were delayed by many a boater wanting to stock up with coal so it was gone 1.30pm before they arrived. As soon as we had filled with diesel we pulled pins.

First stop was the water point seeing as how we failed to fill yesterday. But oh my goodness. What a place to put a tap! These photos show why.

Bollards were nearly in the bridge 'ole and us being there meant boats had difficulty in passing.

Couldn't get behind that boat, there wasn't the room.

Not much further and we stopped. Our plan of getting onto the Thames today went a bit awry because of the delay. Instead, we cruised to Kiddlington, found a mooring before the lock and noticed that the bushes along this stretch was full of sloes. Going picking in the morning and then into the freezer with them. Three more comments from Debby nb Chuffed , Dave, a blog follower and Adam Nb Briar Rose gave me this tip. Thanks go to you all.

 And seen today