30th June 2011 - The Wallingford Jinx

The Wallingford Jinx is no more! Last year I passed Wallingford 3 times, on none of those occasions could I get moored there as the (fairly limited) moorings were always full. No more, we arrived at 1330 today, hung around on the end of a bit of mooring for 20 minutes, then, hey presto! A boat moved off and the jinx was over.

The day started clear and bright without a breath of wind. We filled up with water and moved into Abingdon lock, the 'buttons' ably operated by Penny. Apparently the boat coming out was going to Reading, funny! So were we! Anyway, quite sure of myself we descended and cruised downstream (towards Reading) in the good weather, which rapidly turned into the weather we've had so many days before! Very cloudy with frequent sunny bits!

We seemed to be in a minority in travelling downstream, quite a few boats going the other way, but only a few going our way, including some canoes, and a 'gin palace!'

And as above we eventually arrive at Wallingford and take a look around. I like it, a cute little town, much nicer than Abingdon. Penny discovers there's a castle (well ex castle really!) and we arrive 20 minutes after it closes, ah well, maybe next time.

We take a drink in the boat house by the river then move on to the George hotel for another, then into the bistro next door for dinner. Very pleasant except for the cabbage which tasted of kippers!!

Wallingford Bridge and The Boat House:

I'll stop here again - if I can!

Today:      13 miles -     4 locks -     5 hours
So Far: 303.5 miles - 270 locks - 158 hours