Reading to Oxford...part three.

Saturday was blustery, I stayed put, there were a few boats moving about but not many, this fairly large cruiser’s name amused me.

'Ant On Deck'

Blog readers who are not into UK TV may not understand why that amused me but we have a famous pair of famous TV personality’s called ‘Ant and Dec’, google ‘em.

I walked across the fields to Dorchester and got some provisions and in the afternoon some of the neighbours popped by for a bite to eat.

All that eating makes you thirsty so some had a drink as well.

I decided to stay put yesterday as well, I have paid for a 7 day licence and it was quite a nice quiet spot so I just chilled.

This morning I set off around 9am, overcast but dry and warm even with the wind which was quite blowy at times.

One good thing about the Thames is scenery, lovely views, and very lovely houses far out of my reach.

Ok, not pretty but what remains of Didcot power station

Clifton Hampden bridge.

First of just two locks today was Clifton lock, at 3’ 5” deep not too much of a worry, ascending these locks is more difficult than descending because you have to get your ropes sorted around the bollards from below the level of the lock side, it can be tricky but most of the lock keepers assist if they see you are single handing, when descending you are already at lock side level when you arrive so it’s easier.

After passing beneath  Appleford railway bridge

 

it was into the next lock, Culham, this one is 7’ 11” deep and the lock keeper assisted by using his boat hook to pick up my ropes (centre and stern), take them around the bollards and pass them back down to me, in the picture he’s at the front assisted the cruiser to get his bow rope positioned, the chap had gone up the steps and was sorting out his stern rope.

And then the run into Abingdon, I had decided to stop here if a mooring was available because I hadn’t been able to on the way down, there was a nice space just after Abingdon Bridge so I pulled in there and moored up.

Tonight’s mooring

Totals today: 5 miles : 2 locks

After some lunch I went to Waitrose for supplies and had a wander around the town, it’s quite nice I must say but the surrounding parkland and the Thames itself make it a bit special, towns are not really my cup of tea but it’s nicer than some I have passed through!

I am constantly being asked about the name Quinquireme, how you pronounce it, what does it mean, and occasionally people call out “Quinquireme of Nineveh!” The reason they shout this is because of a famous poem by John Masefield  titled ‘Cargoes’  the first verse is as follows:

'Quinquireme of Nineveh from distant Ophir

Rowing home to haven in sunny Palestine,

With a cargo of ivory,

And apes and peacocks,

Sandalwood, cedar wood, and sweet white wine’

So returning to my boat I found this boat moored behind me.

I have seen a couple of Nineveh's on my travels, but this is the first one to moor next to me.

Such a shame a small boat called ‘Of’ hadn’t moored between us :-)