On to Thrupp....

.....and a bit more painting.

After refitting the bow and stern buttons and a couple of side fenders I moved on Wednesday.

Before setting off I was able to put a load in the washing machine and get that started, I was stopping at the next water point so it made sense to get the machine running before filling the tank.

A short trip in pleasant conditions saw me arriving at Roundham lock (42) which was in my favour so that was nice.

Once through there it was on to the water point which my guide told me was just before bridge 224, and it was literally just before it, as I approached I had to duck under the willow tree and could then see that a narrow dutch barge was moored on the bend at the water point, he was just about to leave as I approached, so I carefully passed him and then pulled back to the point.

The red boat sticking out is on the bend and water point, not his fault, it's
badly positioned and a boater moored encroaching on it doesn't help!

Not only was the water point very close to the bend and bridge but some kind fellow was moored on one of the bollards, this meant my bow was sticking out and only leaving just enough room for a boat to pass me on a blind bend, luckily only one appeared as I filled and I was able to wave him through as I could see both ways and knew it was clear.

Arriving at Thrupp it was busy as is usual, but I was able to moor just before the lift bridge, I wanted  to be here as it’s a 7 day mooring and I still had to paint the non slip panels on the gunnel.

Current Mooring:

Total travel this post: 3 miles : 1 lock

I got stuck in as soon as I had finished mooring (and a cuppa) masking up the areas to form the panels and was able to get a coat of paint and sand (sprinkled on separately) on and ready for the second coat. 

Next day a very brief shower wetted all the sand and it was afternoon before it had dried and I was able to get a 2nd coat on, working on the boat always attracts a lot of questions and people were very curious as to what I was doing, but a bit of a chat breaks the day up, and gives a rest from the brush!

This morning (early) I got the 3rd and final coat on and then this afternoon I took of the masking tape to reveal a very successful job, I am staying put again until Monday at least to let it harden off and then I will go in search of somewhere to begin the other side, hoorah!