April 18th - Abingdon to Sandford

Up early for a badly needed pump-out and top up with water. Met Mum and Chris fir a coffee at the Kings Head at Sandford.

The last post - spotted on a walk with Peggy

Abingdon to Sandford - lovely day

April 17th - Abingdon

Pulled into Abingdon for a couple of days. Joined by Jess, Kim, Bob and Sophie for a bbq

April 9th - Broken down at Reading

Narrowboat drive train. Great when they work but we've been broken down for a week. Rattley box on right was not transferring power to whirly thing at left (off screen). Looking at crane out (£600) and new prop shaft (£200). Gulped. Bought hack saw (£3.10p) Cut worn 2 inches off end of shaft and reconnected coupling. Whirly thing goes round again. Currently undergoing sea trials but ok so far (touch wood)!

March 15th - Frouds Marina to Tile Mill

Found Bill and paid up for our stay in the marina (24 days). Filled up with water. Whilst we have our own tap on the pontoon this is a pumped supply from a well, which is shared with every other craft in the marina.  Hence filling was a tad slow!  Bought 3 bags of coal - our last from a marina if we can help it. Much prefer to buy from a working coal boat - cheaper and more convenient.

March 14th - Back to boat at Frouds Bridge

After a great fortnight in Egypt, Jess brought us back to the boat today. Put everything away and lit fire to start warming boat. Even with the stove on high it can take a couple of days to fully warm the boat.

Winter 2015/16

We over-wintered on Ceilidh on the Kennet & Avon between Reading and Newbury.  Planned winter stoppages (lock closures) were a little harsh in our area meaning effectively we were limited to a length of the navigation between Theale and Woolhampton.

Summer 2015

Unfortunately Mum had a bad fall at the end of April.  We stayed on the Thames at Reading for the 6 weeks she was in hospital - much more convenient than travelling in by car as it was only a short walk each day.  Mum was able to return home in June with sister Chris and I taking it in turns week on week off to 'keep an eye'. During this time we shuffled between Kennet Mouth on the Thames and Theale on the K&A, both within easy reach of Mums.  Later in the summer she was well enough for us to spend a few days cruising on the Thames.