We have lift off!

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At last I have all the necessary equipment, power etc to start blogging. not quite as organised as last year, forgot chargers so could not manage technology until now.

Well, we set off on Friday and moored at Pangbourne for the night. Fiona and John joined us at the Indian restaurant there for our first supper - quite bold considering the limited toilet facilities aboard! But all passed(!) quietly and Saturday dawned bright and sunny. We sauntered along to a scorching Goring where we met up with Danuta and Andy, amazing, celebrated with bubbly! And then met the family there on Sunday to celebrate my birthday, with mammoth picnic in field just below Cleeve Lock. Wonderful! Spent Sunday night there, and have now moored up at Days Lock near Dorchester for Monday eve (and a rest). Took a leisurely evening stroll in the sunshine up to the Wittenham Clumps, a hill above Dorchester with spectacular views over the beautiful english countryside and the river. So that's brought you very quickly up to date.

Quite an eventful few days as it happens... not as peaceful as you might imagine. We now have a shower which did the job on Saturday, but this morning the Captain was caught all soaped up but with no more water!! No battery some mornings... but all teething problems which we'll sort as we get back into the swing of life aboard.

We now have a very impressive addition to the crew.. a Buddha statue (called Rupert) which sits contemplating the scene from the cabin roof. We've also had to buy citronella candles for balmy evenings outside, something not required last year.

So, all good... river very calm, H is fishing again, all's well with the world.

No photos available yet because we forgot to bring relevant cable...also forgot hairbrush, wellies, mirror, belt, chargers,maps...big thanks to Sarah for finding some of them and bringing yesterday.... well, we are a year older!

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Comments

[Sue]

Sounds idyllic
I am slowly turning green here (with envy - not because of the smelly Glastonbury folk who have just returned!) I was worried for you when Friday got off to a rainy start, but what a weekend and it sounds like you made the most of it. Long may it continue! Have a fantastic trip with lots of bubbly, picnics and bbqs - looking forward to being able to catch up with you at some point. Have a great time.

[Derek Walker]

Great Blog!
Hi you two youthful retirees! Nice to hear that you are off to a good start. Sounds as though summer has arrived at last. Canberra is cold and foggy! But next week we are off to sunny Cairns in the tropics. Caroline and the kids are ski-ing in the Snowies. That is Australia, a land of climate extremes. All the best and have a pint for me at your next pub stop! Derek & Maria

[SARAH WARD]

Date to meet up
Good to hear that you have set off on your travels!! We have just returned from 3 nights camping by the Cliffs of Dover and like you we had the sound of the waves to grteet us on waking up in the morning. Lovely!!!!!Mick and I went to meet up with our god children who between them have produced 3 new born baies so we are babied out!!!!!!! Thought we would let you know that we could pop up and visit you on either Tuesday 9th or Wednesday 10th July. Any chance you could let us know if this might be possible and of course nearer the time you could let us know where. We'd love to visit you this year if possible. Sounds like your itinery is getting quite full but how lovely to be away for your birthday Rosie! The following week we will be up to our eyes in getting ready for our camper adventure to Italy. Love to you and the Captain. Sarah and MickXX

[Anne Steer]

Happy boating
Hi Rosie and Howard, congratulations on the start of your river journey (2). Looking forward to hearing more and hope to see you in Teddington some time later in the month. We have just returned from 2 weeks in France with the family and had a great time. xx

[Susy]

Captain's little problem!
Hi Rosie & Howard, all sounds perfect, but a bit concerned about Howard's soaping difficulty. Always thought that under that calm exterior he was a slippery customer! (Sorry I couldn't resist that!) Looking forward to an on board visit soon. After a blip, summer is returning by the weekend they say..... x

[Golden Oldies]

Most of this we knew, but glad it is already 100% better than last year. A bit nail biting with Murray last night but a really good match. Looking forward to another 6/7 hours to-morrow p.m. Catching up with shopping, washing, etc. today. Shall be along to see you as soon as we have the word. Love Mum & Alan.

[Summer Breeze]

Bon Voyage!
Hi Rosie and Howard. It was so lovely to meet up with you on our boats last weekend! Such lovely weather for you both. I will try to work out how to upload the pics from my iPhone. Also let me know if you make it to The Plough. They do nice food and real ale and there is an amazing Indian restaurant in Long Wittenham too, although a bit on the pricey side. Hope to see you on the way back. xdx

[Jules Brown]

Hey what a contrast to last year..
Really pleased to hear that you are having a fabulous adventure, with sunny warm weather... feeling a tad envious.. Looking forward to seeing pics shortly & we must catch up when you are back on land a hoy Love Jules

[Ros]

Bad hair day
Who needs a hairbrush when you have no mirror. Your journey sounds lovely and you have the good weather to look forward to. Can't believe you are missing the tennis or have you found a watering hole nearby with TV ? Have a good week - loving your blog x

[Golden Oldies]

Will ring you today regarding our visit as for us Tuesday is looking good. Hope you are enjoying Oxford. Lovel Mum & Alan. xx

[Cynthia]

What a difference a year makes!
So pleased for you both that after stoically making the most of the rain last year that you are more than making up for it this year! Still getting strange messages on trying to access your blogs so not ignoring you , just can't see anything more that the fact that you've posted something??? Have fun!