Piccolo Mondo

Well, we're home. Got home last night having spent the most fantastic month afloat, but when the thunderstorms arrived on Sunday evening, we decided to call it a day. We felt no need to put ourselves through that experience again, having done it last year! And as we were already at Henley it was only a day's travel from there to Piccolo Mondo's home. What a difference a year makes! We seem only to travel during record-breaking months... July 2012 the wettest for decades, July 2013 the hottest! But as last year, we're having very mixed feelings about being back. The blog definitely took a backseat this year, sorry to those who expected more! It just didn't seem to fit in this time. But, just to bring everyone up to date and for my own records, ... read more

Yes, I know, where the devil have I been…??!! Call this a blog!!! Well, it’s hot, too hot to move, definitely too hot to blog. Our major effort each day goes into finding some shade, searching for the perfect tree to moor under.. So, where have we been, what have we done and who have we seen? The last blog left us moored up at Sonning on Friday evening... Sat 13th: Another scorcher! Travelled down to Henley this morning to meet up with Claire and Paul who had cycled from their home in Binfield to see us… such dedication! Not only that, after a blistering hot day in the sun on the deck, they cycled off home from Hurley, a mere 32 miles round trip. Serious admiration from the crew, although some concern over their sanity ... read more

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). ... read more

Yes, we've made it...arrived in Oxford yesterday Friday 27th, after staying over in Abingdon for two nights. Highlights of Abingdon visit: Phoebe and Helen joining us for day Captain's big fish haul First Mate losing filling and looking forward to expensive dental work on return Unpleasant company shoreside Difficult to find mooring when we arrived on Wednesday eve - only spot was on the town side of the river in the Abbey Meadow Park, next to outdoor swimming pool. If you overlooked the litter scattered around (should have given us a clue), it seemed an OK place. However, when morning arrived so did the hoards, some with rather unsavoury language and numerous cans of lager. Later we moved across to the quieter side. The sun was blisteringly hot but as evening approached the temperature cooled and ... read more

Been a while since I last blogged, mainly due to outdoor life now that summer has arrived (not so conducive to blogging), and no internet access last night for the first time. It has nothing to do with my reading material! Yes, this hot sunny weather is so welcome. Marvellous to feel sun on your body for the first time. This is when boating really comes into its own. The river is still again, like a mirror, not the raging torrent of last week. People are out and about, chatting at locks, and sitting out on the banks, relaxing. The suntan lotion has made an appearance for the first time, as have the mosquitos! The cabin is warm and dry, nothing feels damp, no condensation running down the windows for the first time. Had really good ... read more