The trip up to Thrupp was a slow one, with moored boats lining the way. Whenever you pass another boat, you have to drop to tick-over — about 2 miles per hour — to avoid creating a wake, which is definitely noticeable if you’re tied up.
When I reached Thrupp, it was time to wind the boat, which wasn’t easy thanks to a tailwind and a group of canoeists in the turning area. Each time I tried, the wind pushed me back, so I had to continue around the bend and have another go, hoping for a calmer moment. Eventually managed it, stopped briefly at the services, and then started heading back down the Oxford again.
The weather’s been shifting too — the long hot days have given way to more overcast skies, with the wind picking up a bit, which is actually a nice change. I pulled back into Jericho and saw that Chugabug was still moored there, so I followed their advice and stayed for the week. As I’ve said before, everything you need is right on your doorstep here, so it’s the perfect spot to stock up, recharge, and get ready for the next leg on the Thames