Back at Thrupp

Arrived back at Trupp Sunday afternoon and although the boat was well we had a problem parking up the motorhome whilst we unloaded and sorted ourselves out.  Sid got a bit stressed because it was hot (shouldn't really complain) and he got fed up driving round and round trying to park.  We eventually dumped all our stuff on board and decided to head straight over to David and Ruth's house, where once again they had kindly said we could leave the vehicle.  We had also been invited to Sunday roast  together with their weekend house guests, Lesley and Peter.  We had a lovely, entertaining evening.  Thanks again Ruth and David.

On Monday we enjoyed the beautiful weather with a short cruise with David and Ruth.  We went down the Oxford Canal joined the Thames and moored just upstream from Kings Lock.  A very sociable lunch on the bankside in the hot sun was perfect.  An eventful journey back to Thrupp followed.  The beam on the bottom lock gate had broken at Dukes Lock and when we arrived he Canal and River Trust men, three of them were trying to repair it.  They were confident that they could get it sorted in about half an hour so it seemed like a good idea to have a cuppa.  They did a very temporary repair which got us through and we hoped, other boats waiting behind us!

On arrival back at Thrupp our mooring had been taken by another boat, which was very frustrating since Jenny had been to see the Warden in the morning explaining that we were returning later and she checked that we were paid up until Tuesday.  The other moorings looked full but with Sid's brilliant boat handling he managed to fit us into a space that left us literally nose to nose with the other boats.  Thank goodness it could have been a disastrous end to a lovely day.

However, little did we know that that was not the end of our eventful day.  We decided to have a drink in The Boat Inn before David and Ruth left us and possibly have a bite to eat.  When we went up to the bar for drinks and Dave decided he might like some chips we were told that they had sold out of food!!!!!  We were aghast, Bank Holiday Monday at 6.50 pm!!!!!  We went into the garden with our drinks completely amazed that they could not even offer chips or an omelette or something out of a freezer.  A short while later a family came in and were given menus!  We wondered what was going on.  The waitress was summoned over and we were told that they had food for pre-booked people only!!  once again we were astounded.  The manager was then summoned and he gave us a tale of woe - two staff off, very busy, all the staff were stressed etc etc.  A terrible way to handle dissatisfied customers! What has happened to customer service?
I think I would suggest that if anyone is in the Thrupp area not to frequent the Boat Inn.

It was such a shame but did not spoil an otherwise lovely day.

Dave at the helm

It is now Tuesday evening and Sid and Jenny have spent another lovely, warm day pottering about the boat, having a nice walk and generally whiling away the day - our Wedding Anniversary, having taken the decision to remain at Thrupp and chill. We decided to have a meal at the Jolly Boatman.  Unlike the previous evening's disappointment this pub is great.  A splendid outside patio area overlooking the canal, excellent beer, friendly and very helpful service and tasty, first class food.  The Jolly Boatman is the pub to use in this area to be sure.

Heading off tomorrow to Oxford and then on down the Thames.  Let's hope the Lock gate is repaired!  Watch this space.

Picnic beside the Thames