Decision Made

We have turn upstream onto the Thames from Oxford. However, after seeing the wind forecast for the week ahead have decided to turn round and head downstream. It was the twisty, turny and wide open nature of the upper Thames and the news that the remains of  Storm Helene was heading our way that changed our minds as we sat, listening to the wind building, on a beautiful mooring just above Eynsham Lock.

As Jenny stood in the galley, preparing vegetables for our roast lamb dinner, she glanced out of the side hatch and noticed a Le Boat hire boat coming in to moor a short distance behind Hunters Moon. As always, being very nosey, she looked out to see who was on board.  Just as well she was taking notice because the bank gave way under the chap who was endeavouring to secure the boat, resulting in him falling into the water between the bank and the boat. We leapt into action and ran to lend a hand. Erik,  who had managed to clamber onto the side of the boat, was very shaken as was his wife Bente, so we took control of making the boat safe  and Sid helped Erik to get to his feet and get inside the boat.

This lovely Norwegian couple, who have come to the UK for the past 20 years to cruise the Thames and who apparently know all the lock keepers, we're as you can imagine, grateful for our help and , after Erik had had a hot shower and felt much calmer, gifted us with a bottle of 'Norwegian  fire water'. Unnecessary but much appreciated. We had to sample it that evening and it certainly has a kick!

All in a day on the water!