To understand why I might want to travel up the Thames you best first read or listen to Three men and a boat. But it is May and wanted to be outside in the sun. This part of the trip was very much enjoying the sun and the company of strangers.
Yes there are some people in too much of a rush. But looking back the people I remember were “life affirming” and my recollection is of happy friendly people. As varied as the boats they were on My favourites are the large smiley man who filled his small boat like somebody in a bathtub. Who I passed the a day after meeting moored up outside a pub, cheers to you. To the canal boat owner who gave me a copy of the Nicholson waterway guide, Thanks I became quite dependent on that guide. But also the hen party who led the way through the bumps galleries on a small boat they made look like the “pope mobile” in front of the crowds. I wish you well. Though you did make me feel old, by that is OK.
The backdrop of the Thames is its history. Just around the corner from Teddington is Hampton Court then out to Runnymede then on to Winsor Castle. For me the Magna Carta (1215) probably signed at Runnymede is a statement on the rule of law. But I am also mindful of the Peasants Revolt (1381), after the Black Death, but that was more south east London. These are both significant lessons into UK history. Probably quite pertinent today is “George Santayana’s”quote “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.” Obvs. I don’t remember it but I hope I can learn from it. Defs. a fan of the rule of law.
Anyway as mentioned in another post I left the boat for a while in Benson. By this time I had been introduced to the idea of the “Trad Boat Festival” and figured out that if I could leave the boat somewhere i could attend. So that became a plan. I was lucky enough to stay at Benson but I also found a mooring at Bosoms boat yard on Port Meadow in Oxford. I am not a fan of cities but the location was great. The plan was a pint in Oxford so that was duly done.
Bosoms must be an interesting place on a winter storm as the narrow boats are nose in and rely on being beached and tied in by the bow. So I am not sure how that would work. I was nervous but nosed in with bow line and a kedge anchor astern. It is a lovely spot and many people go to swim a bit further up river. Lots of the Thames is banked with trees or reeds and meadows behind them. I loved this often forgetting the urban life over the meadow and watching the wildlife on the bank. I really do hope we can revitalise it as a healthy river to swim and enjoy for generations.
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I should have stayed here instead of near the wier at teddington.
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Big lock early morning.
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Runnymede is believed to be the place they signed the Magna Carta
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Some nice boats and nice people.
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Henley has quite the heritage.
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Bump races in Oxford. Big crowds
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On the north of Oxford it is quieter with open spaces.- I confirm that I have rights to the material uploaded above and agree that the AOA may use this material on the website as defined in the website Terms and Conditions (see link in footer)
