We tried to beat the rain on Friday morning and were away early. Our planned destination was some nine or so miles and two locks away at Goring on Thames where we were going to meet family later in the day. Sadly, the rain won, but we were moored up before the really heavy stuff landed. By mid afternoon it had all passed over and so we went for a walk around the village, gazing into estate agent windows and picking our chins up off the floor. To get over the shock, we found ourselves back in The Catherine Wheel with a stiff drink and booked a table for dinner the following night...it really is a great pub.
Our youngest son, Luke, and his girlfriend Annabelle (for those that have been following us for a while, yes they're still together) arrived in the evening. We found a car park in the village to leave his car for the weekend for the extortionate sum of £3.30, which actually allowed him to park until 11.20am on MONDAY morning. Derby City Council take note !!
The reason for the visit was that we (minus Louise) had tickets for the Rugby Premiership final at Twickenham on Saturday, and we had arranged to travel in by train from Goring. Apparently nb Waiouru passed us early morning but unfortunately I missed them, but Louise managed to wave from the hatch as she cooked us all breakfast!!
So, on to Twickenham. The train journey was a bit of a nightmare due to sheer numbers. The train from Reading was full to bursting, but fortunately we managed to get a seat. We met our eldest son, Liam, outside Twickenham and the four of us made our way into the stadium where Saracens were to take on Bath. Sadly, our team, Leicester Tigers were hammered by Bath in the semi final, so we were neutral supporters, as so many are at this occasion, but for the day, we followed Bath, as the vast majority of neutral fans did.
 |
| The Home of Rughby |
Sadly they were quite well beaten on the day, but it was great to see Jonathan Joseph play and indeed score for Bath. He started his career at Derby RFC many years ago as a junior dreaming, no doubt, of one day playing for England. Dreams do come true. We had a great day out before the frantic train journey back to Goring. So many rugby folks together though make light of the situation and we met so many like minded fans from different clubs to have some good natured banter with.
The five of us had a really excellent meal in Tha Catherine Wheel on Saturday night before retiring to the boat. Louise slaved away in the galley again this morning whilst I exercised Jasper and the young 'uns eventually stirred to the smell of bacon. We said our goodbyes late morning and then we were back on our way. Today has been dull and breezy and a real lack of pictures.
We are now back in Abingdon, having found a nice mooring on the meadow. Tomorrow will probably be our last day on the Thames as we have to crack on a bit to get back home in a couple of weeks time.
 |
| Wallingford Bridge |
No comments:
Post a Comment