The final stretch

Wow! What a day.

We set off in cold mist and finished off the Oxford Canal. The last bit is one of my least favourite stretches of canals. It is lined by bad tempered people who complain every time a boat goes past - ok, not all of them are bad tempered.

And then we got on to the Thames. The sun came out, the river opened up and it was wonderful. I love the Thames when she's like this, gently flowing, clear and lazy. This is the first moment of Relativity making waves on the Thames

We've made amazing progress and are in danger of getting to Reading tomorrow (Tuesday) afternoon instead of Wednesday! We managed 26 miles, 12 locks and 6 swing bridges today.

We've entertained a couple of guests today, one stayed for lunch in Oxford (how civilised) and the other came for tea in Shillingford. I love the idea that Relativity is beginning to relax into her new life - hospitality - if you come to visit at a meal time, expect to be fed. Not necessarily very well, I'm still learning not to include tomato ketchup with everything ;-) but the kitchen is slowly becoming better stocked. We even have salt and pepper now!