Day 2 – Tuesday (Bablock Hythe - Clifton Lock)

Following a very wet night under canvas we were all up early doors and on the river by 7.15am. The rain eased a little and we made good progress up to Pinkhill Lock where we met a particularly unhelpful barge owner who reluctantly helped us through. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get away from him and had to endure him for the next 4 miles and 2 locks before he finally pulled in for his morning coffee. All silently envious and with the rain lashing down once again, we ploughed on trying to ignore the pain from our backsides and made excellent time through to south Oxford where we moored up for lunch.

The afternoon saw a guest appearance out on the water, after 50 years in retirement from competitive rowing, with the return of Kerry Scudamore. The weather even cleared up to welcome his arrival and we had a superb afternoon...only 2 locks, 10 miles and completed in double quick time. Evening on day two brings us back to camping but this time with that ultra-modern gizmo...a warm shower....more than welcome.