We left Kidlington at 10.30am, we wanted it to be earlier but Derwent6 was covered in leaves from the wind and rain we had last night..
Del sorted the boat out and Al walked to the first lock and we were soon on our way to Dukes Cut where we took a turn onto the Thames..
We were soon on the river and turned to Kings Lock which was on self service.
It took us a few minutes to get used to these locks again, but we soon sussed it out. We were joined by another boat and a couple of canoes.
This meant we couldn't buy our Thames licence and would have to get it at the next lock which was Godstow Lock. Here we had a lock keeper and we could get our licence at last..
We got it for a few weeks so we could enjoy the Thames as we love it so much.
The Thames is just a great river with so many contrasts, you still have to navigate it, and the wildlife is amazing..
We passed through Oxford.
And then onto Iffley Lock.
We have done this quite a few times now, but in fact the last time was five years ago and it feels different again.
It gets so open and then closes in like you could be on the canal. The views are lovely as well!!
We pushed on towards the town of Abingdon and here they have good services.. We first had a pump out for £11.00 and then topped up with water.
With two boats in the distance we got ready to go through the lock ahead of them.. This paid off as we just had a fantastic spot on the visitors moorings.
Tooty was happy, and jumped off into some woodland we had nearby. He likes trees as he knows he can climb if he gets in trouble.
We then walked into town and had a drink and some eats out on our taste card which saved us £24.00.. When we got back we were fit for nothing!!
5 comments:
Del/Al,
Started looking at your blog after finding it via post on canal world on electrics. It's great to see you enjoying your cruises and the new freedom the solar/lithiums provide.
I have a quick question related to your solar panels which I have seen in your photos. They appear to have brackets that allow them to tilt to quite a steep angle. Could you tell me where you sourced them as I am currently looking to get solar installed myself after your own positive experience.
Regards
Alan
Hi Alan, The brackets are really strips of Aluminium with holes in, but it is worth getting the feet and tilting bolts. They nearly go vertical so should be an asset in the winter months when the sun is low.. They come from a company called Sunworks
Del/Al,
Thank you for the response, have found their website and will order. One more related question if I may, the larger brackets take up to 90cm panels, which size (wattage) did you find the best fit for the brackets/battery replenishment needs?
Pleased to hear you are enjoying the Thames, although we went as far as Oxford at Easter we then winded and went back north as not yet confident to try a (big) river. Maybe next year?
Appreciate the help as well as your excellent blogs.
Regards
Alan
Hi Alan,
On Derwent6 we had to have the larger solar panel brackets as we wanted the large 24 volt, 340 watt Mono Solar panels, which were 1956 x 992mm so they just over hung the brackets.. This still allowed us to get a full tilt on the panels even though it was a bit close to the roof. You need at least 600 watts on the roof if you can get it. This allows the batteries to charge significantly, even on a cloudy day.
These panels were fitted so they come into their own through the winter months, summer is a bit of a given, but they have been amazing and monies well spent.
The Thames is great and you just have to go with it Alan.. Check out the "Journey with Jono" link on our site for a video and how he felt about it. Just keep your eye on the weather, we love it! Del & Al
Thanks so much for your feedback, I will go the large bracket/large panel route as suggested now I know the overhang will not stop the panel tilting.
Regards
Alan
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