Well, it was nice to be back doing this trip, our last attempt in Feb was cancelled due to the conditions, and safety concerns.
We had no stream warnings this time and as always, the weather was better than forecast, sunny with only a few clouds in the sky, and it has been mentioned for some reason it’s always like this when we do a Davepaddles trip.
Due to holidays and other commitments only Dave and Anthony were paddling this one, Dave in his Kayak and Anthony on his recently repaired Hard SUP freshly polished, waxed and shining like a crystal against the dark depths of the Thames.
Ready to go a bit earlier than usual we were on the water by 9.30, paddling downstream from an alternative launch point, where there were already children playing on the trees and the swings and generally enjoying time outdoors rather than being on a screen.
We headed downstream and emerged from the millstream just below Godstow lock before following the river through its twists and turns until we reached the entrance of the Oxford canal all the time bathed in sunlight and blessed with a clear blue sky. (a vast change from the cancelled trip conditions)
Passing under the new railway bridge we saw the old swing bridge, redundant but being restored and continued our journey north up the Oxford canal.
We saw a few racing kayakers in their C1’s and lots of anglers that were all great, removing their poles as we passed and chatted about what they had caught.
Wolvercote bridge, lunch stop, we were caught up by a hire barge racing to return it, that we had passed a while before.
Onwards to the dukes cut lock, where we once again met the black cat that seemed to want to come with us, and after a short portage and rest we decided on direction.
Dave has done this trip many times before and decided on the longer, but safer route of the Thames via Kings lock, forgoing the mill stream due the experience and paddlers of the past, but this time was a great opportunity to relax and paddle knowing that Anthony was of a capable experience and Safety minded that every stroke would be a safe one for both of us.
We passed dukes lake where Dave made a recce for a camping spot before continuing through the jungle of fallen trees and debris before entering a disused marina just ahead of the millstream weir.
Anthony took a lead and went to look for a portage, but all he could see from the high up vantage point was fallen trees and potential blockages.
We decided to backtrack and portage at a point spotted by Dave earlier, this looked to be challenging due to a steep bank but in reality, it was quite easy due to a dry bankside.
Back on the water we continued down the millstream, once again through fallen trees and streamers. until open water and we could see the bridge that was our launch point.
All in all, it was a great day out, a new route and new areas discovered, a bit of ditching as well as blissful paddling on a lovely sunny Sunday.
This trip we will be repeating for the club paddlers that may have missed out this time.
Write up by Dave.
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