Tuesday 11 June 2019

Slip Sliding Away.

I think there is something very lovely about these old raised deck cruisers. 

They seem to hark back to a specific time between the wars when everything was very stylish and well built. 
This one is moored just above St John's Lock on the Thames near The Trout near Lechlade.



We have been doing the Thames Raid for ten years now and over that time there have been very few changes.
 We tend to see the same boats moored in the same places each time. 

This old lady has been moored on the meadows above Eynsham Lock since we started. 



A bit sad and neglected looking she had a notice pinned to her for a number of years telling passers  that she was licensed and insured implying that someone owned her and she wasn't abandoned. 

Last Year I'm told she had an eviction notice pinned to her so presumably wasn't paying either her mooring fees or river license. 

This year she seems to have slipped a bit further into disrepair.


Its very sad to see her go like this and I don't think she's too far gone to be pumped out and re-floated,
 but it would take someone with a big heart and even bigger pockets to rescue her.

Maybe someone who could afford a gaff like this would like to have it moored outside. 






Because if you've got the house, you really need the boat to go with it. 




3 comments:

Rob Blackburn said...

Trailers are annoying mate. I have always had an abiding suspicion of them. Can you put some rollers along the centreline? To support her under the keel line?

As for that house on the river which looked more like a Disney film set, you really need to wonder about how the world works don't you? I particularly like the 'de rigeur' wrought iron white metal patio furniture (totally uncomfortable) on the dock. That and a swing chair are the best indicators of boganism in our country.

R

Bursledon Blogger said...

Love those pre war motor cruisers with the raised deck, must get up to the Thames it’s not that far

Max

PS like the new van, something we’re thinking about

Graham Neil said...

Do the van thing. So many variations, so versatile and great fun.
You won't regret it.