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Kraken

From: Dublin Bay

Registered: 2011-02-24

Posts: 333

Shadow Rally to Wallingford 2010

We had been invited to join HEAVENLY DAZE at Goring-on-Thames for the trip upstream to Wallingford. It was Saturday, 18th September and the weather was set fine. As we set off to the John Barleycorn Inn, REBWELLY was spotted approaching the town moorings and so Paul and Patsy and the dog Merlin joined John and Gillian, along with Peter and Jenny, before we descended en masse to the John Barleycorn Inn.

After lunch, we set off to arrive almost immediately at the Goring-on-Thames lock; the first of two locks we had to pass through. Since it was still lunch time, as far as the lock keepers were concerned, operation of the locks was 'do-it-yourself'. Easier now that the locks have all been automated.

REBWELLY leads under the Goring bridge into the lock channel

HEAVENLY DAZE and REBWELLY wait for the lock

John and Jenny with HEAVENLY DAZE in Goring lock

The weir at Goring-on-Thames

Gillian takes the bow line in another lock

Peter and Jenny - photograph by John Walker

One of many steamers that passed us CONSUTA

The sunny weather earlier became a little gloomy as the Shadows moored at the Wallingford rally site. Apart from just a few drops of rain, the weather remained dry and the sun did reappear from time to time.

WHITE ROSE OF YORK crewed by Dave and Angela was the last Shadow to arrive and joined REBWELLY crewed by Paul and Patsy and HEAVENLY DAZE crewed by John and Gillian with guests Peter and Jenny.

WHITE ROSE OF YORK manoeuvres alongside the other Shadows

Gillian and Angela secure the forward lines

Three Shadows from across the river

Three Shadows at Wallingford

REBWELLY framed by leaves

Once the boats were secured alongside, it was time to relax and enjoy a drink or two in the company of friends.

Gillian, John and Angela aboard HEAVENLY DAZE

Paul and Patsy

Later, we all dined at the Wealh's Bistro, part of the George Hotel, just a short walk away.

Patsy, Peter and Jenny

John and Patsy

Paul, Gillian and Dave

The meal was excellent and was enjoyed in very pleasant surroundings.

The conversation turned to possible rallies in 2011 and there was considerable enthusiasm for venturing onto the tidal River Thames, once again. Limehouse would again be the initial destination because it can be entered at low tide. After a further visit to the Tai Pan Chinese Restaurant, the rally might move on the following day to St Katharine Haven by Tower Bridge, as this was felt to hold more interest.

For the time being, the association would like to thank Paul and Patsy Townsend for making a splendid job of organising the current rally.

Thank you.