Sailing gets much easier now
And Tina finds a lace-like flower

Hurray! It’s Radcot bridge at last
A welcome place to drop the mast

With half a paddle Gipsy still
Moves fast and surely, steered with skill

The innwife kindly finds a space
For Gipsy to rest from her race

bushes of a lacy, thick-stemmed cow parsley-like plant. Grafton Lock was tricky as the wind dropped and there was a strong tow towards a seductive weir. But Moths are magic in nil wind so I rolltacked energetically into welcomingly open lock. Another friendly lockkeeper told me that the river direction got more favourable after the next bend, and it did indeed, so soon I was racing along on a close reach. 6.30 p.m saw me arriving at Radcot Bridge, which, as the wind had dropped, I took in dashing style with sail still on the mast – and

there was the Swan Hotel and the Captain, waiting to take my order: I decided I had earnt a whisky mac. Ian found a nice little inlet for Gipsy, and the Swan’s manageress said it was fine to leave her there. Radcot is probably the oldest bridge crossing of the Thames. The present 1312 bridge replaced one built in 958. After enjoying our drinks, we headed for (daughter) Susie and Joe’s house for supper. Eyes drooping – bed by ten. A great first day.