Day 5

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Day 5:
Distance Travelled: 31 Miles
Money Spent: £6

With no phone, I had no idea what time it was. I peeked out the tent and noticed it was still dark but I was too cold to go back to bed so I decided to get up. Once I had cleared any evidence of me being there I headed on my way still in the dark. Although I did not really have specific destination in mind I was keen to make it to Windsor but was aware it was over 30 miles away. To achieve this I would have to be out on the water for some time so I figured an early morning start would help.
The wind was cold again and despite wearing 4 tops I could not get warm. My fingers were freezing and I could not do anything about it as my gloves got soaked last night. Even after the sun came up it did not help. The cold easterly wind was punishing. My shoulder and right elbow were really starting to throb. I could alter the technique to ease the pain although that created pains else where.
I passed through Henley and was joined by other rowers going on an early morning training session. With no phone I was unable to call Alison to arrange pick up. I had no other choice but ask a stranger to borrow their phone. To my surprise everybody was fine with that and I felt a lot better knowing that my collection had been sorted.
With Windsor castle only a few miles away my spirits lifted. After passing Windsor racecourse I got my first glimpse of the massive house. It was spectacular and the satisfaction of reaching my goal was immense.
　
　
Total Mileage: 115 Miles
Total Money Spent: £70

day 4

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Day 4:
Distance Travelled: 22 Miles
Money Spent: £4

I had not realised I was camping so close to a road and in the morning I noticed a BP garage was a stones throw away. I had to investigate in the hope they had coffee. As I got closer I realised it was attached to a McDonalds that had just opened. It was still only 0630hrs but the food went down a treat.
The rivers flow had slowed a tad and I was now fighting a bitter easterly wind. I plodded on pretty much non stop until 14.20hrs. My left shoulder was starting to hurt and my face chapped from the cold wind. It was much harder trying to appreciate the scenery when I was hiding behind a make shift scarf and hat.
One of the lock keepers to pity on me and made me some tea. I charged my ipod and phone in his hut while we chatted about all sorts. He suggested I camped on an island a couple of miles down river and make a campfire. I thought this was a brilliant idea and took his advice. I didn’t have much food left and he kindly gave me a tin of chilli con carne that I could heat on the fire.
With fully charged equipment, food and an ideal camp spot suggestion, I left in high spirits. Whilst floating along I was catching up on my text messages. Before I knew it I was at the island and pulled up beside it. Without thinking I got up to step out of the kayak not realising that my phone was still on my lap. I heard something drop in the river and then realised it was my phone. I put my hand in but could not find it. I was fuming as it had all my photo and video clips of the trip stored on the memory card.
I pulled the kayak out of the water, removed my gloves and delved back into the water. It was freezing and I could not even reach the bottom. I felt something tickle my fingers so I grabbed it and pulled it to the surface. To my surprise it was my phone but it was not working. I took it to pieces and left it out to dry.
After calming down, I found some wood and started making my fire. The location was perfect and the sounds from the forest were mesmerising. The sun was setting and I enjoyed the much needed heat from the fire.

Day 3

Day 3:
Distance Travelled: 26 Miles
Money Spent: £15

I went to bed very early last night and woke up at the crack of dawn. It was another cold night which was confirmed by the instant freezing of my breath on the inside of the tent. I was eager to warm up so I got on the river as quick as possible. It was amazing, the sun was burning away the morning frost with steam rising of the water.
After a few hours the sky was bright blue and I was able to catch some sun rays my face. I stopped and spoke to the lock keeper at Abington Lock. It was his 62nd birthday and we celebrated with several cups of tea. He showed me how to use the locks because I was starting to hurt from portaging my boat around them. It is surprising simple.
I saw a massive contrast today. At times the river passed through major cities to little villages or open fields to forests. Dotted along the rivers edge were the biggest houses I had ever seen. These properties had boat houses that were bigger than most peoples residential places!
Pleased with my efforts I decided to call it for a day and was on the look out for a campsite. I noticed a marina in the distance and pulled up beside the reception. They informed me they are not open for camping at the moment but suggested I camp here anyway and they would not charge me. Result.
Another early night for me.

Day 2

Day 2:
Distance Travelled: 19 Miles
Money Spent: £18

Burrrr…. I thought it was pretty cold last night and this was confirmed when I noticed the water can next to my tent had frozen. Because I was so cold I decided to just get up and start packing. The sun had peeked over the horizon and its rays were heating me up. It took me about 30 mins to pack up and be ready for another days paddling. I realised I had not paid but I was not going to pay much due to the lack of toilet, showers and such like. I posted £5 through the letter box attached to a thank you note. By this time the sky was blue and the river flowing.
I paddle out into the middle and felt in heaven. It was so peaceful, no cars, no people just the sounds of birds tweeting away. I tried to soak up as much of the experience as possible. I really loved the experience of being away from the hustle and bustle of London.
Lunch time was approaching and my stomach was so hungry it was eating itself. As if by magic another riverside pub appeared. A quick bacon sandwich went down a treat.
I had still not seen another boat on the river yet and one of the lock keepers said I was the first person he has seen in 3 months. I received several more warning cards from the keepers but there knowledge on the river was crucial. They were able to advise me we where I could get find an ATM and local convenience store. I stored my boat at Eynsham lock and walked into the local village. As I crossed the old stone bridge I noticed vehicles had to pay. As I got closer, I notice the fee for a car was 5p!
I remember this bridge was for sale about 3 months ago and went for a cool 1.1 million pound. It does, however, come with several acres of ground and a Toll House. All the locals were telling me that they are worried the new owners may increase the toll to 10p!
I returned to the kayak with loads of food and meandered back down the river. It was turning into such a lovely evening I decided to call it a day early as I found a peaceful camping spot on the rivers edge. Once again, I could not see a sole around me just fields and trees.
I quickly put up the tent and sat on the waters edge reading my book and eating chocolate. The sun set and I retired to the tent.

Day 1

Day 1: Sunday 30th February 2010
Distance Travelled: 17 Miles
Money Spent: £27

WOW, if I had to compare today to my biking experiences it would have been the same as cycling down the Alps with a humungous tail wind.
It all started from a tiny bridge in Cricklade, Wiltshire. So tiny in fact we drove over the Thames without even knowing. Rather embarrassingly we had to ask a local the location who indicated it was about 20 meters behind us!
Upon finding the river it was clear that the down pour of rain last night had a dramatic effect on the water level and stream flow. Although, potentially more dangerous it would be considerable easier for me which I liked the sound of.
After a quick farewell, I got in the boat and floated away. For the first 10 miles I spent my time dodging all the fallen trees and branches blocking the river. In numerous places the river has burst its bank and had flooded the surrounding area.
The first town, Lechlade, came and went. By the time I reached the first lock I had been sitting down for some time and was looking forward to getting out and stretching my legs. The lock was beautifully well maintained with all the necessary amenities. I had never used a lock before and was not really planning to as it would be much quicker to simply lift the kayak out of the water and walk it around. However, despite me travelling on the bare minimum it was still heavy. The Kayak itself weights about 21kg, plus my equipment and water.
As I was hauling the kayak the lock keeper came and spoke to me and issued me my first of many warning cards indicating it is not safe for any boats on the water at the current time. Yes, the river was fast but didn’t really require the 10 minute lecture about the dangers of the current. However, I realised that it was just part of his job and listened patiently. Just as I was about to paddle of he ask whether I had a license to be on the river. Of course I didn’t, and I wasn’t even aware I needed one. He told me to meet him at the next lock to purchase it.
I didn’t really see the point in trying to avoid purchasing a license as I knew one of the many other lock keepers would make me buy one. Sure enough the lock keeper was waiting for me and helped me out of the water. Although the permit only cost £7, the next bit of information was priceless. He suggested a campsite attached to a pub that was on the river edge. That ticked every box for me and that was my destination.
Several hours later the pub appeared and I bailed out the kayak. I walked around to the front door and entered the building. It honestly felt as though the music stopped and everybody was checking me out. However, I really didn’t care just wanted to know where I could pitch the tent.
With the tent erected I returned to the bar for that first sip of amber nectar. It tasted good. So did the next and the next and the next and then I cant remember how it tasted. All I do recall is that I did not eat anything that night and passed out in my tent.
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