To Goring with Jim and Karen of nb "Ruffian"

Sunday, 15th October, 2012 at Goring.
We awoke to a heavy mist on the river, so thick that you could hardly see the opposite bank. Apparently there was a touch of frost last night.

The mist soon cleared as the sun came up on a peerless morning with clear blue skies.

While M was having her second cup of tea, she noticed that we were being photographed against the back-drop of the mist and then realised, to her delight, that it was Jim from nb "Ruffian" taking the photo. We both went out on to the rear deck (still in our dressing gowns!) to say hello. It was so nice to see him again and we arranged that he and Karen would come round for coffee later in the morning.

Soon after, the "African Queen" trip boat came by and turned round right next to us in the middle of the river.  There was no sign of Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn, though!

In due course, Jim and Karen arrived for coffee and we all agreed that we would go up as far as Goring together later in the day.

We were planning to moor up at Goring and they are planning to go on to Wallingford. However, we also agreed to try to meet up in Abingdon on Saturday for dinner in the evening.
At lunchtime both boats set off through the lock at Pangbourne.  Jim and Karen have repainted "Ruffie's" bow and she looks very smart.

Pangbourne lock was on "Self Service" and the notice said "Stream Decreasing" but despite this, the river was still running very quickly so progress was quite slow.

The views through the "Goring Gap" are beautiful with the backdrop of the hills and the trees just beginning to take on their autumn colours. We could see "Ruffie" behind us, coming round the bend in the river.

M particularly loves the railway bridges with their splendid curved brickwork and to see the sun reflecting on to them.

At Goring, we waved goodbye to Jim and Karen, who carried on upstream.  We moored up (with some difficulty due to the speed of the river's flow).

Later, we went to speak to the lock-keeper as we want to stay for a few days here and it is technically only a 24-hour mooring. He was very relaxed about it since there are so few boats moving at this time of year and because of all the Red Boards.
Today: 4 miles, 1 lock and 2.9 hours.
Trip: 313 miles, 315 locks and 281.9 hours (435.8 total).