Yesterday saw Grumpy Bear Too slipped out onto the trailer by “Riverside Marine and Leisure” ready for an early morning trip to Benson Waterfront.  The trip went smoothly without a hitch, so that when we arrived at Benson mid-morning Grumpy was safely in the water.  Once again we were met by the very friendly and efficient staff from “Benson Waterfront” who helped us out with car parking for two weeks, and the details of the return pick up.

Grumpy Bear Too ready to leave Buckden

Grumpy Bear Too safely at Benson Waterfront

Having unstowed all the breakables aboard that we had had to secure for road transport and then unpacked our bags, food etc by 1.00 pm we were ready to leave for the short journey to Benson lock where we had to get our Thames River Licence.  Fortunately, the lock keepers are very helpful and the paperwork was rapidly sorted.   As we have an Environment Agency licence for  the Great Ouse system we get 15 days free per year on the Thames so nothing to pay 🙂

The Lock Keeper's cottage at Benson Lock

We then proceeded down river to Wallingford where we stopped for lunch and a wander around the pretty Oxfordshire market town.   Lots of bunting about – is something happening soon?    After a very pleasant stop, we carried on down river through the next two locks and are moored for the night at Goring – I think summer has arrived:)