Morning off visiting John and Derek then walk up the hill for cafe breakfast. Socialise with Jim them set off midday ish . Have I chosen the days well, shirtsleeves yesterday but top off today. Saw Sothern Cross newly painted above Black Jacks and it look good. All was well with the world and I was feeling pleased with my few days boating until I held back at Wide Water and got a tyre on the blade !! Bow Hauled through and after a little prodding there was no way it was going to come off easily. Jasons trip was locking behind me even though I had not seen them since Croxley they did say they were going to London tonight. I was singlehanded but I had to wait 1 hour for them to catch up. Blagged a tow to down the straight which is not the longest on the Grand Union but it took a long time.

Roger supplied the grinder and Peter the muscle. Pit Stop dealt with in 30 minutes and the type was put out off commission for the second time, this time permanently. Bit ironic though it was a low profile Pirelli tyre as fitted to my car.

Dropped down to Uxbridge to the Swan and Bottle to go to the town and buy a clean shirt for tonight. I went shopping before I left but forgot shirts as one must dress for dinner now steering a clean boat.

It must have been 20 years since I ventured round Uxbridge which is really My Home Town. I was a bit shocked as they have even built over Harman's Brewery that was preserved from previous growth. And the stores closed at six so went for pint in the Queens Head, that had not changed much since my Mum used to take me with her when she cleaned the pub and accomodation for the owners at the time. I think their name was Snelling.

Set off for the Shovel at 7.45 and duly arrived at the rondezvous which had been my excuse to go boating. One of the locals reminded us of the fact it was 25 years since the REAL Shovel closed. He was about to make his final mortgage payment for a new (then) house in Iver Lane which He moved into three days before the Shovel closed. Now that Sunday was a good party. I still have the stools as we all left with our seating just before daylight. Yes

Drew you was there! Three managed to stay on for 3 days to make sure all the beer had gone. Those were the days and I must comment that my dinner would have been sent back if I had any confidence in it coming back more presentable.

Well Good Trip, Good Party and Glen and Kate looked well and of course have NO intention of returning except for a holiday in 3 years when I promised them a re-vamped Antartic for them.