Like the bear that went over the mountain, what often keeps me going is the urge to know what’s coming up ahead. So wherever we stop to moor up, I can’t help wondering what the next lock or village looks like. (Whereas Roy, apparently, has no such interest.)
Fortunately, the place that’s ahead is often close enough for me to be able to gently jog there along the towpath. Here’s what I saw on the 10km route from Wallingford to Shillingford and back, via Benson lock.
Imagine my surprise, therefore, when Roy expressed a desire to take the Brompton bikes to Benson lock! Provided with proper cycle paths, the short route there by road, via Crowmarsh Gifford, was far easier than our even shorter route back along the Thames Path – which is, strictly, for pedestrians, and better suited for jogging and walking than for cycling.
Roy Was Annoyed
I’m not allowed to recommend Benson’s Waterside Café – a big alfresco area in a lovely spot just up from the weir and the lock – because Roy Was Annoyed. After he’d ordered and paid up at the the counter, they handed over the rosé and nuts but said he’d have to wait at least half an hour (“in line with all the other orders”) for them to bring our crudités. Bastards!
I have never known Roy to swear?!!
I thought it was you who taught him, at those famous TSSS lunches?