Approaching one year since The Great Voyage

Hoping to facilitate the advent of a new season, I entered into a little Spring cleaning on board and discovered, tucked away 'somewhere safe', these words, written by Lindsay, our previous nautical neighbour at Penton Hook Marina. They were a parting gift to us as, after six happy years, we departed that mooring at the end of Pontoon N, for waterways new in Norfolk. As we relive the preparations that we underwent a year ago, it seems an appropriate time to air them. Thank you Lindsay and Mike for these kind and perceptive words, we hope that the Thames at Laleham continues to be kind towards you. Maybe one day our rivers will cross again.

We were sitting atop Panacea one sunny day and two young people walked along the pontoon to view a wonderful sailing barge that had been on the market for a while. We had seen people come and go as they considered the purchase thereof, but no one seemed to settle on it. the owner visited occasionally to make sure all was well but nothing more than that... then.... a few questions, a little dialogue and before long Golden Mean had new owners.

Gradually with tender loving care, determination and hard work these new owners enticed Golden Mean into submission and smooth water lay ahead. Water rat days of sunshine shimmering on a glassy river, kingfishers darting into the willows, anchors at sundown, peace and tranquility... coffee at Laleham, wine on deck, supper inside....

Cookham Church, wedding bells and shepherds pie, water taxis and happy folk - Golden Mean the perfect ratio, the perfect balance.

Into the world came two little people whose lives quietly and calmly enriched those around them. What is it about the river that draws us to it and gives us such peace and affinity? Whatever it is these little people are part of a wonderful lifestyle and are guided by two loving and caring parents.

It's Magic, in more ways than one, and Mr Pawsworthy's claws along the pontoon early in the morning are so0n to be missed as we go our separate ways.

We will miss you both, we will miss your two little people, we will miss Magic and we will miss Golden Mean.

May joy and happiness be always yours and may our rivers cross again.