The relief that we had actually got off the mud was quickly overtaken by panic as we then needed to do a three point turn in quite a narrow channel. Interesting to say the least but swiftly executed.

And we were off. The journey was probably only about a mile downstream but it was quite a strange experience. Without a top, the boat is essentially a big floating platform so feels quite exposed, and despite being museum-worthy it goes at quite a rate. Again excuse the slightly duff commentary on the video..

<p><a href=”http://vimeo.com/81169703″>Down the river</a> from <a href=”http://vimeo.com/user23207727″>helen symonds</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a&gt;.</p>

I even took the wheel at one point (the point where the river was very straight and wide). The obnoxiously pink bobble hat was intentional. If things all went tits up, I would be easier to spot and fish from the river.

The wharf where the crane was waiting for us soon came into view.

Gizzi wouldn’t be fulfilling her role as First Mate and Official Ship’s Dog if she didn’t come too. She did look pretty bemused throughout. Quite a lot for a little puppy to take in.

The wharf couldn’t come a moment too soon as with seconds to go the engine faltered and ran out of petrol. One final three point turn and we were in position.