| As Oxford regains some composure after the high-octane voyage of summer eccentricity, October is the perfect time to explore the calm waters of our local riverways and observe Autumn’s prelude. |
| Autumnal Oxford Cruising Whether joining the Egyptian Geese up on Port Meadow before the expanse is swallowed up by winter’s floodwater, or inevitably failing to predict where a cormorant will re-emerge in the increasingly auburn reflection of the waters of Sandford-on-Thames; there is always something special to witness out on the river before the season comes to a close. It’s the ideal moment of the year for coalescing on the Cherwell amongst the Falcon Boat Club canoes, whilst keeping an eye out for the array of natural beauty present such as the Roe deer who swim the commute from Aston’s Eyot to Christ Church Meadows, the ever-growing number of resident otters, or a flash of azure in the kingdom of the kingfisher as the leaves begin to fall and the season starts to change. The Culmination of Skippering Season This year we’ve been blessed with one of the longest summers in recent memory, something which was perfectly complemented by arguably our most eclectic team of skippers to date. As Autumn rolls in, our skippers follow in the footsteps of the wildlife we share the water with. Some start getting ready for a winter of hibernation, whilst others prepare to migrate to warmer or more extreme climates. Many of our younger colleagues travel across the country to study, however some move further afield – Mexico, Canada and Switzerland are a few of this year’s winter destinations for some of our more seasoned team. It is a truly unique time to be out on the river, and for many skippers there is a pressing desire to savour the last couple of months of boating before the nights draw in for good and our waterways become a different beast entirely. Join us this October to put a final flourish on a year of cruising in Oxford. Joe |
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