We awoke to a glorious morning - at six there was a light covering of mist over the water, but needless to say, that had gione by the time we actually got up! The sun stayed with us through the day and into the evening, although the early afternoon was somewhat cloudy. Definitely a change into July weather.
We had about 45 minutes run to Goring Lock where Andrew left us to catch a train from the nearby station back to pick up his car at Great Bedwyn and thence home.
The main part of the day saw us frequently overtaken - sometimes even harassed - by Thames cruisers (we'd call them plastic boats but that might upset someone reading this who is from the opposite side of the cut, as it were). On several occasions they insisted on passing us at inconvenient places (such as just about to go under a bridge) even somewhat dangerous. What then amused us is that on most occasions we caught them up at the next lock as they waited for their turn.
We only had nine locks today over 28 miles so there were often long gaps between them. At least that meant that we could catch up on some reading that was not easy on the Kennet and Avon.
All but the last lock were manned, mostly with at least one volunteer as well as the permanent keeper. (You can tell the difference: white shirt for permanent and blue t-shirt for volunteer) The supervision clearly helps as without exception they were as friendly and effective as the permanent staff.
We planned on having a long day so good weather was a bonus. The reason was that we have only bought a one day licence (that includes the first part day as well) so really ought to get to Oxford tonight. well, maybe far enough so that we can complete the river before the last lock keeper starts at 9 am!
This property - looks like a failed hotel - is a sad sight without windows. The grounds are still being maintained so perhaps plans are afoot. Maybe later we will find out a bit more about it.
Another unusual riverside house to add to our collection.
Several schools and colleges are close to the river. Here Moulsford Preparatory School For Boys Aged 5-13 has a wonderful setting that no doubt helps to make up for being incarcerated away from home.
Carmel College near Wallingford keeps itself rather well hidden even though close to the bank.
Wallingford Research Station has some unusual members of staff. HR Wallingford is an independent civil engineering and environmental hydraulics organisation.
We had a long wait at Benson Lock with a queue already occupying all of the lock landings. We managed to tie our bow rope to the end of the landing until after the first lockful had been processed. We discovered later that we were in the midst of a flotilla of nine boats from Windsor Yacht Club on their annual two day outing to Abingdon. We had almost an hour's wait but this was the only one all day.
This steerer asked us to send him a photo of him - unfortunately we don't know where to send it so if your are reading this then leave a comment and we will forward a full res copy!
Amazing property on the tight river bend at Shillingford.
On the approach to Days Lock we made a much-needed stop at the Sanitary Station (with its own landing stage). At the bend before the lock approach a cruiser dashed past but, even with our disposal stop, we still in time to share the lock with them. The topiary face was equally amused!
Approaching Clifton Hamden we spotted a group of kites (if our recognition guide has it right!) swirling around overhead. They are not easy to photo whilst navigating and we saw another group just before Oxford. We include the best of the pix but it will not win any wildlife prizes.
Boatwatchers at Culham Lock. All of the lock houses, mostly built in the 1920's, are quite splendid. the plan to sell off most of them seems to have been put on hold but in many cases they have been rented out with no resident keeper.
Abingdon was now approaching. This was the only sailing boat we encountered all day although there were numerous rowers in all sorts of configurations.
A sign indicates the start of the former, but often now invisible, Wilts and Bucks Canal which we last saw on the Kennet and Avon canal at Semington below the Caen Hill flight.
The town waterfront is quite elegant.
Just after passing under the bridge we could see a large boat approaching around the bend. It turned out to be a Salters Steamers trip boat which turned around just after we passed it. It later caught us up and overtook us before we reached Oxford.
Abingdon, unlike most places on the Thames, is especially sympathetic to boats and provides a generous amount of moorings, free for up to five days.
As we came up through Abingdon Lock one of the volunteers chatted at length. He does 7 days a week during the season and really enjoys meeting and helping people. He said that now narrowboats make up at least half of the traffic - a significant change from not so very long ago.
Christine was keen to spot both ends of Swift Ditch, having looked up its history. The nearby abbey created it over a thousand years ago as a navigable canal but the traders of Abingdon restored the route through the town in the 17th century.
From just one place on the river there is a good view of Nuneham House, a splendid country house. The construction of the gardens under the 1st Earl of Harcourt in 1760 involved the forced removal of the residents of the local village.
An unusual summer house.
We reached Sandford Lock before the keeper finished for the evening.
However, by the time we arrived at Iffley Lock (18:27) the self service sign was already showing so just this once Christine had to operate the controls. The gardens are especially splendid although Thames keepers have a tradition of some spectacular gardening.
Above the lock we unexpectedly found a good stretch of bank marked 48 hrs moorings so, rather than risk not finding anywhere above Osney Lock we tied up here. An early start in the morning should see us through well before nine!
28.5 miles - 9 locks
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