Blast! We missed the Aurora Borealis and so close to us too. Oxford of all places! Heard about it on the news this morning and here was I thinking what a clear night it was to see the stars! Only got the sunset instead. Then Uno the card came out and all played until after 10pm. Straight to bed without a glance at the sky so no doubt would have missed it anyway.
Destination today was Lechlade just about a 4 hour run from here. Set off just after 8.30am, thinking that by the time we arrived at Radcot Lock the lock keeper would be there. More of the twist and turns on this river to contend with and as we rounded another bend we came across this lot soaking their legs right by Old Mans foot bridge.
Thought we were lucky when we arrived at Radcot lock to see two small craft appear. Maybe the gates would be open for us and we could just sail in. It was not to be as the Self Service sign was up and no sign of the lock keeper anywhere.
So for the first time since arriving on the Thames Ian and Dave got off to do the lock. Not just this lock but Grafton lock as well.
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| Oh no! My hands gone black!! |
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| Two captains of the ship. Or is it Bill and Ben!! |
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| Instructions were to leave the lock empty. Ian drew the short straw. |
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| Grafton lock also DIY |
Then 'Hooray' the lock keeper was on at Buscot lock.
Having thanked the Lockie we cruised for another mile, again with very sharp bends and soon made the last lock of the day, St Johns lock. Here we got rid of rubbish and emptied the cassettes. A pub meal including booze is on the cards tonight, to celebrate almost getting to the end of navigation for powered craft. I say almost because one can get about another half mile further to the Round House. We did it back in 2010 but it's a right pig to wind there. First, though, we had to find ourselves a mooring on the meadow. The young bullocks were present and they love eating everything and anything left on the cabin top, sides and are quite likely to have a munch on the mooring ropes. Don't somehow think this will be a problem for us. You can see why in the photo.
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| Stern well away from the bank. To shallow for us to get any further in. |
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| The meadow with the bullocks |
Had two interlopers on my float whilst fishing. Caught some decent Perch and Roach. Am desperate to catch a Barbel so anyone got any tips????
Seen on route
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| Slightly out of focus but I think this is a Linnet |
And seen nesting on the lock gate by St Johns Lock
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| Grey Wagtail |
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