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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Saturday 20 October 2018

Think you may need new glasses, Ian!

I was wrong, not a soul appeared yesterday to collect the mooring fee. The money was ready but maybe this time of year no one bothers. Now wouldn't it be great if it was all like that the further South we travelled but somehow I doubt we will get away without paying at least some mooring fees.

We were woken by what sounded like a Donkey braying. In fact, it was Egyptian Geese making all that racket and as it was really really early, getting up and having a quick breakfast and we left before 8.30am.


 Only the three locks to do today and all but one we had to do ourselves. Cleeve lock had the lock keeper on duty although the sign was still at Self service.  Stopping for water we were passed by lads paddling 3 canoes. The lock keeper beckoned the lads in and as we had just about finished filling, he waited for us to join them. Turns out they are all Scouts doing the Duke of Edinburgh award.



Leaving Goring lock and coxed 4 waiting to enter
 Plenty of craft on the river today as well as one or two surprises. The rowers were out in force, there was fisherman in boats on the wrong side, a cruiser captain making his boat go backwards and forward without any idea we were heading toward him and most surprising of all, and what Ian was convinced was geese, turned out to be swimmers.




What was he up too?

Ah, all is clear.




Beale park was the destination for the weekend and a lovely mooring found by the entrance to the park. So glad we left early because so many boats all looking for a mooring. Of course, its a weekend and the children's half term has started.  This afternoon we walked to the park, paid £6.50 each (senior) and spent a fabulous afternoon walking around in the glorious sunshine and watching the animals. Will probably put a few photos of that visit on the blog tomorrow.

And on the journey,

Wallingford

Goring Lock. This could be the prettiest on the Thames
 And seen on route,


Great Crested Grebe


Could almost be on the Serengeti

4 comments:

Mrs. Jaqueline Biggs said...

I think the Egyptian Geese look like escapees from a zombie movie! Fab pictures as always and they remind me of our cruise on the Thames in 2013.

Love Jaq xxx

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Thanks Jaq. This river is to fall in love with. We would gladly spend all summer cruising and never tire of seeing the changing face of it. But those geese...noisy critters and to avoid mooring near to at all costs! Xxx

Anonymous said...

Super Kingfisher photo in the sun there, took my breath away!
I do think the wild swimmers on the Thames should have one of those hi-viz blow-up things with them to avoid being hit by boats.
It is difficult to see them when you are on the tiller of a boat when they are in front of it.
We came very close to a woman swimming in the Thames and what we thought was a football floating was someone with a red bathing cap on!
Ann m

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

I agree, Ann. I also think they should swim nearer the bank. If the sun had been lower and with the glare on the water I reckon we may well have run over them. Thanks for liking the Kingfisher photo. Saw him in the distance and wasn't sure how it would turn out. Glad he stayed long enough for the photo. Xxx

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