In search of the Pinkhill Owl

Last night the peace was shattered by hollering and laughter. I happened to be fishing and did a double take when this naked body appeared from behind a bush. Then came another, both enjoying an evening dip. I  didn't get to see if they were wearing anything below the waist but judging by the screams as they plunged into the river, I reckon they may have worried about their assets!!!!

Had a walk round the ruins (Godston Nunnery) but not much to see as, according to the lock keeper, the university students did a dig and uncovered some interesting bits and bobs. Instead of allowing the public to admire what had been uncovered, they filled in the dig and just left it go wild. Still I came across some bugs and tried out the new camera with macro lens and got some decent photos and also discovered a unique feature not shown on the old Panasonic.  On expressive mode I can select a colour which will stand out while all around is in black and white.

In normal mode

And expressive.

 

Having left Kings lock and just before we got to Eynsham lock a movement caught my eye. What I first thought was a crow having a drink, turned out to be a mink making use of an old swans nest.

Had another bogger encounter at Eynsham lock. We had stopped to empty the loo and noticed several boats descending. With the lock gates opening out came the Mary H. I have followed Linda's blog for quite a while so knew they were heading in our direction and was pleasantly surprised that the meeting was at the lock and not, as is the norm, passing each other with only a quick chance of a hello. In fact we did actually cause a bit of mayhem as not only did Mary H need a pumpout, but the other 2 exiting boats as well. We had sat virtually in the middle of the landing after using the elsan and although Mary H got past us okay, the other two had no where to land. It was the lock keeper who sorted us all out by almost sternly telling us to shift! Anyway once in the lock Linda came for a chat. Lovely to meet another of the family of bloggers and seems there are more on the Thames then we first realised. Who will we meet next???

Pinkhill lock must be the prettiest lock we have been through so far. The gardens are full of flowers. Several years ago nearly all the lockside gardens were equally as nice as they all competed for the title of best kept lock. Such a shame it's no longer the case. This one would win hands down. 

Pinkhill lock

We didn't travel much further stopping on a lovely stretch of meadow. In fact the same spot that Sue (No Problem) moored at when we passed by nearly a month ago. Then Sue had blogged about the owl that flew regularly over the meadow, even in daylight. Its one of my wish list to see a wild owl, only ever having seen them in captivity. I'm keeping everything crossed as I have already heard it calling late this afternoon. Just hope the BBQ tonight doesn't deter it from flying over!! We may stay another day as a walk round the reservoir is beckoning to us. Such a lovely peaceful place this. I do love the upper Thames!

And on route,

Next two photos seen at the ruins and with the new camera