Whilst sitting enjoying our drinks, a Virgin floating high in the sky. Hot air balloons are seen regularly in these parts, and what a lovely setting to drift silently over the river. Brought back wonderful memories of when I did a balloon flight for my 40th birthday. Then the conditions were just perfect for flight, apart from when the wind changed direction half way through the journey giving us longer in the air! We were all blissfully unaware that the gas in the burner was getting low and also heading straight toward a load of power lines. The pilot could do no more then drop the balloon as quickly as possible, which happened to be right onto a ploughed field. The landing was somewhat bumpy and the basket tipped nearly depositing us all into the ruts. Great experience though, and one I would gladly do again.
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We left these idylic moorings before the rain started. Got to Abingdon lock in time for the self service signs to be removed. The Saltisford steamer also timed it to perfection but, as we found out several weeks ago, these steamers take priority so we were made to wait for the next locking. Good opportunity to empty the cassette while waiting though.
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| Fabulous spot to while away the weekend. |
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| It's behind you!!!! |
A bush by FS's bow, a wren giving out his distress call. Probably trying to tell us to clear off!
And in the two miles of travel today, a pair of Herons. Most unusual as (apart from breeding season) they are solitary birds.
And at Abingdon, a Common Tern
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