Dodgems with rowers and swimmers.

Sudden bang and we shot out of the chairs. Gone 8 pm, tipping it down with rain and we had to go see.  A widebeam smacked us right up FS's stern and bounced off. We were on the EA moorings well away from the lock landing so why hit us at all?. Ian rushed out and the chap apologised saying he was trying to pick one of his crew up and didn't see us until too late (why on earth did he come so far up from the lock landing to collect his crew member?). The only reason he didn't see us was because his pram top windows were all steamed up!

Passed the boat early this morning.

 It was the weather this time that got us away at another silly time of 7.30am. Not that we are fair weather boaters mind, but if we can stay dry, we will. So with rain forecast to arrive by midday and wanting to get to Eynsham before it started, we set the alarm for 7am.

I must say it's a lovely time to cruise, nothing on the move apart from us, and the river to ourselves. Or so I thought. After Iffley lock, rowers lots of them! I even had to resort to pressing the horn as a coxless pair headed straight for me!

Downside is having to do the locks but only two had to be done this way (Iffley and Osney) as by the time we reached Godstow lock it was manned.

Iffley

Osney

 Before Osney Lock we first had to negotiate the Salters trip boats at Folly bridge. Two ways around the island and we chose the right.

Surprise, a few mooring spaces to be had. Normally this is full of continues moorers but we had heard from one of the lock keepers that steps were being taken to try and move them on.

Left or right? we chose right.

From here onward only the small cruisers and narrow boats can go. Bridge to low for the Gin Palace cruisers!

I am assuming this is the entrance to Sheepwash cut and back to the Oxford canal. No sign that I could see and we will be heading back that way tomorrow

Is this the cut? Looks ever so narrow at the end. No doubt we will find out tomorrow.

 Onwards to the meadows. Big sign on one of the bridges warning boaters to stay in the middle.

Port Meadows.

 Not the best place to meet a swimmer.

Godstow Lock

Godstow Priory

Kings Lock and here the lock keepers have to work hard. No buttons to push for them.

This pair has rowed most of the non tidal Thames.

Dukes cut  (Left) to the Oxford canal

Dark stormy skies

Hmmm... somehow I don't think this will miss us.

Eynsham at last. Took just four and a half hours

 Last lock for today Pinkhill

Moored at Pinkhill Meadow. Hopeful that the Owl will put in an appearance. That is if the rain stops!

 And seen on route,

Decision.....right or left. I have stiched the photos together but somewhere in the far trees was a sign. Ian saw it at the last minute.

Oh look, there it is!

Early morn wildlife