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.
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| 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.
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| What was he up too? |
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| 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,
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| Wallingford |
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| Goring Lock. This could be the prettiest on the Thames |
And seen on route,
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| Great Crested Grebe |
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| Could almost be on the Serengeti |
4 comments:
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
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
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
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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