Those beasts are at it again.

Thursday

 Ian thought he heard a Cuckoo this morning, hope he was right because they seem to be rarer than hens teeth. I've not heard or seen one for years! I took this excerpt taken from Cuckoo bird facts

Their recent population decline makes this a Red List species in the 2021 UK Conservation Status Report. Red is the highest conservation priority, with species on this list needing urgent action. Species on this list, such as cuckoos, are globally threatened, with big declines in breeding populations and ranges.

This mooring was so quiet. Well, it was until about 8 am this morning. The contractors started work behind Rushy lock. Not sure what they are doing, but all I know is that the pump out and elsan are out of action at present. 

 

It took nearly 4 hours to get to Lechlade, 9 miles and 4 locks to do, but very slow-going because of the way the river meandered. Today we felt we were definitely on a river, with its numerous twists and turns and with some very tight bends which almost took you back from whence you came. At every blind bend it was a challenge, would there be anything coming? So now to some advice, always give way to boats going with the flow. (downstream) It takes them much longer to put on the brakes!  Luckily for us, the only boat met was coming out of the lock, so no danger on those bends.

 

What was met, and gave me quite a turn, I can tell you, were these two paddleboarders, and right on one of those U type bends on the river., I only saw one at the last minute and almost ran into him. Blimey, that doesn't bare thinking about, so glad I was only going slow!

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All the locks today were manned although at Radcot lock, even though it had the sign Lockkeeper on duty, Ian couldn't find anyone at all. Nothing for it but to do it himself. "Probably gone for a coffee break" I said

But then suddenly from out of the office came the lockkeeper. Oops...maybe we should have waited! It was okay though, he had been busy doing administrative things and hadn't realised we were there. Then as I was bringing FS out of the lock he turned to me and said, "Free Spirit, Ah yes, I read your blog occasionally." He was such a nice chap, well they all are, and so obliging too.

Came across this sign. Nothing wrong with that but.....

EEK.... Hope it's not that bridge we need to go under. I don't somehow think we will fit!

But no...phew, it was this one,

Up through St John's lock and finally in Lechlade and very surprised to see a near empty meadow, moorings. We had the pick of moorings, but one thing put us off, though. Those young heifers and bullocks. Still very young, they were like any toddler, naturally inquisitive. The photo below was taken in 2015 and the next few were of the 2022 youngsters.

2015

And today

The pub mooring opposite the meadow was free. We have never been able to get on to it, and it's a good spot away from those beasts. unless of course they swam! First thing was to wind, which was achieved on the other side of Ha'penny bridge. A walk to the shop for provisions and yea, Jam Shed Shiraz only 5.99 a bottle. 4 made its way into the basket.

 

Thought we may as well walk to the Roundhouse. This is the furthest point that any boat can go (other than rowing boats and canoes) Nicholson show a winding hole at the end. Well it looked so silted that I wouldn't want to take a narrow boat to it even a small one.

 On the way back to FS, and we were in for quite a surprise. Coming straight for us was this deer.

 Suddenly it disappeared from view, and when next seen it was running hell for leather on the other side of the Thames. It had only gone and swam across the river!

Tomorrow we head south, would like to make it back to Pinkhill, but that is over 21 miles and 7 locks, a lot to do in one day. Apart from the moorings top of Rushy lock, between Rushy and Shifford locks there is nothing, well to cruisers maybe but not for narrowboats. 

And wildlife