Top and tail at the lock.

 We never did get our BBQ. The sun vanished beneath the cover of cloud, the temperature dropped, and the wind picked up. Lighting the BBQ would have been difficult and the thought of freezing one's socks off by sitting outside, did not go down well with me. So the chicken kebabs and sausages were done in the oven in a nice warm boat. Yep, the stove has been lit again!

 

I looked out for the Pinkhill Owl, It was a wonderful sight all those years ago to see it hunting, but then it had an owlet to feed. Today is a bit too early in the year for that, but I lived in hope. Of course there wasn't any sign of it. For all I know, the Pinkhill Owl could be no more!

Both photos were taken back in 2015

Today, the river has been busy, mostly boats heading south. As one came out from the manned Northmoor lock, the lockkeeper came to see us. He asked us not to tie to any of the wooden bollards in the lock. They had just been filled with silicone and were yet to set. Apparently, gaps had appeared around the base's and ropes had been known to get snagged, causing panic amongst the boaters. Ian ended up holding the chain, the lockkeeper took our front rope and I managed to slot mine over a bollard which seemed miles away! Okay, slight exaggeration, but it was quite a stretch. Hey ho, he lifted those paddles really slowly and was much appreciated.

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Several miles further and Shifford lock came into view. This was self-service and no sooner had Ian walked on to get it ready, a boat turned up from behind us. The landing stage was short, so all he could do was breast up, and matters didn't help when Ian signalled that a boat was on its way down. Quite where he would pick up crew, well I hoped they had the sense to walk down the lock steps and get back onboard that way.

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 Just as I brought FS out of the lock, another boat appeared as if from nowhere. This caused a slight dilemma because the staging only had room for two boats and both of us wanted to water up. A quick discussion culminated in me coming out first, that oncoming boat would then take my place and sidle in next to my locking buddy, who would then come out and tuck in behind FS at the water tap.

So what was I hoping for at this lock? A good water pressure and a fitting that worked. We got neither! It was almost, but not quite, as bad as Eynsham lock! Fully aware that the other boater also wanted to fill, after 10 minutes we called it a day. Hopefully St Johns Lock will be better!

 

Rushy lock had another two boats descending. Gosh, so many boats heading south, there is bound to be some meadow moorings free at Lechlade. That will be for tomorrow, though, 'cos tonight another rural spot was found, just past the lock. 

 

And seen on route,

Newly born lambs

 And wildlife today,