A thrilling sight

Saturday 30th 

Not the first away this morning, that honour was given to a boat at 7 am! A glance out of the porthole window, just to see which direction it was going in, and a wonderful misty Thames to greet me. Time for a photo, out into the freezing air with just the nighty to cover my modesty, and thankfully, only the cows to see me. 

By the time we were ready to leave it was nearly 9 am, and then, hmm, the same scenario as yesterday, bushes in front and a good shove needed to get the bow away. This time Ian had to stay on board as the stern was too far from the bank for him to get back on board. Out came the trusty pole.

Another mooring to mark in the Nicholson's book.

Only Northmoor lock to do today, Our destination was to Pinkhill Meadow. Here we planned to see out the bank holiday and hope for an owl encounter. 

Approaching Northmoor, wow, those reflections were something else. 

Coming into the lock was an Anglo Welsh hire boat. Two of the crew were running from one gate to another, appearing baffled by what to do. Ian went to see if he could offer advice and very glad of it they were too. Pinkhill Lock (their first lock from leaving base) had been manned, but to do this one on their own was, for them. daunting. Ian soon had them up and away, and our "Where are you heading?" as they left the lock and their reply of "Lechlade." had me wondering how they would cope with those twists and turns.  "You have a good 8 hours in front of you" said I, "plus all the locks".  "And when do you to return the boat?" I enquired. Ah, the answer was not what I expected because they need to be back at Eynsham at 9 am Monday morning.

We expected to be on our own, but in the distance Ian spied a boat heading toward the lock. Due to the twists and turns, a wait of several minutes before it came into proper view.

At Bablock Hythe, a boat coming toward us was recognised. It was fellow bloggers Cheryl and Eric. Last seen this side of Banbury, I was sure we would meet somewhere on the Upper Thames. A quick photo and a hello was all we had time for. Hope you enjoy Lechlade and get onto the pub moorings if you can. Easy for the shops and, most importantly, away from those beasts!

As you can see, the weather was glorious. Time for our first BBQ, perhaps? After lunch, it was decided to do the Countryside walk. On the map it shows roughly 4 miles, somehow we ended up doing 5! But wow, what a fab walk, with two bird hides on the way and a sighting that thrilled the both of us. 

Ian heard right after all when he mentioned a Cuckoo song a few days ago. The calling of a pair was the most prevalent sound as we progressed toward a series of nature ponds.

Staying still, and prepared to wait paid off because there was one of the birds flying from one side of the pond to another, landing conveniently in a treen ear enough for us both to get a good look.

 The walk eventually took us to Farmoor Reservoir. The café was still open, a most welcome cup of tea and sausage roll to rebuild our strength. Sitting in the glorious sunshine, such a lot of activity on the water, including sailing lessons. Hilariously funny watching these novice sailers, spent a good 40 minutes just observing their antics.

Back at FS and the BBQ did come about. Table and chairs were then all set up for an evening of watching and waiting to see if the owl turned up. It never did unfortunately, but a lovely evening was had eating, drinking and keeping warm by a fire pit utilised from the BBQ.

Beer first

Started to get a bit chilly for me....not for my icicle, Ian!

Great fire pit and before everyone has a go because the grass was so dry, a bucket of water was nearby just in case!

 And wildlife,

Reed bunting

Grebe

Diving grebe

Trout

Red Kite