Amazing who one bumps into on the Thames

Look who we had visit and right outside the bedroom window.

It didn't 'alf rain after we got moored but once it stopped a walk to the weir was in order. Had hoped of walking on the other bank but a private house got in the way and I don't think they would have appreciated me trespassing on their land.

Lock landing was on the other side.

After an evening with the Fox's (Dave and Heather) playing Mexican Train and partaking of their excellent beer, bed beckoned by 10.30pm. Another remarkably peaceful night with only the ducks pecking at the hull to occasionally disturb our slumber.

So waking to a very fine morning, we left before the lock keeper was on duty and travelled the 7 miles to Goring. Must say we were kept on our toes by the canoeist. Our speed going downstream was around 5mph. We were easily overtaken by those going the same way as us, but those travelling upstream seemed to fly. I'm sure they create more wash than the big plastic cruisers! Meeting a slower narrowboat we did wonder if we would ever get past but Dave saw the opportunity on a wide expanse of river and went for it, closely followed by FS

At Cleeve lock we stopped for water. This is the only lock for quite a few miles to top up the tank and it seems as if everyone had the same idea. It was bedlam and without a lock keeper on duty to sort everyone out, queue jumping became the norm. We were very glad to have got there first and after 40 minutes of filling both Vixen and FS's tanks, (quite a slow fill compared to some on the Thames) we left them to it.

Joined by two plastics.

Is was as we exited the lock that we saw a lovely stretch of meadow mooring. So winding to face upstream we made for the the only available space at the end. On the bank a lady was cutting her husband's hair and they kindly offered to move their boat about 6ft so we could get both boats in. Then we realised who the lady was. It was Marilyn and Dave on nb Waka Huia. 
So kettle went on, chairs and sun brolly set up, chocolate biscuits arrived supplied by Heather and a very pleasant hour was spent chatting about this and that but mainly New Zealand and the strengthening British pound. Good for us but not so good for them back in New Zealand.

From L to R, haircut Dave, Heather, Ian, Marilyn and Heather's Dave.

We are going to chill out tonight, no Uno or Mexican Train or booze, just an evening in front of the TV watching Casualty.

And seen on route,

Nesting Grebe

And older youngster

Dad in defence mode

Yet another Kite

High banks, ants nests and wasps make for difficult mooring.

View from the weir bridge at Abingdon

Well I did need it, a haircut that is and traveling with a self taught hairdresser the only payment required was a slice of my chocolate cake! Heather thought it best to do the cutting on the Thames Path much to the delight of the passers by and boaters. A great job was done and very much appreciated. Thanks Heather.

Not sure if this is wise!!!

'Now what can I do with the top' says Heather

We found Wetherspoons without problem, down the high street and on the site of an old Post Office. Curry night on Thursdays so Dave and I just had to have the Madras with Heather choosing the Korma and Ian the Mexican Burrito. Loved the design of their loo doors. Post office red with yellow telephones as handles, but why are all Wetherspoon,s toilets upstairs????

Leaving much later then normal this morning because a shop at Waitrose was necessary, we eventually got underway well after 11am. I had time to bake another cake, coffee and walnut this time just right for coffee later this afternoon.

Clifton lock

After Clifton Lock we started to look for moorings. Still early, 2ish, but knowing how infrequent moorings were on this part of the Thames and also being a Friday, the cruisers would no doubt be arriving for their weekend jaunt so it seemed the right thing to do. We tried several places along the way but either the banks were impossibly high or the one mooring we did get in, Dave put his stake right through an ants nest and then got mobbed by wasps!

Dave attempting to get moored before abandoning the attempt. Ants and wasps do not make a good combination.

Leaving to wind round rather rapidly.

We then stopped at a hotel near Shillingford. Lovely long mown stretch of mooring with electric hookup. Ian went to inquire at the price. At £15 for the night we pulled pins and decided to head for Benson lock where we knew we could pay £9 to moor. A lady lock keeper was on and beckoned us intp the open lock. Not wanting to go through I had a quick word to see if we could stay on the 24 hour mooring. She was in a bit of dilemma because a work barge was moored on there, so instead she allowed us to stay on the opposite lock landing moorings for the night and the bonus.....there was to be no charge. What a great result. As a thank you I took over a piece of my coffee and walnut cake.

Moored at Benson lock

 And no sooner had we moored when this baby rabbit and moth appeared. If the rain ever stops (only just started) then a walk round to the weir is in order.

Cinnabar Moth

And wildlife on route

This Tern was having 40 winks

Then became instantly awake and started hunting