Saturday 22 July 2017

Time to move on and a meet-up

 After yet another stunning sunset we move off early (7am) with a plan in mind

 We returned to Abingdon for water and after dropping down the lock 
 ... we moor on the parkside so that we can pop to Waitrose for essential supplies 
 ... we've never moored on this side before, it can get a bit noisy with the water play area and swings but it was still a bit early in the day for that today
 Provisions purchased we continue, passing the field where on Saturday we met the farmer feeding his cattle and had a lovely chat with him
 Culham Cut and lock done
 ... passing Appleford's Parish Church of Saints Peter and Paul
 ... and entering Clifton cut and lock which was on self service

 I quite like this boat we see as we leave Clifton
 I've seen cows waiting by this gate before ... they must be expecting someone
 Above Days Lock I wondered if this stile would give access to the public footpath into Dorchester and beyond to Whittenham Clump
 ... and below Days was dutch barge Kyrenia with Brian and Mary.  This is their last trip before they retire from the waterways completely.

We were hoping to moor round the corner from the lock in the only longer space now available in the lock area but were unlucky.  We'd seen boats moored on the hardstandings by the bridge at the confluence of the Rivers Thame and Thames and we managed to secure half the length of Still Rockin', but with the steep bank up to the path and all the rain that is forecast over the next few days felt that we wouldn't feel safe so pulled pins again.

Where to go now?  I rang Sue, I knew she wasn't far away, and off we went to moor abreast of them in a cosy spot near Shillingford Bridge.  By this time it was 2pm and Sue offered us lunch which was greatly appreciated and in return George did his king of the bbq later in the evening.  Good to meet up again.
Just love sunsets!

No comments: