We've been here at Sandford for just a week now sitting out the wind and rain. This morning it's time to move on; the wind has dropped to just about nothing and the sky is blue with fluffy white clouds and unfortunately it looks as if it's going to be hot again ... but we can't have everything, can we?
9:15 and George is folding the ropes and we're good to go ...
slowly into the stream looking for boats on the bend
Mallards, Greylags, Cormorant and Swans
The River Thames become quite winding on its upper reaches
Keep red markers on your left when going upstream and immediately turn left to follow the navigation channel here ...
making the turn ...
looking back from the turn
and immediately a right-hand bend
Still looking for wild mooring spots ... this looks good ...
opposite this house ...
and there's another possibility
Approaching Kennington Railway Bridge and towpath bridge beyond ...
Looks interesting but the bridge is too low to explore
Another tight right-hander ...
and we soon come to Isis Bridge ... more moorings here ...
and Iffley Lock ... not quite as good a setting as Goring Lock in my opinion, but very nice
We were pleased that we'd not met a Salters Trip Boat on the bendy bits of the river but here he was descending Iffley Lock which is also on self service
I'll close the gates after he's gone and see us through
The wonderfully smelling lavender was alive with bees on the lockside
Liz and Jan on nb Mystical Gemini Dream were waiting to enter as we left (sorry Liz and Jan)
and what a fantastic surprise when we came out the lock ... the exact mooring we wanted was completely empty!
Our view from the deck ...
looking at the pretty balustraded bridge
and upstream ... we're far enough from the pub - Isis Tavern - not to be bothered by any noise we hope!
A short but very pleasant cruise of just 2 miles taking us 45 minutes from upping sticks to tying up again.
Gorgeous pictures Carol. do you ever have to pinch yourself? think of how much it costs all those landlocked folks to live Thameside and still they only enjoy a limited view. I hope you and G are managing to stay cool in the hot weather. We've had blustery winds since Friday and I've loved every minute of them!
ReplyDeleteLove Jaq xxx
Hi Jaq thanks for your comments. Yes we often need to pinch ourselves that we're living and loving the life we lead, we are so, so lucky. George loves the hot weather and melt into a puddle at anything over about 24 degrees c! The weather this past three days has been lovely, a bit hot for my liking but with a lovely breeze it's been so much nicer. I've always loved the wind and love it blowing in my face, you sound as if you enjoy the same! We wish that we could more easily visit with you but that's not to be just now, but you are often in our heart and thoughts. xx
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