Wey and Godalming Navigation

It has been a long time since I last wrote a blog in this spot and family and friends alike have been asking for our news, so here goes...

The early part of the year, Ian and I spent 90 days travelling around the world (not on Narrowboat Winedown, I have to add). It was an adventure of a life time - to read more go to http://hollidaysrtw.blogspot.co.uk/ During that time we ticked off many items from our bucket list and beside having  a wonderful time with family and friends, we experienced 'mundane' things like visit Addo Elephant Park on safari in South Africa; zip wire over the canopy outside Durban, South Africa; dive the Barrier Reef near Port Douglas, Australia; Sail on the Tall ship 'Solway Lass' around the Whitsundays islands, Australia; kayak off the Able Tasmine National Park, New Zealand; walk on the Fox Glacier, New Zealand; swim with dolphins in New Zealand; watch whales in Monterey, California; experience the luxury train the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago and the Shore Line from Chicago to New York; gaze over Manhattan from the Empire State Building and visit the Statue of Liberty. Now it’s back to earth (or should I say the canals) and live another new adventure that unfolds day by day. 

The summer doesn't seem to have made up its mind whether it has arrived or not, so not to be deterred, it is about time that we made our own summer fun.

For a long time, we have been talking about the River Wey so it was about time we put our money where our mouth is. We gave up our mooring at Frouds Bridge Marina on the Kennet & Avon Canal and joined the CCC (the Continuous Cruising Crowd) in the middle of May. 

After a week of mixed weather on the river Thames with our grandchildren James and Phoebe in tow, we turned onto the River Wey.

The Wey and Godalming Navigations together are a a total 19 ½ miles long with 16 locks and are owned and operated by the National Trust. The Wey Navigation was built 100 years before the canals and runs 15 ½ miles from the River Thames at Weybridge to Guildford. The Godalming Navigation, opened in 1764 extended the navigable waterway a further four miles to Godalming. 
We had been drawn to this tranquil waterway running through the heart of Surrey, so with the rain pelting down outside the lock keeper’s office at Thames Lock, we bought our National Trust licence. Come Hell or High Water, we were determined to enjoy ourselves

Thames lock is in an attractive woodland setting right next to some lovely apartments. Shortly after leaving Thames Lock, we looked for a mooring and found a suitable spot, beautifully wooded, opposite smart houses and gardens. Since it looked as if the rain had set in for the rest of the afternoon, we made ourselves comfortable in the cabin and played card games with the children. After an hour or so, the children started to get fidgety. The rain had stopped so we put on our walking shoes and went into the town of Weybridge.

Weybridge in Surry is a suburb in the London Commuter Belt and forms part of the Greater London Urban Area.In its early history, Weybridge was a small village with a river crossing. The earliest monuments on the tower wall of St James's church are 15th Century plaques, and the Church was rebuilt in 1848 with a south aisle added in 1864. In 1537 Henry VIII built Oatlands Palace, and this is where he married his fifth wife, Catherine Howard. When the church was demolished in 1650, bricks from its walls helped to line the then new Wey Navigation Canal.

Thursday 30^th May 2013 and the rain was still lingering albeit just a fine drizzle. When there was a break, we set off, following a friendly family in a hire boat. We caught up with them at Town Lock and journeyed along the canal with them for a few hours. James decided to walk along the towpath and struck up a lively conversation with one of the boys from the hire-boat.

The hire-boat stopped at the Anchor pub for lunch and we continued on through the Pyrford lock (after getting rid of our rubbish in the designated bins) and on for another two miles and two locks. The ruins of Newark Priory overlook the Newark lock and it was here that we decided to look for mooring for the evening. It was still quite early in the day when we found a suitable mooring in a meadow. This was ideal for the children. They could run and play to their hearts content, while Ian and I set up our deck chairs and relaxed. Later in the afternoon, the hire-boat passed us amid the shouted greetings of long lost friends.

Next Stop, Guildford! Friday promised to be a lovely day. The rain and clouds had cleared during the night and we all woke to bright sunshine. We were a little disappointed with Dapdune Wharf on the outskirts of Guildford. The navigation notes talked of an award-winning visitor centre that tells the story of the navigation and the people who lived and worked on them. We were assured that there would be full boater’s facilities (very important as we had to dispose of rubbish, fill our water tanks with drinking water and empty our chemical toilet cassette) but in all outward appearance it was a different story. It was difficult to moor – the wharf was congested with unattended craft – and nobody seemed to know what we were talking about when we asked for directions to the water point. Finally, I found the information centre and the volunteer had to make a phone call before he could answer my basic questions. As quickly as we could, we moved on, with the hope that Guildford itself was not as disappointing, and it wasn't.  The town embraced the waterways with riverside walks, pubs and restaurants, and a busy boatyard with narrowboat as well as rowing boat hire.

After negotiating some very sharp bends in the river, we moored alongside a meadow close to the town centre. We wanted to leave the boat for a few days while we took the children to Chippenham for a weekend with Tanya, David and Daniel.

View from Winedown in Guildford

After a weekend with the family, we returned to Guildford by train and took up our River Wey adventure where we left off. The weather had very much improved and we were in for a good week. We spent a few days in Guildford, and discovered quite a bit. Beside all the beautiful buildings there is a wealth of literary history.

 There is a statue of Alice and her sister...

 ...and the White Rabbit that celebrated Guildford’s connection with Lewis Carroll. It depicts the opening scene of ‘Alice’s adventures in Wonderland.

A little further along the river a foot bridge marks the old St Catherine’s ferry on the Pilgrims Way and a stream runs passed a pretty grotto, then spills into the river. This is where Geoffrey Chaucer’s Canterbury Pilgrims would have passed in the reign of King Edward III .

Guildford Town Bridge

The Town Bridge stands on the site of the ancient ford which gives Guildford its name. a plaque near the bridge tells the history “…Saxon Migrants founded the town in about AD 500, settling beside the ‘golden ford’…” 

We were tempted to linger longer in this ideal setting but we still had so much to see. So with the sun warm on our backs we slipped our mooring and set off towards Godalming. This part of the River Way is the Godalming Navigation.

A trip boat passed by only a few minutes before we set off and it was just as well it did. We followed slowly

in its wake and even at that pace we were still surprised by a sharp turn or two. It is quite difficult to get a 60ft boat (steered from the back) to turn through 180 degrees with only a few meters of water on either side and only a few inches of clearance underneath. Inevitably, we nudged the bank and had to back up in order to complete the turns.

We had been warned of low bridges in this part of the navigation, in particular Broadford Bridge.  As we approached the bridge we weren't sure if we could get under it so we slowed to almost a stop and drifted under the bridge an inch at a time. Ian had taken down the exhaust stack to give us more clearance and even then we only made it with less than an inch to spare. If the river came up even by an inch before we returned we would be stuck till the river receded again. Fortunately, the forecast was for sunshine – no showers.

Will we make it?

Yes, but with no room to spare!

...Duck... or Grouse!

We were elated as we cleared the bridge and continued on our way and a few minutes later, while working the Unstead lock, we were still laughing at the experience. 

We continued on our way at a steady pace, certain that the danger was behind us. This time I was on the helm and as we approached Unstead Bridge I had that distinct sinking feeling; the one that said ‘gotcha!’; it didn't look as if we would get under this bridge either. 

Ian moved quickly and took down the exhaust stack. I hauled on the gear leaver, putting the propeller into reverse and increased the revs while the engine whined in protest. The back end of the boat began to swing out as the propeller bit deep into the water, and Ian, now on the bow, was gesticulating wildly while I struggled to halt the 20 tons of boat. Either we were going under the bridge or we were going to hit it! I felt utterly helpless as I watched the bridge come closer. To our relief we just made it but the bridge did brush the canvass of the cratch cover as we passed. No-one had warned us that there were TWO low bridges and while the Broadford Bridge was well signposted with danger signs and depth gauges, there had been nothing to warn boaters at Unstead Bridge.

I didn't want to temp fate again by laughing again, so I grimly settled down to the task of navigating through this stretch of the river. About an hour later we arrived in Godalming- the end of the navigable River Wey and watched the horse drawn trip boat glide silently by as we tied up the mooring ropes.

Later that evening, we had a meal at a pub with Toby and Suze (and their young dog Jess). We had so much to catch up as we haven't seen them since their wedding last October. Why is it that we always seem to playing Catch-Up?

The return journey along the Wey and Godalming Navigation offered different views – surprisingly.

We saw our previous boat ‘Hermitage’ looking very sad and sorry for herself

The rear deck of Hermitage as she is now

Hermitage in 2005

And this was Hermitage in 2005, when we sold her!

Leaving Pyrford behind, the landscape became less rural and more built-up. The roar of the motorway was constantly with us as we passed Byfleet and Dartnell Park. The canal seemed to cower under the massive earth embankments and concrete structures of the M25. Looking back, this is what I saw - complete with train.

Under the M25 Motorway

On the River Wey, the Basingstoke canal joins right under the M25, the rail bridge runs beneath the M25 but above the river. But what you can’t see in the photo is the flight path to Heathrow above that.

 It made me think for a moment, from the canal system to the railways, to the motorways to the airways.   

Looking forward again we continued north passed moored boats, wooded areas and magnificent riverside houses towards the River Thames; the traffic noise slowly diminishing to be replaced by the peaceful yet distinctive song of the blackbirds and the calls of the waterfowl.

Toby & Suz's wedding

What a Wonderful Wedding

The sun shone brightly through the swan hatch on the morning of 12th  October 2012, spreading light and warmth throughout our narrowboat. I gazed over the canal and saw the green of the trees giving way to the wonderful golden yellow, orange and red hues of autumn. These were reflected with perfect clarity on the tranquil water. I marvelled at how lucky I was to experience such magnificence. That's how my day began on Toby and Suz's wedding day.

Ian and I bumped into each other more than usual as we jostled for position in the bathroom I wanted more time and access to the mirror as I carefully put on my make-up while Ian was simply trying to complete his morning ablutions. Next, I pulled on the now unfamiliar stockings, and wriggled into my cocktail dress while Ian put in cuff links and knotted his tie. We looked at each other and chuckled with excitement. It had been quite some time since we had dressed in anything other than boating attire.

We swapped the gentle pace of the canal for the frantic rush of the motorway as we drove towards Godalming where the wedding was to be held. Arriving at the hotel an hour later, we stepped into another world. A dozen or so people were in the lounge of the hotel and we assumed that they were invited guests to the wedding since they too were dressed to the nines.  We all looked a little out of place at eleven o'clock in the morning. After checking in to the hotel and depositing our overnight bag in the room, we wandered towards the group of splendidly dressed guests. Jo and Steve greeted us warmly as if we were long lost friends and we soon found  ourselves chatting amiably with these strangers while we all waited for the coach to arrive  (courtesy  of the meticulous, almost military-precision  wedding planning - someone with an eye for detail had been very busy).

On the coach, we began to wonder if the driver knew his way after we had, more than once, gone round a roundabout and retraced our steps. Did the driver have a meter running or was he giving us a grand scenic tour? We eventually arrived at Gate Street Barn; a collection of converted barns clustered in splendid grounds - the wedding venue. We were all directed towards the barn where the ceremony was to take place. Inside, the decorated barn with its majestic oak roof trusses was set up with seating arranged either side of a centre aisle that led towards a draped  table at one end. Cameras had been set on tripods and were pointing towards the table in mute expectation. This is where the ceremony was to be conducted. 

As Ian and I moved towards some empty seats we saw friends whom we had not seen in a very long time -too long. Helen & Jerry and Craig & Jemma with baby Polly. We switched direction to head towards the group and were soon embracing and chatting as if we had only seen each other the day before. At that moment, Toby walked through the rear door. Looking dashing in his wedding suit, he had a startled expression on his face like a rabbit caught in the headlights of a car. We all laughed and reassuringly wished him well as Craig - the Best Man - ushered the dazed groom towards the decorated table at the end of the aisle.

One o'clock; we were asked to find our seats and an expectant hush descend over the assembled guests. After the obligatory 5 minutes delay the doors at the rear of the barn opened and Suz appeared on the arm of her uncle Eddie. She was radiantly beautiful in an exquisite, simply styled cream gown topped with a delicate lace bolero jacket, which all perfectly accentuating her tiny frame. Pure happiness shone from her eyes as her gaze fell on her beloved Toby. He, in turn, had eyes only for his lovely bride as she glided slowly towards him, accompanied by Uncle Eddie and followed by four, identically dressed, delightful young bridesmaids. I felt a tear of happiness prickle behind my eye as I thought of our own special day nearly 10 years ago.

The atmosphere in the barn was electric as well as solemn while we all shared the happy occasion and the Registrar started the proceedings. All through the ceremony, Toby displayed a nervous excitement while Suz appeared calm and composed. We were all to see how nervous she really was when she fluffed her vows and had to start again a number of times!

After the signing of the register, the Registrar introduced Mr & Mrs Smith to the assembled guests and the happy couple walked down the aisle together, hand in hand and with an air of excited expectation, hardly taking their eyes off each other. They were starting their new life together as they meant to go on.

Drinks and canapés were served in the adjacent Pheasantry (another barn-like building) while the barn was cleared and rearranged for dinner. Between photographs, Toby and Suz circulated and the guests chatted and caught up on news and gossip. We found that Helen is happily pregnant with her second child, expected in January, and Jerry couldn't hide his pride. Jemma and Craig are besotted with their lovely daughter Polly while Toby and Suz are gaga over their dog Jessie.

In no time at all, the barn was transformed from a wedding venue to a banqueting hall. Toby and Suz had opted out of the traditional 'high table' with all frills and were placed among their guests which is so typical of their unassuming, easy-going character. The speeches began and once again, breaking with tradition, the bride kicked them off with a lovely speech of her own; again so typical of the pair.

After the banquet had finished, we were once again directed towards the Pheasantry where guests mingled and the unusual, penguin-adorned cake was cut. While this was happening, the barn was efficiently transformed into a dance hall and the band 'The Mixtape' set up their equipment.

The band leader announced that Toby's Mam would introduce the happy couple to their first dance. A hush descended as Billie's beautiful yet powerful voice rose and filled the hall. The guests stood transfixed as she sang and after a while the bride and groom took to the floor. It was a wonderfully intimate moment as Mother, Son and Daughter-in-Law shared the floor. Billie's blessing on the union couldn't have been expressed more poignantly as she wrapped a silk ribbon of vocals around a couple who had eyes only for each other. All too soon, the spell was broken as Billie's voice faded; bringing the song to an end and others took to the floor. Let the dancing begin. In no time at all, it was carriages at midnight and time to return to the hotel.

I shall never forget that beautiful wedding that was so precisely planned but reflected Toby and Suz's relaxed yet adventurous attitude to life. I pray that the happiest times of the past are the saddest of the future for you both. 

Lechlade to Maidenhead...

I have been firmly wrapped across the knuckles for not writing a blog for nearly 2 weeks. David has been checking on a regular basis.

‘How do we know where you are if you don’t blog to tell us?’ he complained. Rightly so!

We reached Lechlade on Friday 17^th August. Although the river had risen by 6 inches over the past few days the yellow warning boards on the river Thames indicated that the stream was decreasing. The current was flowing strongly.

At St John’s Lock, the first lock on the navigable Thames, we availed ourselves of the provided sanitation facilities before cruising the last half mile. As we waited for the lock to empty and clear of craft, we chatted to the lock keeper. ‘You turning at the Roundhouse?’ he asked us. The waterways guide book had indicated that this was the start of the navigable section of river and also indicated a turning point.

‘Good luck on that!’ the skipper of the boat in the lock looked up at us sourly. It appeared that his experience was not good. ‘And there isn’t much in the way of mooring either, the current and wind is too strong to get close to the bank.’ We should have taken more notice of what he was saying.

Clearing the lock, we continued on our way, noting the available mooring as we went. When we reached the Round House took the advice the lockkeeper had given us. He told us to take a wide turn, clockwise, to use the current to assist the turn. As soon we started the turn, as the bow was swept away by the flow of the stream. I watched in anxious fascination as the trunk of an overhanging willow came closer and closer. I noticed the red, green and blue paint that marked its scarred trunk and realised that we were about to add ours to it. It was quite obvious that this tree had accidently been hit by boats on numerous occasions and judging by the bright paint, not too long ago either.

The bow was turning but not fast enough as the current swept us broadside towards the tree and with a sickening thud, we connected, but not with the side of the boat. It was the cratch that took the brunt of the impact. The left side cratch board came off its hinges and slipped over the side of the boat. I watched it helplessly as it sank beneath the surface of the river but I was too occupied with trying to save the rest of the cratch boards to be able to do anything about it.  The bow continued to swing and in another moment it was clear of the tree but the cratch was demolished and there was nothing I could do about it.

Ian got the boat back in control, continued the turn and moored alongside the river. I took up the boat hook and back tracked along the river bank in the hope that I could find the missing panel. As luck would have it, the highly varnished oak floated and the glass was intact. I laughed with relief at the sight of it and didn’t even mind too much as the nettles stung my legs as I retrieved it. Clutching my prize tightly, I returned to the boat to survey the rest of the damage. On closer inspection, we considered ourselves very lucky. Screws had sprung, dowel had popped and hinges had spread but the wood was still intact. It took Ian no more than half an hour to replace and repair and unless you had been told, you would not have noticed that anything was wrong.

With the unfortunate accident behind us, we looked for an overnight mooring and despite the wind and strong flow of the river; we found an ideal mooring close to Ha’penny Bridge (so named because of the toll once taken) on the edge of a field and slid into our new berth easily. Phew, enough excitement for one day, but without a doubt, we would never forget our introduction to Letchlade.

The church can be seen for miles and in the evening as the dusk gathers, the spire lights are switched on and the spire rises ghostly but majestically into the night sky.

Lee brought James and Phoebe to join us on Sunday 19^th.  We had arranged for them to stay with us for a few days and I had been looking forward to that. I was able to get all my ‘housework’ done on the Saturday, the day before they arrived which meant that I could spend some real quality time with them.

After lunch together, Lee joined us for a walk along the Thames path which took us from Ha’penny Bridge to St John’s lock along one side of the river and back along the other  before he took his leave. As the evening gathered, the children settled down to enjoy their summer holiday with us, starting with a spot of fishing.

On Monday, we left Letchlade behind and set off for Newbridge. When we reached Shiffield lock, I showed the children the ‘bug hotel’ while Ian topped up the water tank. James was more interested in helping the lockkeeper to operate the lock as he had done at each lock along the way and at Shiffield lock, Phoebe got into the spirit of things and helped as well; much to the lockkeeper’s delight. We moored in a lovely spot alongside a farmer’s field just half a mile past Newbridge and it was here that James caught his fish. He was so excited that he almost dropped it back into the river before I could get the camera.

Phoebe and I had taken a walk along the river while the boys were fishing. We took off our sandals and paddled in the cool river (which was quite welcome after the heat of the day) and played ducks and drakes with smooth flat pebbles, sending them skimming over the surface of the water.

Tuesday brought us to Godstow and we moored next to the remains of Godstow Abbey which was founded in 12^th C and enjoyed many royal benefactors before it was ruined during the Dissolution of Monasteries in 1539 and finally destroyed by Fairfax, commander of Cromwell’s New Model Army in 1645. James and Phoebe expressed much interest in the historical value of the ruins and spent time exploring and taking photographs to send back to their Daddy.

Leaving Godstow on Wednesday morning, we cruised through Oxford and on to Abingdon where we were lucky enough to find a mooring right next to the Splash Park and heated swimming pool. Needless to say, we didn’t see much of the children for the rest of the day.

We were joined on Thursday by Granny (my mother) and Terry, her gentleman friend; and after exploring the delights of the park and remains of the abbey (another victim of the Dissolution of the Monasteries) we had a long lunch together. As soon as the older couple had left us, the children were once again nowhere to be seen as they amused themselves in the play park.

All too soon, Friday came around and Lee returned to collect his reluctant children. He did however have a surprise for them so they were not too sorry to leave us as they headed for a new adventure of their own with Daddy and friends. I was able to get my housework and shopping done just in time for the arrival of Jo and Chris (Ian’s daughter and son-in-law) with their daughter Hollie, on Saturday morning. They were to spent the bank holiday weekend with us and also join us for the next leg of our river adventure; from Abingdon to Day’s lock near Dorchester-on-Thames.

Still moored alongside the splash park and heated pool (Abdingdon Town Council allows 5 consecutive days free mooring), Ian and I were able to show Jo and Chris (and of course Hollie) the points of interest that we had by that time become quite familiar.  Towards the afternoon, Jo went in search of a swimsuit for Hollie so that she could go into the swimming pool but by the time she found something suitable, Hollie had gone to sleep and only awoke as the pool was closing. Never mind, Tomorrow is another day – or so we thought.

On Sunday, the plan was that Chris would move the car to Dorchester-on-Thames and run back thereby getting his exercise as well as sorting out a transport problem. In the meantime, Jo would take Hollie, attired in her new swimsuit, to the splash park. But best laid plans…the splash park would not open until 11:00am by which time we were expect to have set off to meet

Chris on his run back. Jo and I sat on the grass and watched Hollie explore the now dry splash park and later took her to the play park for a ride on a swing.  As we pulled up the mooring pins and set off, the fountains of the splash park came to life. Oh well; another time perhaps.

Chris did very well on his run and met us before we had left Abingdon. This gave him the opportunity to enjoy the countryside he had just traversed from a new perspective. I must say that it took us a lot longer to get to our destination of Day’s Lock at Dorchester-on-Thames than it had taken Chris to run from there to Abingdon. Before joining us, Chris had discovered that Day’s lock was the site of the World ‘Poohsticks’ Championships, held in March. This unique event was the brainchild of a former Lockkeeper, Lynn David, who introduced it as a means to raise funds for the R.N.L.I.  

After lunch, Jo put Hollie into the buggy and we set off to explore the roman town of Dorchester. If we thought Hollie would sleep we were wrong. She was more interested in her new surroundings to want to miss anything.

Bank Holiday Monday

Before leaving us, Chris and Jo had expressed a wish to see the Wittenham Clumps, a site of an ancient hill fort and even though it was threatening to rain, Jo put Hollie into the baby carrier which she strapped to her front while we donned rain jackets and we set off. The ground was very wet after recent rain and the sky was heavy and brooding but that didn’t deter us. Hollie tried valiantly to stay awake but all too soon she succumbed to sleep.

Views from the clumps are well worth seeing and we were not disappointed

Dodging rain showers and cold weather, Ian and I made our way down the Thames from Day’s lock to Maidenhead where, a week later, we were to meet Jo and Chris again in an entirely different venue as we all watched the rowing events of the Paralympics at Eaton Dorney.

Monday 3^rd September and the weather is much improved. Is this the summer we have all been waiting for? I certainly hope so.

Ian and I are once again on our own and enjoying the tranquillity of the river. The school holidays are at an end and the traffic on the river reflects that. The beauty of the River Thames is not to be matched anywhere – in my opinion. It was at Cookham Lock that we passed David Walliams while he swam the Thames last year. Was it really a year ago? The tranquillity of the river certainly makes it hard to believe.

Newbridge to Radcot

With brooding sky overhead, Ian and I watched Carol Kirkwood’s smiling face on BBC Breakfast. Her message was not as bright as her smile as she presented the weather forecast for the day; projections of heavy showers and wind for the afternoon. We had about 4 hours cruising to do before reaching our intended mooring point so a little after eight we pulled up the mooring pins and set off.  The clouds overhead were heavy and grey but it was warm and still. However, a little after this picture was taken, the heavens opened and the rain came down like stair-rods. 

It was as if God had switched on a power shower and He was laughing at us “You might run but you cannot hide.” I scrambled down into the cabin to get Ian’s rain coat then closed the cratch covers as the rain poured in. A few moments later, as quickly as it started, the rain stopped and the sky cleared a little, but only a little. I made a cup of coffee and was determined to enjoy as much of the day as I could.

Ian pointed out the electric blue flash of a kingfisher as it darted away, scarcely skimming the water as it went. As if in contrast, I then saw a ponderous heron push out its long neck and almost topple over as it lifted its ungainly body into the air, then awkwardly flapped up and over the trees while pulling in its neck and leaving its long yellow legs training behind.

As we reached Shifford lock it started to drizzle again but the welcoming lockkeeper opened the lock for us. Moments later the lock slowly filled and as I chatted amiably to the lockkeeper, I noticed a beautifully crafted ‘bug hotel’ in the gardens and commented on it. It was a beautiful structure topped with bird nesting boxes. I also noticed the house martins darting to and fro obviously feeding noisy young ones. It didn't take much to guess that the lock keeper enjoyed his natural surrounds.

The river continued to meander through isolated meadowland with sharp twists and turns in places, the boat leaving a boiling wake behind it. By mid-morning the air was warm and still and even though the clouds were low and brooding, it was probably the best place to be in all of England. We soon passed a long line of moored boats just before the 18^th century Tadpole Bridge and even glimpsed a tiny scrap of blue sky but it didn’t last long.

The Thames continued to meander as the sky became heavier. Light showers gave way to the promised heavy rain and by the time we reached Radcot, our stopping point for the day, we were both soaked through. The lockkeeper at Radcot Lock told us of a good mooring spot where the farmer didn’t charge for mooring and we found it easily. The herd of cows that occupied the field slowly moved off leaving us with a spectacular 'front garden' view for the rest of the day. 

By mid-afternoon, the rain had abated, the clouds lifted and the sun began to poke through although the wind did pick up a bit. Perfect time to write a blog but poor internet connection prevented me from publishing it.

Abingdon was full of surprises. We discovered that Abingdon on Thames is Britain’s oldest continuously inhabited town. Recent archaeological finds have proved that people have been living there continuously for 2,600 years.  Abingdon was occupied by settlers of the Bronze and Iron ages and was a flourishing town in the Roman period, which in turn gave way to a Saxon settlement and when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in 1538, Abingdon Abbey was the 6th richest in Britain.

The bridge over the Thames (close to where we were moored) is over 550 years old. The Thames, which has always been an important part of the town, is a focal point for many recreational activities.

Mooring was plentiful and the town really makes boaters welcome with full boating facilities (such as water, refuse and sanitation point) at the picturesque Abingdon Lock. The well-kept river frontage faces open fields and sports grounds. Public facilities such as a self-cleaning toilet and refuse points are provided. Mooring is available for 5 consecutive days so we made the most of it and spent time exploring the town.

We were directed to a children’s splash park and entrance there was free! Fountains of different shapes and sizes pop up out of the ground and switch on and off at various intervals allowing children to run through them, so even tiny tots who can’t swim (and some who could barely walk) can join in the fun. We found it difficult to get Daniel out of the splash park; he wouldn’t even be bribed with an ice-cream! The only shadow was that he left his glasses there somewhere and although we searched all over and asked other people if they had seen them it was to no avail. They are well and truly lost.

Tanya and David joined us on Saturday. They had come to collect Daniel at the end of his week with us but they too found it so pleasant that they stayed most of the day enjoying the good weather.

On Monday 13^th we pulled up our mooring pins and moved on promising ourselves that we would return when we had our other grandchildren, James and Phoebe, with us. We continued upstream through Oxford. Above Oxford, near Kings Lock, the river bends to the left towards Lechlade while access to the Oxford canal is a right turn onto the weir stream and through Duke’s cut. We headed towards Lechlade and found pleasant mooring above Eynsham Lock. The day had given us some heavy showers and the sky was a brooding grey as we hammered in the mooring pins.Below is a picture taken from the Swanhatch on Winedown.

Since today promised variable weather, we planned a short stretch, mooring just outside Newbridge. We didn’t see much of the promised showers and enjoyed the sunshine, even taking in picturesque walk along the Thames path.