Return to Oxford - The Highlights

Sunday morning at Lechlade

Always being ones to go to very beginning of a river or canal we cruised half a mile passed Ha'penny Bridge to where the navigable Thames begins at the Round House, at the junction with the presently unnavigable Thames & Severn Canal near Inglesham.

Both Sokai and Arkholme found winding a challenge due to a sandbank on the north side.

Returning through Ha'penny Bridge.

First hazard of the day.

A better photo of the water feature at St Johns Lock, a tribute to a past lock-keeper.

The rain set in but did not dampen the enthusiasm of this walking group, more than willing to assist on the lock.

Next hazard of the day, spot the fisherman....

for at least the next half mile!!!!

After 6 hours cruising we rested overnight mid way between Shifford and Newbridge.  

At Northmoor Lock we had our first experience of 'one out one in' on the Thames.

Yes we took a left here....well it would have been rude not to experience Dukes cut when its there to be cruised.

We would have missed negotiating the fallen tree...

this remote lake....

chaos at Dukes Lock....

caused by Canal & River Trust latest innovation....filling the lock by using the leak!!!! Fortunately it was only 2'6" and it took around 14 minutes to fill.  Apparently the hydraulic gear the lifts the paddle was out of action.....shouldn't there be a closure notice????

Our good deed of the day...allowing these two to carry their new log burner across the back of the boat rather than trying to get it across the lock gate.

Yes we will remember our trip down Dukes Cut.

So deja vu...back on the Oxford for the night.

Lechlade

We said goodbye to the locals at Rushey on a VERY windy morning.

Radcot Lock is the first of four and Trev is reminiscing about his front rope duties on a holiday on the Canal-du-Midi, he does like a change from being on the tiller now and again.

The well kept gardens around the locks are a credit to the lock keepers.

Radcot Bridge, 13th century in origin and generally regarded as the oldest on the Thames.....

we however pass beneath a 'new' bridge built in 1790 as part of improvements to the Upper Thames.

Wet weather gear is in play now.  The pill box in the background is one of numerous seen along the banks, there's no way those Gerries were going to get the London!!!

Water stop just beyond Grafton Lock.

The captain was eyeing up this vessel......no sir....we need to go smaller not bigger!!!!

Old Father Thames adorns St John's Lock

St John's was  self-service- twirling the wheel is so much easier than winding and the beam is balanced perfectly!

So here we are moored at Lechlade, the ONLY town

on the upper reaches.

Lechlade or Half Penny Bridge dates from 1793, its name derived from the toll paid by pedestrians, unless they could convince the toll-keeper that they were bound for the church!!! This went on until 1839.

The toll house.

Outside The Christmas Shop, selling Christmas goods all year round....did we go in.....it would have been rude not to!!!!

A flavour of the town...

A quaint Barclays...opening hours daily 10 -2

The men decided against scaling the spire!!!

SCORES ON THE DOORS

346 miles, 183 locks 12 swing bridges and 5 tunnels.

Eynsham to Rushey

The beautiful Swinford Toll Bridge has been our view from our overnight mooring.  Built in 1769, many considered it the most handsome on the Thames.

Some of the more typical Thames craft.

Absolutely no idea what this is or why it's here.

Some of the more unusual craft.

And some of the big boys.

Approaching Pinkhill Lock

Flood marker alongside the lock. Marked in red just above the 1894 plaque is July 2007

The lock keeper spinning the wheel to raise the paddle.

The lock keepers cottage, comes with the job.

We are learning to be vigilant for random canoeists.

These planes are flying overhead quite regularly, we think to/from Brize Norton.

Northmoor Lock set ready for us.

The lock keeper pulls the opposite gate closed with the aid of a pole.

 Newbridge, dating from the 13th century and second oldest on the river.

Have patio, will travel!!!

A good harvest ....in 'proper' bails!!!

The Upper Thames is accompanied by the Thames Path.

Very majestic and with the put put put of the steam engine.

Shifford Lock at 7ft 4in is the deepest yet.

We received early warning of these brave soles swimming the Thames from the lock keeper.

and this party of walkers made sure we avoided them!!! 

Tadpole bridge, built in 1802.  There was a coal wharf here in days gone by.

Who needs mooring rings or pins when there is a nearby tree.

So our resting place for tonight.  On to Lechlade tomorrow.

13 miles and 4 locks