Friday Evening, 1st May, Abingdon Lock Moorings
My awakening this morning was to Myra hitting me with ‘pinch punch first of the month and no returns’. At least we knew what day it was, even if I was slower on the uptake.
The second surprise was to hear the sound of the bells being rung at Little Wittenham Church; a clear sound across clear water on a clear morning – perfect! Let us hope that the weather on Mayday is a good omen.
One of the things that we love about the Thames is the wonderful display of well tended gardens to the large, occasionally very large, houses next to the river. The stretch around Clifton Hampden is a good example. Passing under the brick bridge, it was not long before we were at Clifton Lock and onwards to Culham; where we chatted to the lock keeper. It transpired that he was rebuilding his wooden River tug, in which he had just replaced the original engine with a Gardiner 6LW, much slower revving and he now to sort out the prop. He was working at a boatyard on the Aylesbury arm and they have the lease on the dry dock at Bulbourne; we never fail to look in this dock whilst waiting for the top lock of the Marsworth flight to fill.
We arrived at Abingdon and Roger the lock keeper helped us through the lock, under the watchful eye (!) of Millie, his friendly, one eyed Jack Russell.
We stopped and chatted to him for a while before moving up to fill the water tank and to moor ready for the arrival of grandchildren Caleb and Madeleine in the morning.
A yell from outside made us look out to see Nb Roxanne with Australians Paul and Heather Whitfield coming in to tie up. We had met them twice last year; they introduced us to fellow Australians George and Trish who were accompanying them on a hire boat.
We were just off into Abingdon to have Fish and Chips that had been recommended by people that we had chatted to in Windsor. Paul, Heather and their friends were going to have a quick look around before moving on to Wallingford.
The recommendation was well made; we really enjoyed the Fish and Chips.
Returning to the moorings, we were invited to found an outdoor tea party in progress on the hire boat. We had a good chat over a cup of tea before they all went on their way; hopefully we will bump into Paul and Heather later on in the year.
2009 Totals – Locks 133; Miles 188; Bus pass uses 2.
