Tuesday19th May, Kelmscot
We started off at 7.40am in an effort to beat the rain. The wind was quite strong, but less than the last few days. Radcot lock appeared and there was a narrowboat waiting to come down. The steerer kindly opened the gate as we approached; Myra got off and went up as we open both gates on the river, the lock keepers are very protective (rightly) about their gates and not having the base plates on narrowboats wearing a groove in them below water level. On past ‘The Swan’ pub and at the narrow arch of Radcot Bridge, there was a good stream running; an increase in revs was needed to get through safely.
Chatting to the keeper at Grafton, we admired his newly planted beds of Lavender and the general very tidy aspect of the whole lock area.
We topped up the water tank at the top of the lock and travelled the mile upstream to Kelmscot, where we tied up for the day at 10.20am. Some 45 minutes later, the first shower arrived; hopefully, my soaking yesterday will appease the rain god for a while.
Tomorrow, we will visit Kelmscott Manor.
2009 Totals – Locks 177; Miles 321.5; Bus pass uses 2.
