Wednesday 13th May, Abingdon Lock Mooring
It was patchy rain since waking this morning. I moved off and arriving at Clifton Hampden Bridge, I saw a narrowboat moored on the far side; the steerer was checking down in the engine hole. I slowed down and went by closely, to ask if he wanted us to wait at Clifton lock for him. As he stood up, I recognised Andy from Hillmorton; he was moving a boat from Foxhangers on the Kennet and Avon to Whilton Marina for sale.
He was glad of the company; the locks are easier when on ‘user operation’ in company.
We shared the locks until Abingdon, where we stopped for water and to moor up, he carried on; the next five locks would have the keepers on duty which would help him to get a way up the Oxford canal tonight.
We went into Abingdon for a fish and chip lunch; afterwards, I went to the ironmongers for a pair of cupboard latches, Myra went food shopping and we met up for the pack horse bit back to the boat. The drizzle continued most of the afternoon, it is only May after all.
We had a phone call from Phil on Nb Huffler who has arrived on the Thames; we will be meeting him next week somewhere.
2009 Totals – Locks 171; Miles 286; Bus pass uses 2.
