Pinkhill Lock, Nr. Oxford
Chatting this morning to Tim Brown, the lock keeper at Pinkhill; we saw a narrowboat approaching from Eynsham. On arrival at the lower lock gates, a voice called out ‘Good morning Iain’. It was Richard and Jane, ex Nb.Oscar from Crick marina on their first trip with their new boat, 'Casual Water'. We spoke briefly as the lock was filling as they were on a tight schedule to meet family further up river.
We had a walk into Farmoor, it seemed to be a good idea at the time. It is really a housing estate with little to offer by way of rewarding the energy expounded. There was a well built and well maintained bus shelter. Perhaps I will take up photographing them as a new hobby. On second thoughts, I will persevere instead with my latest; that of trying to understand the early morning weather forecast on Radio 4.
After lunch, I was watching a pair of narrowboats leaving the lock. One of them was Gazelle; a beautiful boat built by Ian Kemp and owned by Jim Evans. I called out to him and he came alongside and stayed for a chat and a cup of tea. We first met Jim 8years ago when we did the Hatton and Stockton flights together when we were delivering a boat for Paul Mudie at ABNB. We had a lot of catching up to do. We will see him again before we leave the Thames.
Having confirmed the arrival of Tim, Clare, Caleb and Madeleine tomorrow morning, we returned to the lock to see Tim Brown. He has kindly lent us a small table to enable all six of us to eat on Martlet. As he said, lock keepers are here to help!
2009 Totals: 260 Locks – 541 miles – 14 Bus pass uses
