Above Rushey Lock; Thursday 25th June
Arriving at Lechlade we saw a boat with the South Pennine Boat Club initials on the side. Speaking to the owner, we were sad to hear that club member Shirley Hobson, who had a boat called Pegasus, had died. We knew that Harold, her husband had died a few years ago: they were a lovely couple and had packed more boating than most people into their lives. Pegasus is being refitted by their son Paul, but with the stipulation from Shirley that the colours must remain blue and maroon which was chosen by ex-paratrooper Harold.
Having boarded the free Tesco bus at Lechlade, I sat at the back next to Bert.
We had seen him almost every time that we had taken this bus; he is a bright and cheerful man and is 94 ½ years old. His wife died 30 years ago and he has a girlfriend in Cardiff, but he told me that he will not marry again.
This bus trip is a step back in time as I am sure that I have mentioned before, all the passengers talk to each other and to the driver, who on the return trip, assists with the full bags and shopping trolleys to their gates.
Unloading the rucksacks on our return, we then moved away from Lechlade beginning our final journey on the Thames this year, as we have to be off the river on Sunday. We moored above Rushey lock and had a wander down after supper.
We chatted to the owner of Bosun, a lovely Broom built broads hire boat which is being faithfully restored, with loads and loads of varnished woodwork to be kept on good condition. Whilst we were chatting to him, a couple with two dogs crossed the lock gate and continued on the footpath.
Some time later, we were walking back to the boat when we saw the herd of heifers milling around and some people waving arms about. We had passed through this herd earlier tonight and also a few days ago with no problems. However, as I am sure you can guess; the two idiots with the dogs had let them off their leads near the cattle.
The cattle were not charging, but moving steadily in a circle towards the couple and their dogs. People from two moored boats were attempting to distract the cattle whilst the dog owners gathered their dogs and put them back on the lead. The heifers were still not happy as we walked by and then they slowly followed the dogs and their owners back to the gate. The recent tragic case in Yorkshire had taught the dog owners nothing. Tragedies happen to other people on television, not to them.
2009 Totals: 271 Locks – 574 miles – 14 Bus pass uses
