Au Revoir Oxford Canal and on to Abingdon

A final note on the Oxford.  We have been pleasantly surprised by the state of the towpaths this year.  Last year parts were in a terrible state and it was sometimes like fighting ones way through an African jungle.   Not so this year, almost all in good condition apart perhaps from a few places right down at the bottom on the approaches into Oxford.   One 48 hour designated mooring place had nettles about 3 feet high along its length.

and so to the Thames

Down the last lock on the canal, sharp right turn and through the narrow passage

to join the Thames.    This bridge looks low but in fact we had plenty of room

Osney bridge is next which is even lower but no problem today.  Despite the amount of rain we have had recently the Thames does not seem to be higher than normal.

Plenty of room on the East Street moorings above Osney Lock

These moorings are free for 24 hours and you can have a further 2 days at £5 a night.  We elected for one extra as Geoff needed to go into town....new shoes needed....another paid had bitten the dust after his dunking!

Didn't budge as we went past!

I was advised (informed) that we needed an early start on Wednesday...…...this was not really pleasing as I have got to like slighter longer lie-ins.
However being ever the obedient crew I was up and ready to at at 7.30.  I should add that the weather for our last two days had been dreary dull and cold and this morning was no exception and I started out with 3 layers on!

As it was so early there were no lock keepers around but Geoff maintained that it was more fun to do them himself...   he wouldn`t say that if the electricity failed, as it does from time to time, and he had to hand wind them.

As it was all was well and the weather improved and the sun came out and layers got stripped off.

We reached Abingdon in time for coffee and the moorings above the lock were free so we had our pick of places.   We have never moored above the lock before but it was really quite congenial.
We would have been tempted to remain there for a couple more nights but several visitors were expected whilst we were in Abingdon and access is much easier for them if we are down on the meadow below the lock.

A recce down below showed that there was plenty of space which surprised us.   But it is in keeping with how quiet we have found it all the way down the Oxford.  Chatting to one of the lock keepers here he said movements were down about a third on the same time last year...where has everyone gone?

We saw Still Rockin was moored above the weir but no one on board to say hello to.

Fleeting visit from Giles tonight who was out  for a spin on his motor bike...….dreaded thing.....think it must be his mid-life crisis or something

Total distance:8.50 miles Elapsed time:2h39m38s

 Locks:3 Bridges:8
Average speed:3.20 mph (4.32 lock/mph)