Eynsham to Lechlade

River Thames
Thursday 14th August

Rose early and found that water level at Rushy Lock had gone down by about 5 inches. A narrow boat appeared in the lock going downstream and so we were then able to set off upstream again. We were helped to operate the lock gates by another pair of narrow boaters. Cruised on to the next lock, Radcot which by then was manned. Lock keeper took our photograph together. We then cruised on to Grafton where we were surprised to see the lock keeper from Shifford to whom we had returned the coat on Wednesday. Cruised on and passed NB Rowan just passed Kelmscot. It was just making ready to set off. As we proceeded rowan was coming up close behind. We let it pass on a straight section, but met up at Buscot Lock. We had last seen NB Rowan at Kings Cut just before Oxford. Shared the next lock also and moored up behind it at Lechford. On board were two delightful young boys, Wilfrid and Silver travelling with their dad. David and I went into Lechlade and looked around the centre. Bought two blue ware plates. Had a look around the church and churchyard. There were some young people sprawled in the churchyard surrounded by litter. There have apparently been a lot of problems with vandalism recently in the churchyard. Returned to boat for the evening.
5 Locks today.

Wednesday 13th August
David walked into Eynsham for supplies. It is an attractive, large village with good facilities, including a co-op, deli, butchers, sandwich bar etc. Left the mooring att 11.40just after the lock keeper posted yellow signs warning that the river was rising and river should be used with caution. We had to contend with driving rain and headwind most of the day. The lock keepers were all extremely helpful and we continued as water levels rose. At the extremely pretty Pinkhill Lock we were asked to carry a coat up to Shiffford Lock. Returned coat to the Lock Keeper at Shifford and took on water. Leave Shifford at 5.00 pm then found great difficulty mooring as river levels were high. At Tadpole Bridge the mooring was under water. Almost turned round back towards Oxford by the current as we tried to get away from the bank but managed to right ourselves and cruised on westwards. Failing to find a mooring we arrived at Rushy Lock after the lock keeper had gone off duty. The lay by was at least 15 inches under water so we could not get off the boat to operate the lock. With some difficulty we tied up loosely to the lay by and stayed there for the night.

3 locks today.