Change of plan!

We set off from Thrupp with the intention of going down into Oxford. However, when we got to Duke's Cut there was a notice advising us that we wouldn't be able to turn round unless we went on to the Thames at Isis lock. Well, we weren't sure if we wanted to get stuck in Oxford since there were one or two rumours that moorings were few and far between. So, we turned into Duke's Cut and then found ourselves on the Thames!

 

We found a place to moor and after a bit of lunch we decided that we might as well explore the Thames up as far as Lechlade.

 

This was to be a first for us and, we think, a first for Polgara since there were no charts on board for the Thames - everywhere else but!

 

First view of the Thames

 Now, to the Captain's delight, most of the locks are operated by lock keepers. What bliss! All you have to do is get the boat into the lock, moor up fore and aft (front and back), cut the engine and then sit back while somebody else does all the work.

Our first lock

The only problem is that there was no keeper on duty at the second lock and the Captain pulled rank and said that I could have the privilege of spinning wheels and opening gates. Actually, it was good fun and much easier than many of the narrow locks on the Oxford canal.

Our first bridge

Later in the day we found a mooring near The Ferryman Inn where we spent the night - on the mooring not in the Inn - although we did pop in for a pint - just to be sociable.

Mooring with Inn in background

So, we are now heading upstream to explore the Thames. Various folk have recommended places to stop and pubs to visit - should be a good trip.