Let the sunshine in

What a fantastic day today. Wall to wall sunshine all day long interspersed with cottonwool clouds that just broke the pattern nicely.

We met up with our friend Mary for a chat and a coffee, before which we'd had time to wash one side of the boat.

After saying goodbye we set off at about 12:15, a really late start, even for us.

Abingdon is a lovely place as you will see from some of the following photos.

Oh, if only we'd known and if we had a longer licence for the Thames, there was a food fair going on and the smells were delightful as we sailed past.

Looking back towards one of the riverside pubs that looks as if it spans the river.

More Abingdon waterfront.

The Thames is so wide in places, with cows coming down to the water to drink. I can see why Constable and Gainsborough got hooked on painting pastoral scenes.

21st century innovation - a wind powered canoe. Luckily it's not raining or they'd be stuck!

Some lovely bridges on the Thames, I think this one is at Clifton Hampden. No doubt you will put me right if it's not.

Feeling very pastoral today. Another picture for the artist.

Approaching Shillingford Bridge. We could have moored at the hotel on the right (for a modest fee) which would have entitled us to use of the outdoor heated swimming pool. Reluctantly, we declined the offer.

Instead, we pulled in to the side of the bank, lowered the gangplank (which promptly started to disintigrate through lack of use) put in the pins and settled down for the night. 

A peaceful end to a very enjoyable day.