On to Eynsham and Richie.

 Saturday 7th August 2021 in Eynsham.

A beatuiful clear early morning looking back towards Abingdon Bridge.

We always have a laugh with the Abingdon lockkeeper about this notice. Unfortunately for him we had already had breakfast, so he was unlikely to get anything from us!

The exit downstream from the lock is very narrow and marked with red buoys. So many "Hooray Henrys" ran aground by ignoring the buoys that the lockkeepers put this notice up to help the intellectually challenged.

An example of one of the "Red FloatyThings" that look a bit like Isambard Kingdom Brunel's "Stovepipe" top hat - but a bit more colourful!

Lovely Iffley Lock had a fabulous display of lavender. Most of the lock gardens are beautifully tended.

On the southern outskirts of Oxford is Osney Bridge. If you have a typical "gin palace" cruiser then you either cruise above it or below it as you will never get under it! Hooray Henrys beware!!!

Swinford Toll Bridge, which we have often driven across and paid the 5p toll on our way to see our friend Richie at Eynsham. The toll has not been collected during Covid but is, apparently, tax free - so it will probably soon return. Lots of 5ps soon add up given the large number of vehicles crossing the bridge.

Richie very kindly agreed that we could breast up against his boat "Grayling" and was waiting for us when we arrived.

He came on board for tea and it was marvellous to see him again. The last time we saw him was at Abingdon on our way south in June.

Grayling and MM happy to be together for the first time.

We quite envy Richie this mooring, it is very quiet and the sunsets are spectacular.

 

Today: 15 miles, 7 locks and 9.2 hours (including power).

Trip: 404 miles, 215 locks and 201.5 hours.