The Upper Thames to Newbridge

Sunday 8th August 2021 at Newbridge.

Richie came on board and joined us for the Big Breakfast. It has been a while since we had the Full Monty (it is normally just cereal!).

After filling up with water, we set off in a westerly direction on the Upper Thames. The river diminishes in width all the time as you cruise further upstream.

The river at this point is very close to Brize Norton and a stream of large RAF transport aircraft passed overhead, one after another. Perhaps something to do with the recent order for all UK personnel to leave Afghanistan?

The Thames Path is a constant companion although it does not always run alongside the river.

Pretty Northmoor Lock, Hollyhocks seem to be big round her in both quantity and height!

House martins were nesting in the eaves of the lockeeper's cottage; goldfinches were feeding young on the lockside and a flock of bluetits were twittering in the bushes - all nature was there!

"Newbridge" is unusual in that it has pointed Gothic arches and is not really new as it was built around the 13th century and is one of the oldest bridges on the Thames!

It was now getting later in the day and, despite the fact that very little was moving on the river, all the moorings seemed to be taken. There were some mooring sites past the bridge but they were not easy to access as they had high banks and lots of vegetation. R tried to get into one but the current and a very strong offshore wind meant that the bow was carried across the river before he could get close to the bank and MM was almost turned around!

A struggle, lots of power and patience got MM back on track and the second attempt was more successful although it did mean stuffing MM's bow into the side and R running down the gunwale through the vegetation, grabbing the bow rope and leaping ashore before the wind caught her again. Action Man to the rescue!!!

Finally MM was safely moored up and we were quite surprised to hear a large John Deere tractor come past, mowing the grass of the meadow beside the river.

Today, the river has been windy in both senses. The wind has been fierce and both MM and R were blown around more than was comfortable. The river was also very winding and quite narrow. We are told that it gets even narrower and more winding as it gets closer to its source.

Today: 6 miles, 2 locks and 2.6 hours.

Trip: 410 miles, 217 locks and 204.1 hours.