Lechlade!

7 miles, 3 locks and one 360 degree turn.

In the morning, a change from canoeists, this group of swimmers came past. They were mostly ladies and a hardy lot for sure.

It was mostly sunny but with a chilly wind. It also seemed to be the bring a w**ker to the upper Thames day. At the first lock we met a small boat coming down who had no idea what they were doing and it took ages to get them down safely. The widebeam that went through with them had a crew of four but no-one got off the boat, they obviously were happy to let Jo do their locking for them and the other boat. They all left and just as we got into the lock a bit of Tupperware arrived with a crew of 6 idiots. Eventually we got up and out the other side but in need of a cup of tea and feeling like we were owed lock-keeper fees!

The statue of Old Father Thames at St Johns lock (the highest on the Thames).

On the mooring at St Johns lock with Lechlade church spire in the distance.

The river was incredibly bendy, often turning right back on itself. Robin steered our long thin boat brilliantly. At the last lock we met the widebeam hotel boat which we last saw in Hungerford coming the other way and were grateful it was then and not at an earlier hairpin bend! These WW2 pillboxes are dotted all the way along just as they are on the K&A.

We were dogged by canoeists and rowers (its being a Sunday) but managed not to run any over. Meadows side the river here. There were people catching crayfish from the banks.

We went past Lechlade, sussing out the mooring as we went (and yes it is a cow field), and went to turn around at the limit of the navigation.

Reaching the turning point.

And leaving it again a happy man!

After this excitement it was back to Lechlade for the night and a celebratory drink. Another destination reached. Robin constructed a rope cordon around the boat to deter the cows who might nibble ropes and lick paintwork - as well as send Scooby into hysterics! It seemed to work - so far so good!