Storms and Sunshine

13 miles, 4 locks and a hailstorm.

The day started brightly but soon clouded over. We had been going for about an hour when we became aware we were being followed.

We heard thunder just as we passed the pub at Bablock Hythe and an easy mooring spot at the edge of a field. We pulled over and just as we did the heavens opened with a ferocious hailstorm.

This was light rain compared with earlier!

We got absolutely soaked getting the pins in and the boat secure but at least we could dry off and have a cup of tea in safety while waiting for it to pass. Scooby hid in the bathroom.

When it stopped we pressed on and some sunshine appeared. It didn't last however and, just as the Northmoor lock-keeper predicted it rained again at 2 o'clock. No stopping this time though, the captain powered on through. The river is more like a canal here - like some of the K&A where the towpath is hidden by reeds.

Unlike on a canal, there are not many bridges but they are handsome and some very old. This is one of the oldest on the river: 13th century.

After a rubbish/elsan and dog stop at Rushey lock we went on to the moorings just before Radcot bridge and the pub there. The mooring is a cow field (mercifully empty of cows at present) and within earshot of the band playing at the pub. Lots of campers about as well as boaters and there was definitely a holiday vibe.