Friday 17th

8.30 am. started cruising at first lock 9.00 moored up at 11.30 in Abingdon, 2 locks and 10 miles. Weather dry but cold and windy.

We started off knowing that Osney lock was closed and that we needed to proceed as far as we could to be ready for it's opening. The trip was getting more hair raising as we proceeded up stream, with the strong stream flowing against us and cross flows from the weirs, plus the wind that always seemed to be against us.

At Abingdon we followed a boat through the Abingdon bridge, that had a lot of trouble getting through it because of the strong flow of water, and knowing from the various reports from the lock keepers that other boats were doing the same as us, we decided to find a mooring at Abingdon were we knew we would have a good mooring, with the Town's facilities. This took a bit of a time as all the moorings were occupied, but eventually a big white plastic boat cast off and went up stream, so we nipped in. C&G had stopped before the bridge to take on diesel, so we were able to call them on the VHF radio and tell them what we were doing and that we had got a mooring, so they could come and breast up with us. They decided that they would fill up with water before joining us as it was not clear how long we would be at Abingdon. When they arrived and breasted up, another two boats moved off, so they were able to have their own bank side mooring.

Unfortunateley our 02 phone is not receiving a signall here, so if you want to call us try 07773 248439

During the afternoon we explored by walking up to the next lock, to see the water flow and have a word with the lock-keeper. He confirmed that Osney lock in Oxford was still on red and would be until Monday, at least. Back to the boats for coffee and then out on the Town. Called in to a pub for a drink and back to the boats.

Saturday 18th

Abingdon

Rained during the night and until 10.00 am. Visited Waitrose for the shopping. phoned Osney lock but it's still on red.