Not much longer on the River Thames

You are here: \ Our Boat \ Epiphany Blog \ Not much longer on the River Thames

Not much longer on the River Thames

Wednesday, 16 November 2011 14:12

Narrowboat Epiphany does not have much longer on the River Thames - not because we know that there is ice and snow on the way, nor because we are bored with it, neither because our gold licence runs out but because, just because ...

We would like to spend sometime on the Oxford Canal with friends before we move ever northwards, weather permitting. So until we go upstream to Sheepwash and Isis Lock we are pottering.

Autumn boat house near Nuneham

So where are we now? ....

We are just downstream from another bit of the ancient Thames. On our way down from Sandford we called in at Abingdon for the services above the lock

Abingdon weir and lock from upstream

Once through the lock - and the Lock Keeper actually called me "dearie", the sun must have gone to his head - we moored up against Abbey Gardens so John could go and reacquaint himself with the wonders of Waitrose.

Abingdon moorings - Abbey Gardens on right

For once it was quiet in the gardens. I just love the trees here.

Abbey Garden trees

Abingdon Boat Centre is below the bridge. Last time we were here, we popped in and were pleasantly surprised at the range of the goods in their chandlery. They cater for narrowboaters as well as cruiser owners. All their day boats and rowing boats were out of the water and the moorings there looked strangely empty.

Abingdon Boat Centre

Downstream of Abingdon/Burford Bridge the moorings were full. As they too are free 5 day moorings, this is not a surprise, I wonder how many of them were overstaying though?

Looking back at the downstream moorings

I could not resist taking photos of the iconic Abingdon waterfront (again), hoping for the absolutely perfect shot!

Abingdon, River Ock entrance, The Old Anchor Inn, almshouses and St Helen's Church

There are more - but I will only bore you with one.

Further downstream, beside the permit moorings, old ferry boathouse and the Sailing Club, the only things moving were the water birds (and us).

Cygnets (a late brood I presume) and seagulls

We had hoped that the mooring just above the footbridge over the Swift Ditch would be free - it wasn't. Boo hiss! However just beyond the footbridge is an even better mooring. It is quieter, more secluded and further away from the main Abingdon Road. We slipped in and moored up.

Swift Ditch is the ancient main Thames navigation I mentioned at the start of this - I blogged about it here.