06-02 Radcot on River Thames

Monday 1st June: The day started with some promise though forecast not good.   Managed another walk down the Thames path with the dogs first thing and it was nice and sunny and relatively warm. But once we got under way it went downhill all the way and became absolutely horrible!  Started out Ok and enjoyed the winding Thames and isolation but then we had strong blustery winds which made steering Prairie Oyster round the S-bends rather hard work.  Then by mid day the squally showers got worse and cruising became rather unpleasant with no respite from the wind and nowhere to moor up.  The wind made it almost impossible to get alongside when we did try.  We went through Shifford and Rushey locks on self service and struggled to get PO to stay on one side of the lock due to wind.  We did see some canoes, a couple of narrow boats

and a couple of small sailing dinghies

and that was it, otherwise we were the only idiots on the move.   At Radcot lock we at least had the benefit of a lock keeper on duty so there were two of us to hang onto the ropes. We eventually managed to moor up about half mile upstream of the lock with the bows rather out mid stream.  There was a lot of cursing and swearing though as we battled the wind to get PO to stay where we wanted her against the bank so we could get dogs on/off at the stern.  Hammered 5 pins into the bank to be sure we wouldn't sail off in the night down to the weir! 

Lit the fire, had a late lunch and rested up for a bit to get our breath back.  Bit sick of the weather now and wishing things would improve.  The river would be an absolute delight if we could sit back and enjoy it!  The forecast for tonight is dire with 40knot winds and more so have put extra rope on front!

Afternoon snooze somewhat interrupted by RAF Globemaster doing circuits overhead.

Either that or all eight aircraft came in one after another! Presumably heading into Brize Norton?

Tuesday 2nd June: Staying put today.  It is now 11:30 and we had a wet and very windy night which rocked us about  and whilst the wind has died down this morning it is a very grey overcast day with everything shrouded in a mist of drizzle.  More high winds forecast for later today.