It was a short stroll from last nights mooring into Wallingford for a bit of shopping and some books before setting out again. Unlike the last couple of days a clear blue sky greeted us.

It was a day of bridges, varying sizes and styles, but always a good reference marker in plotting your course.

We had been warned about Benson Lock and potential silting problems, sure enough a dredger was out as passed slowly. Above the lock is home to the Le Boat hire fleet. We had watched them returning to base yesterday, fortunately the new hirers hadn’t been released yet, so no collision damage done as they master the art of controlling a boat in a lock. Not always as easy as it looks !

Next up Shillingfold Bridge, and some lovely riverside properties. As we are in the countryside now the numbers are decreasing.

For the last 2 locks the rain set in again, but fortunately we teamed up with a Caversham HireBoat, swapping duties around as the 2 final locks were self service. Finally Abingdon after 6 hrs.

Just a short blog tonight, Cooper our dog is poorly and at the vet. I know our house sitters are taking great care of him and we couldn’t wish for better people doing so, but we always worry when away from them and he is in our thoughts tonight.