Goring to Abingdon, several locks, a few bridges and too many miles.

After breakfast, muesli? we watched the first rush for Goring lock once the lock keeper had started at 0900. We let them get away and cruised gently up to the lock at 0915, had the lock to ourselves and were quickly worked through.
Much as I think the Thames is a stunning river I have to admit that the scenery, beautiful as it is, does not display a great deal of variety

 and the miles on the trip from Goring to Abingdon are only marked by the locks and the infrequent bridges.

 Wallingford,

Shillingford,

the footbridge across the mouth of the River Thame where it spills into its big brother the Thames just below the lovely little town of Dorchester, we had considered stopping here but alas all the mooring spots were full.

Clifton Hampden Bridge with its slightly pointed arches makes a change from the normal rounded bridge 'oles.
We arrived at Clifton Lock at 1310, right in the lockies lunch break and the gates displayed the legend, "Self service." A careful study of the instructions on the operating console, we braced ourselves, and with Jill minding the boat and me tentatively prodding the buttons we successfully worked our way through. Chests puffed with pride we continued on our way

to Appleford railway bridge, currently undergoing heavy repairs.

Culham Lock is just through this little arch, you just hope no one is coming the other way.

Swift Ditch, once the main channel, now only explorable by canoe, or so I am assured.

At Abingdon this bridge once spanned the entrance to the Wilts.& Berks. Canal but now crosses the mouth of the River Ock.

And finally Abingdon Bridge, not a very good shot of it but we were busy chatting to an old mate, Tom, with his old Springer, "Breakaway." Hadn't seen him for a few years, typical boaters really, quick chat and then another two years before you meet again.
Moored just under the bridge, opposite the old abbey. A quick trip into town to top up the stores and back onboard just as the rain started.

Just had to put this one in, one of Salter's steamers winding in a space you wouldn't want to turn a rowing boat in.
Onward again tomorrow.

Watch this space............