Woolhampton

We had a good journey down from Newbury this morning, the flows on the river sections is much less than those we were fighting against on the way up a few weeks ago.  The warm, dry weather we have been enjoying means the hedgerows, trees and river banks are looking so lush and green.  And today we have heard our first cuckoo of 2013.

We stopped at Woolhampton at lunchtime, to take a wander round the village.
 
At the crossroads is this impressive fountain commemorating Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee in 1897. The motto ‘Righteousness Exalteth A Nation’ is take from the book of Proverbs in the Bible.


Ian liked this home, and especially as it is called ‘The Old Barn’, reminding him of his favourite Just William stories.




This old sign on the side of a house shows it to have been the village bakery.  There is a little village shop, closed today for the Bank Holiday.







An unusual frontage to this house, whether a folly or for some good purpose, I don’t know.







Bridge cottage, beside the automatic swing road bridge.










The Rowbarge pub was heaving with customers at all the picnic tables and picnickers on the grass, having arrived on bikes, foot, cars and boat……..






even on surfboards!
   
    
The challenge of leaving Woolhampton could not be put off. Into the lock, and open the swingbridge, before leaving the lock and following the flow of the river round the bend and hope that we get through the gap safely, especially with all the gongoozlers at the pub.
We worked the lock with Peter and Jan on nb Liza, who are locals and quite relaxed about the procedure.  Jan worked the bridge, so Ian didn’t have to stop to pick me up on the other side, we just swept on through.


Tonight we are moored in a lovely spot at Burghfield Mill, we can just hear the hum of the M4, but we can also hear the birds singing, and see fields of cows and their calves.


13 miles, 16 locks, 10 bridges