Moved upstream to Northmoor Lock. Steve and Edward borrowed two bikes at the lock and cycled up to Appleton to get supplies from the Community Shop. The shop is staffed by volunteers and the bikes were supplied free. What a great scheme!
Steve & Edward on Appleton Stores' bikes
We passed Newbridge (one of the oldest bridges on the Thames) and Shifford Lock, The course of the river to Tadpole Bridge, and above, was twisting and running very fast. It was certainly good steering practice! Had a quick late lunch at Rushey Lock and then went through more twists and turns to Radcot. On route we passed some reed cutters cutting rushes for chair seats.
Rush cutters on the Upper Thames
Radcot bridge was interesting going upstream. We had to apply plenty of power to get through - it was as though the whole of the Thames was flowing through one small arch. Moored up at Kelmscott.
We walked around the village and visited the Manor House which was the home of William Morris. The house is closed because of flood damage and much of the village has suffered as well. Many of the very pretty cottages had defunct white goods and ruined carpets outside waiting for collection and the Plough Inn was closed; all caused by the floods.
Pub closed by floods!
Tomorrow there is a severe weather warning for this area (rain and high winds) so we will wait to see what to do. We had hoped to go up to Lechlade, turn around and start our way home. We will wait and see. We don't want to get stuck on red boards.
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