Saturday 15 August 2015

Woken to the wonderful sound of seagulls again this morning - I wish I could learn to sleep through it like Steve!   Hooray the sun is shining so we get on our way - we need to get to Stratford Upon Avon for Tuesday as mum and dad are bringing their friends, Ed and Linda from America, to see us. 

Sadly the book's description of this stretch of river is correct - the bank is lined mostly by trees so we only catch the odd glimpse of the beautiful countryside that surrounds us.  Although we did see several salmon jumping out of the river in front of us which was magical even though this also proved to be a photographic challenge that I was unable to fulfil! 

At 2.00pm we reached Tewksbury where we bought our licence to go onto the River Avon which has been lovingly restored by the self funded Avon Navigation Trust.  Once through Avon Lock the river stretches out in front of us surrounded by wonderful countryside which we can actually see now! Unfortunately there was no mooring when we came through the lock so we were unable to explore Tewksbury – I suppose we will just have to save that for another day.  On we wind past several little sailing clubs with their members out enjoying the river until we arrive at Strensham Lock where a couple of guys travelling in the opposite direction kindly sort the lock out for us (although I have to admit I wanted to do it myself as it feels like a long time now since we operated the locks for ourselves!). 

Much to Steve’s annoyance there seems to be a distinct lack of mooring spaces so far – he wants to stop now as we have been going for eight hours.  We find the landing stage of the old sanitary station which has been closed since 2011 – what better place to spend Saturday night!!  We can’t go anywhere as it has all been fenced off but on the other side of the river we overlook more peaceful countryside, so with steaks in the fridge and the odd passing duck we call it a night.

Blue sky - they've raised that bridge for us!!!

Gloucester Docks.



The bridge is closed behind us and everyone can carry on their way into town!

Entering Gloucester Lock which will drop us back down onto the River Severn.

Leaving Gloucester.

As you can see we can only see the trees.

With the odd glimpse of countryside.

A Cormorant drying his wings - hope he stays still enough for me to get a photo from behind! 

Yes!

Another clip of countryside.

Do you think they have a flood problem around here?

There is lots of mistletoe growing around here.

We haven't seen another boat coming then turn the corner and it's like Piccadilly Circus!

We're at the lock - that's why there were so many boats going the other way at once!

The locks are huge.

Healing's Flour Mills at Tewksbury.

Joining the River Avon.

That's a low bridge - reminds me of the Middle Levels.

The houses are big and few and far between!

I wonder if they are pleased that they have been rid of their fur coats - feels pretty chilly today!

Yes we definitely think they have a flooding problem around here!

Stand Up!

The M5.

Quack!

Weir 'ere.

Saturday night at the poo pontoon!

But look out of the window the other side...

And behind.