Monday 10th August; Tewkesbury to Pershore
Another blissfully cool and cloudy start. How often do we get to say that in this country? Dave pulled Chuffed back onto the water point so we could fill while we had breakfast, then we pulled her back again. Dave went down the engine hole to clean up a bit while I got a bit of shopping, then it was still pleasantly cool as we set off, with cloud and mist towards Bredon Hill in the distance. David Hutchings, pushed by Eric, appeared behind us as we passed Tewskesbury marina, and passed us alongside the sailing club’s craft. We were going at canal speed and Eric obviously faster, but once past us and the sailing boats they really opened up and roared off into the distance.
As we approached the M5 bridge the sun started to break through, and by late morning it was once more sultry and oppressive. Bredon Church is like the one at Kings Sutton on the South Oxford – it seems to wander around all over the place as the river (or canal) twists and turns.
We felt the usual sense of satisfaction as we approached the M5 – it’s only 4 days since we were driving over it on our way to the boat! That time, we actually saw a boat, a little cruiser, enjoying the river.
Then there was an amazing sight – What’s that? said Dave as
it disappeared in front of the boat, fortunately a fair distance in front. I zoomed in on the camera, then cropped and enlarged the photo.
It was a roe deer, obviously well used to crossing here as it went straight to a spot on the bank, bounded up and was off across the fields before we got near it. We also saw several terns diving for fish today and kingfishers too.
Every time we visit the Avon, we try to ‘bag’ a new mooring. There aren’t very many moorings – the banks are all private - and the best are very popular. We wanted to try Eckington, but there is a little car park by the mooring, and there were already several families swimming and playing in the water or with little blow-up boats, and a paddle-boarder too.
At Birlingham Wharf (Swan’s Neck), a boat was just making ready to leave, so we hung back and waited, before mooring for lunch with part of the boat in shade, a bonus!
All the locks and mooring spots have a large Covid safety notice board.
After lunch we continued towards Nafford lock, where a narrowboat was swept over the weir many years ago now. A cruiser came up behind us, and we let them pass even though we knew the lock was only a couple of hundred yards away. The lovely people were preparing the lock for us and waved us in. They swung the bridge, shut the gates and did most of the work. They were going to stay awhile where they knew there was a little beach for the children to take their kayak out.
We entertained hopes of mooring at Comberton Quay, a location which has always eluded us. Alas, once more the mooring was full, and although we were offered the chance to breast up, we declined (it would mean we couldn’t open the side hatch, essential in this heat) and went on to Pershore. Pershore lock has a hydro-electric power generator alongside the weir; a couple of years ago you could easily see it working, but now the willows have grown up you can hear it but not see it. We found a good mooring on the recreation ground in Pershore in the shade of the trees and Meg lost no time in finding a willing person to throw sticks for her. That didn’t last long though, as the heat was intense and we had to call her into the shade where we spent the rest of the day. There were a few people swimming, and a hard-working Dad with his son in their kayak.
As they passed, we heard the son say ‘Dad, can we go on a proper long trip next time?’ We laughed, poor Dad looked exhausted.
A longer day than we had hoped – 14 miles, 3 locks.
It's all about to go a bit pear-shaped .....
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