OK! Bottom line. We never got to Lechlade. Bearing in mind the strong river flows yesterday and the higher river levels we were not surprised to find "Yellow Board" notices for "Strong Stream Increasing" from the next lock to the head lock, St John's. There had been heavy rain yesterday evening, and it was raining this morning. Paradoxically, the level where we were moored was 9 inches down and we had a list. The tug we saw yesterday had moored up and was well aground. Yellow boards mean "Find a safe mooring" and wait, so going on was not an option. We were quite safe and could wait. My feeling was that it would be a short lived problem, however there was a risk that the warnings would extend downstream with the water surge and we would be trapped with no access to any services. So we decided to turn tail and return home. The advantage is that we could pick up our two missing batteries today.
Getting the boat ready in the wet Michael slipped on the wet steps and fell into the boat nearly ripping his great toenail off. Having to stand on the foot for the rest of the day was not the best treatment and the toe continued slowly bleeding for the next 5 hours, leaving a trail of blood spots everywhere. There have been worse accidents! Nurse Fisher is on hand always to ensure correct management. The fast river flows did need some skill at the helm and we easily kept up the 5mph top speed on the river. Arriving at Oxford Cruisers the batteries were soon on board and we continued on through Eynsham Lock to take up the 24 hour mooring there for ease of access fitting the batteries which was soon accomplished. A good mooring is something to be cherished. Rather move on and be disappointed in Oxford, we will stay here and head for Abingdon tomorrow.
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