WAKAROA2015: Oldington Bridge down the River Severn to River Avon

19 June – Oldington Bridge to Holt Fleet on River Severn

A short run from our wilderness mooring and we found a pub The Bird in Hand which was only 5 minutes away continued on to Baldwin’s bridge and found a supermarket canal side - did a basic shop.

On to Stourport on Severn and filled up with water and then moored to explore town and its unusual lock system.

After lunch we set off down 2 pairs of staircase locks with a central pound, all with moorings and a fun fair park beside. Then on to the River Severn and off downstream.

What a change to be in the middle of a large River (think Waikato through to Hamilton), room to move and the ability to rev that motor up and after a bit the old girl was off like a rocket.

Only a few boats coming up and plenty of room and no need to slow down. Through the first 2 river locks. Big ones with a lock keeper in a tower driving the gates.

Stopped at the Holt Fleet downstream from lock and on to a dodgy mooring (not a pontoon and river levels can change dramatically).

Holt Fleet Bridge - built 1828 we moored not far from here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holt_Fleet_Bridge

Anyway moored up outside a pub called The Wharf Inn and off for dinner. I had seafood chowder 8/10 and Vicki had Venison in red wine and Mash 7/10.

TOTAL - 7 miles (5 river miles), and 7 locks (5 narrow and 2 river locks)

20 June – Holt Fleet – River Severn and Diglis Basin Worcester

Off down the river at a good speed, only slowing down for rowing skiffs and into Worcester. Found lock into Worcester & Birmingham canal and came up two wide locks into the town basin where water points are and a mooring for the night from the lock keeper close to a handy pub (just for a change).

As we came off the river into the lower lock a hire boat arrived from downstream. View of coming into Worcester and heading for Diglis Basin.

A man and a woman on a disabled persons fitted boat. No idea about locks whatsoever. I let him in and followed him into the first lock, he has a gay thruster so that was handy. We helped them up through the locks as they no clue and no windlass, how can hire companies let people out with no knowledge or windlass, can’t use the canal system without one. Anyway he did however have bagpipes and piped us up in the first lock to the tune of Speed Bonny Boat.

We stopped for the day in basin and had pub lunch Vicki’s ploughman’s was 6/10 and my BLT the same.
Vicki then went off to look at the history of the area and I listened to the cricket. NZ lost the cricket and series. Oh well now England have to play Australia.

Worcester Catherdral spectacular they had the choir singing inside which was superb. Also a exhibition of King John and Magna Carta http://www.worcestercathedral.co.uk/

Flood levels marked on this wall, last one that made it was 14 Feb 2014, halfway up wall.

TOTAL – 7 miles (river), 3 locks (1 river, 2 broad locks to basin)

21 June – Diglis Basin to Tewkesbury – River Avon

Cast off at 9.15 and headed down river, arrived at Tewkesbury at 3.30 after hot scones (10/10 Pete I think is crawling) for lunch on the move while going down the river. Lots of fishermen - 85% waved, 14% sneered and 1 guy yelled slow down. I answered it’s a big river mate and he said something about my driving. I countered with “there is always one dick” and kept going. The truth is I slowed down for a moored boat and 2 guys in a dingy about 100m before I saw the dick.

Sea scouts we let into the lock prior to us as I was still sorting out licence.

Anyway up onto the Avon at Tewkesbury through one lock. We purchased a licence for the Avon for 14 days costs 60 pounds, 7 days would have been 50 and we are unsure how long we will be on River. This is a different navigation trust so thought what the heck they can have what we don’t use as a donation.

The Old Black Bear Inn

http://whatpub.com/pubs/GLO/0475/olde-black-bear-tewkesbury

Anyway we were given moorings for the night by King Johns Bridge and the nearest pub is across the river, the Black Bear, it is 700 years old and still going. We had a pint or two and then a walk to the far end of town to see the Abbey then another beer and an Indian on the way back. Back on boat by 7.45pm. 2 good pubs but warm cask beer. John smiths on tap cold and perfect. 1 Indian average 5/10 and they serve chips!!!