At Abingdon Lock a number of changes were made during the winter before last. The back drainage area was cleared and landscaped,
and a carved crocodile appeared in the ditch.
There have been further developments last winter. The lock island is beginning to look like a wooden menagerie.
A Pooh like bear has appeared next to the Abingdon Lock sign.
Not just wooden animals, but also houses for real animals have appeared.
There is a “Don’t steal, cook or kill fish” poster on the Wilsham Road railings.
Underneath there is a multi-language commentary about fishing in the UK for anglers from the flagged countries. Basically it says that all anglers need to get a licence and to know the byelaws put there to protect migratory and freshwater fish stocks from damaging fishing practices.
A crew from Abingdon Rowing Club take a breather before rowing another punishing mile.
Two longboats pass closer than the width of the River Thames at this point would allow.
They are making room for all the anglers on the other bank where a match is in progress.
By midday St Helen’s Wharf has brightened. The rowers and anglers are gone. The golden leaves remind us that time, like a river, so quickly passes by.
Le Boat interactive map of the Thames: is a fascinating new way to find the places of interest close to the Thames between Oxford and London.
Abingdon also has a couple of mentions, for the historic town centre, and one for the Abbey Meadows.