Just when you thought life couldn't get any better, another Swim the Thames weekender!
The August Bank Holiday offers the chance to accelerate our splendid progress towards Seareach Buoy No. 1.
We will be swimming on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th, and camping overnight if you'd like at Northmoor Lock.
*Swim 10: Saturday 27th August *Meet *9.30am *at Northmoor Lock if you're camping so we can pitch up before we swim. If that's a bit early - you can always sling the guy ropes later on.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?daddr=%2B51%C2%B0+42%27+56.72%22,+-1%C2%B0+22%...
If you're not camping, or just late, meet at *11.00am* at the Rose Revived Inn at Newbridge. Those of us camping will walk or shuttle up to meet non-campers at the pub.
http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&...
We'll then shuttle up to Shifford Lock, and swim down. It is the bank holiday and the river is likely to be busy so we will *try* and be prompt with this timing, and then keep a weather eye for merry boaters.
This swim is equivalent to 20 and 21 from *I Love the Thames* and will come in at a weighty 5.2km. (*Stop press! Neil has measured this at 4.25.)* We will 'land' at the Rose Revived for a hearty feed. Those camping can then head back to Northmoor Lock and low-key barbecuing may follow.
*Swim 11: Sunday 28th August *Meet at 10.30am at the Rose Revived. Those camping can walk up from the campsite (exit point), and those not camping can be shuttled back to the pub afterwards by campers.
This swim is equivalent to 22 and 23 from *I Love the Thames* and will be a sweet relief for veterans of the Saturday swim - a mere 3.2km *(3.45km by Neil's calculations)*. * If you would like to camp, please let me (Sef) know as soon as possible* so I can reserve us pitches at the campsite. It is another rudimentary lock campsite, but there are showers at the weir. They also have caravan hook-ups. Standard pitches are 15 pounds for 2 adults, a tent (or caravan, or Bertie) and a car. There are such things as mini-pitches at 6 pounds if it is just you and no car.
http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/thamespath/site.asp?PageId=24&SiteId=602&...
Or for those seeking a more plush environment, try these campsites which are nearby (and have caravan hook-ups).
http://www.lincolnfarmpark.co.uk/
http://www.hardwickparks.co.uk/index.shtm
If you haven't joined any 'swim the Thames' swims thus far, come along for Saturday or Sunday - there's still 280km to go to the Nore!
Yours truly, always available to give watery help,
Jeremy and Sef and the tenacious tadpoles of the Thames.
Oxford@outdoorswimmingsociety.com
*OSS swim responsibility statement:*
* *
By attending you confirm that you are a member of the OSS and have read and accepted the OSS swim responsibility statement:
http://www.outdoorswimming society.com/index.php?p=swimming_tips&s=responsibili tyhttp://www.outdoorswimmingsociety.com/index.php?p=swimming_tips&s=responsibility
All swimmers swim at their own risk.
Report from the merry catch up swimmers today
17 fishermen, two exceptionally hospitable boats, three very undignified exits and one rude, hateful landlady. Four fabulous OSS swimmers in wetsuits and three supporters. (Tracy, Chloe, Paul and Pam plus Vicki, Silas and Bob). The first acknowledged use of training fins
The dreaded Swan landlady shouted at us across the river as we set off to the lock that
”You can’t swim in the river”
“Why not” (Tracy)
“There’s a fishing competition today downstream”
“Does that stop the boats coming through then as well” (Pam)
“Well in any case there was a sewage leak up at Faringdon yesterday”
Muttered “Nothing’s stopping me” (Pam)
“and you can’t leave your cars in my car park”
Naturally we ignored all the above. However, there were three fishermen near The Swan but they were from the Radcot angling club and not part of the competition. Tracy made it her business to chat up every one of the 14 competing fishermen who were spread out along the riverbank downstream of the lock and even asked to inspect the organiser’s catch of tiddlers. They were mostly very chatty and no one accused us of ruining the river.
While we were being abused at the Swan we saw a boat with a lady with very blonde hair. The boat passed us and, later, was moored with another boat. I nearly fell off my perch when Tracy asked the blond lady to make us a cup of tea. On went the kettle, out came the mugs and biscuits on a plate and we spent a happy half hour chatting to them all about why they were cutting up the river bank with a rusty saw. Hiding bodies was my theory. No, they were trying to dig up worms to fish with! Tracy refused to get out of the river and entertained us with a demo of aquaerobics and how to fall backwards off an underwater ledge holding a mug of tea without spilling a drop. Photos will be coming our way. She exchanged details with one of the mad sawmen. Tracy also uttered the unoriginal line ”don’t I know you from the telly” to the blonde lady.
Thus fortified, we were further cheered to find Bob, Vicki and Silas waiting for us near Rushey lock. More tea and Mars Bars and choccy biccies. Fins put on by one swimmer (my lips are sealed) and a pleasant final pootle to Tadpole Bridge where we couldn’t find anywhere to get out. Eventually, despite intending to make a low key exit, we were so hysterical that the whole garden at the pub was watching as Paul helped three ladies heave ourselves seal like on to the jetty.
Lunch at the Rose Revived.
We were anything but fast but we kept together, saw the birds, the flowers, the cows, the reflection of the sun dappling the willow leaves and just had a wonderful day.
Pam
is anyone writing a book yet?!?
________________________________
From: ossoxon-bounces@earth.li [mailto:ossoxon-bounces@earth.li] On Behalf Of Pam Jones Sent: 21 August 2011 20:21 To: 'OSS Oxon' Subject: [OSS Oxon] Catch up swim 8 Radcot Lock to Tadpole Bridge
Report from the merry catch up swimmers today
17 fishermen, two exceptionally hospitable boats, three very undignified exits and one rude, hateful landlady. Four fabulous OSS swimmers in wetsuits and three supporters. (Tracy, Chloe, Paul and Pam plus Vicki, Silas and Bob). The first acknowledged use of training fins
The dreaded Swan landlady shouted at us across the river as we set off to the lock that
"You can't swim in the river"
"Why not" (Tracy)
"There's a fishing competition today downstream"
"Does that stop the boats coming through then as well" (Pam)
"Well in any case there was a sewage leak up at Faringdon yesterday"
Muttered "Nothing's stopping me" (Pam)
"and you can't leave your cars in my car park"
Naturally we ignored all the above. However, there were three fishermen near The Swan but they were from the Radcot angling club and not part of the competition. Tracy made it her business to chat up every one of the 14 competing fishermen who were spread out along the riverbank downstream of the lock and even asked to inspect the organiser's catch of tiddlers. They were mostly very chatty and no one accused us of ruining the river.
While we were being abused at the Swan we saw a boat with a lady with very blonde hair. The boat passed us and, later, was moored with another boat. I nearly fell off my perch when Tracy asked the blond lady to make us a cup of tea. On went the kettle, out came the mugs and biscuits on a plate and we spent a happy half hour chatting to them all about why they were cutting up the river bank with a rusty saw. Hiding bodies was my theory. No, they were trying to dig up worms to fish with! Tracy refused to get out of the river and entertained us with a demo of aquaerobics and how to fall backwards off an underwater ledge holding a mug of tea without spilling a drop. Photos will be coming our way. She exchanged details with one of the mad sawmen. Tracy also uttered the unoriginal line "don't I know you from the telly" to the blonde lady.
Thus fortified, we were further cheered to find Bob, Vicki and Silas waiting for us near Rushey lock. More tea and Mars Bars and choccy biccies. Fins put on by one swimmer (my lips are sealed) and a pleasant final pootle to Tadpole Bridge where we couldn't find anywhere to get out. Eventually, despite intending to make a low key exit, we were so hysterical that the whole garden at the pub was watching as Paul helped three ladies heave ourselves seal like on to the jetty.
Lunch at the Rose Revived.
We were anything but fast but we kept together, saw the birds, the flowers, the cows, the reflection of the sun dappling the willow leaves and just had a wonderful day.
Pam
Good thinking Liz - Pam you have to add this all to the Blog!
Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:39:36 +0100 From: lizholliss@btconnect.com To: pamjones@btinternet.com; OSSOxon@earth.li Subject: Re: [OSS Oxon] Catch up swim 8 Radcot Lock to Tadpole Bridge
is anyone writing a book yet?!?
From: ossoxon-bounces@earth.li [mailto:ossoxon-bounces@earth.li] On Behalf Of Pam Jones Sent: 21 August 2011 20:21 To: 'OSS Oxon' Subject: [OSS Oxon] Catch up swim 8 Radcot Lock to Tadpole Bridge
Report from the merry catch up swimmers today
17 fishermen, two exceptionally hospitable boats, three very undignified exits and one rude, hateful landlady. Four fabulous OSS swimmers in wetsuits and three supporters. (Tracy, Chloe, Paul and Pam plus Vicki, Silas and Bob). The first acknowledged use of training fins
The dreaded Swan landlady shouted at us across the river as we set off to the lock that ”You can’t swim in the river” “Why not” (Tracy) “There’s a fishing competition today downstream” “Does that stop the boats coming through then as well” (Pam) “Well in any case there was a sewage leak up at Faringdon yesterday” Muttered “Nothing’s stopping me” (Pam) “and you can’t leave your cars in my car park”
Naturally we ignored all the above. However, there were three fishermen near The Swan but they were from the Radcot angling club and not part of the competition. Tracy made it her business to chat up every one of the 14 competing fishermen who were spread out along the riverbank downstream of the lock and even asked to inspect the organiser’s catch of tiddlers. They were mostly very chatty and no one accused us of ruining the river.
While we were being abused at the Swan we saw a boat with a lady with very blonde hair. The boat passed us and, later, was moored with another boat. I nearly fell off my perch when Tracy asked the blond lady to make us a cup of tea. On went the kettle, out came the mugs and biscuits on a plate and we spent a happy half hour chatting to them all about why they were cutting up the river bank with a rusty saw. Hiding bodies was my theory. No, they were trying to dig up worms to fish with! Tracy refused to get out of the river and entertained us with a demo of aquaerobics and how to fall backwards off an underwater ledge holding a mug of tea without spilling a drop. Photos will be coming our way. She exchanged details with one of the mad sawmen. Tracy also uttered the unoriginal line ”don’t I know you from the telly” to the blonde lady.
Thus fortified, we were further cheered to find Bob, Vicki and Silas waiting for us near Rushey lock. More tea and Mars Bars and choccy biccies. Fins put on by one swimmer (my lips are sealed) and a pleasant final pootle to Tadpole Bridge where we couldn’t find anywhere to get out. Eventually, despite intending to make a low key exit, we were so hysterical that the whole garden at the pub was watching as Paul helped three ladies heave ourselves seal like on to the jetty.
Lunch at the Rose Revived.
We were anything but fast but we kept together, saw the birds, the flowers, the cows, the reflection of the sun dappling the willow leaves and just had a wonderful day.
Pam
_______________________________________________ OSS Oxon mailing list OSSOxon@earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon Please note that OSS Oxon exists to put swimmers in touch with other swimmers, not to organise swim events or in any way suggest that outdoor swimming is a safe activity or that you should go swimming. If you choose to swim you do so entirely at your own risk and on your own initiative, and any plans you make are your own responsibility.
Fabulous :o) Sorry to have missed all the fun... tho am a bit scared now of doing this leg!! What if the landlady teams up with the sawmen!! She really is one of life's horridest people! She was right about the sewer leak though - 500 dead fish at Radcot!! Oh well :o)
So who did Tracey think the blonde lady was...?
Glad you all had a fab day
Jo
From: pamjones@btinternet.com To: OSSOxon@earth.li Date: Sun, 21 Aug 2011 20:21:09 +0100 Subject: [OSS Oxon] Catch up swim 8 Radcot Lock to Tadpole Bridge
Report from the merry catch up swimmers today
17 fishermen, two exceptionally hospitable boats, three very undignified exits and one rude, hateful landlady. Four fabulous OSS swimmers in wetsuits and three supporters. (Tracy, Chloe, Paul and Pam plus Vicki, Silas and Bob). The first acknowledged use of training fins
The dreaded Swan landlady shouted at us across the river as we set off to the lock that ”You can’t swim in the river” “Why not” (Tracy) “There’s a fishing competition today downstream” “Does that stop the boats coming through then as well” (Pam) “Well in any case there was a sewage leak up at Faringdon yesterday” Muttered “Nothing’s stopping me” (Pam) “and you can’t leave your cars in my car park”
Naturally we ignored all the above. However, there were three fishermen near The Swan but they were from the Radcot angling club and not part of the competition. Tracy made it her business to chat up every one of the 14 competing fishermen who were spread out along the riverbank downstream of the lock and even asked to inspect the organiser’s catch of tiddlers. They were mostly very chatty and no one accused us of ruining the river.
While we were being abused at the Swan we saw a boat with a lady with very blonde hair. The boat passed us and, later, was moored with another boat. I nearly fell off my perch when Tracy asked the blond lady to make us a cup of tea. On went the kettle, out came the mugs and biscuits on a plate and we spent a happy half hour chatting to them all about why they were cutting up the river bank with a rusty saw. Hiding bodies was my theory. No, they were trying to dig up worms to fish with! Tracy refused to get out of the river and entertained us with a demo of aquaerobics and how to fall backwards off an underwater ledge holding a mug of tea without spilling a drop. Photos will be coming our way. She exchanged details with one of the mad sawmen. Tracy also uttered the unoriginal line ”don’t I know you from the telly” to the blonde lady.
Thus fortified, we were further cheered to find Bob, Vicki and Silas waiting for us near Rushey lock. More tea and Mars Bars and choccy biccies. Fins put on by one swimmer (my lips are sealed) and a pleasant final pootle to Tadpole Bridge where we couldn’t find anywhere to get out. Eventually, despite intending to make a low key exit, we were so hysterical that the whole garden at the pub was watching as Paul helped three ladies heave ourselves seal like on to the jetty.
Lunch at the Rose Revived.
We were anything but fast but we kept together, saw the birds, the flowers, the cows, the reflection of the sun dappling the willow leaves and just had a wonderful day.
Pam
_______________________________________________ OSS Oxon mailing list OSSOxon@earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon Please note that OSS Oxon exists to put swimmers in touch with other swimmers, not to organise swim events or in any way suggest that outdoor swimming is a safe activity or that you should go swimming. If you choose to swim you do so entirely at your own risk and on your own initiative, and any plans you make are your own responsibility.
As I recall, there was at least 3 users of training fins today... and I didn't really think she was off the telly but I fancied a biscuit with my tea ( loaded with Hallucinogenic drugs) and also wanted to check that my fortnight at Charm School hadn't been wasted...
Tracy
On 21 Aug 2011, at 20:21, Pam Jones wrote:
Report from the merry catch up swimmers today
17 fishermen, two exceptionally hospitable boats, three very undignified exits and one rude, hateful landlady. Four fabulous OSS swimmers in wetsuits and three supporters. (Tracy, Chloe, Paul and Pam plus Vicki, Silas and Bob). The first acknowledged use of training fins
The dreaded Swan landlady shouted at us across the river as we set off to the lock that ”You can’t swim in the river” “Why not” (Tracy) “There’s a fishing competition today downstream” “Does that stop the boats coming through then as well” (Pam) “Well in any case there was a sewage leak up at Faringdon yesterday” Muttered “Nothing’s stopping me” (Pam) “and you can’t leave your cars in my car park”
Naturally we ignored all the above. However, there were three fishermen near The Swan but they were from the Radcot angling club and not part of the competition. Tracy made it her business to chat up every one of the 14 competing fishermen who were spread out along the riverbank downstream of the lock and even asked to inspect the organiser’s catch of tiddlers. They were mostly very chatty and no one accused us of ruining the river.
While we were being abused at the Swan we saw a boat with a lady with very blonde hair. The boat passed us and, later, was moored with another boat. I nearly fell off my perch when Tracy asked the blond lady to make us a cup of tea. On went the kettle, out came the mugs and biscuits on a plate and we spent a happy half hour chatting to them all about why they were cutting up the river bank with a rusty saw. Hiding bodies was my theory. No, they were trying to dig up worms to fish with! Tracy refused to get out of the river and entertained us with a demo of aquaerobics and how to fall backwards off an underwater ledge holding a mug of tea without spilling a drop. Photos will be coming our way. She exchanged details with one of the mad sawmen. Tracy also uttered the unoriginal line ”don’t I know you from the telly” to the blonde lady.
Thus fortified, we were further cheered to find Bob, Vicki and Silas waiting for us near Rushey lock. More tea and Mars Bars and choccy biccies. Fins put on by one swimmer (my lips are sealed) and a pleasant final pootle to Tadpole Bridge where we couldn’t find anywhere to get out. Eventually, despite intending to make a low key exit, we were so hysterical that the whole garden at the pub was watching as Paul helped three ladies heave ourselves seal like on to the jetty.
Lunch at the Rose Revived.
We were anything but fast but we kept together, saw the birds, the flowers, the cows, the reflection of the sun dappling the willow leaves and just had a wonderful day.
Pam
OSS Oxon mailing list OSSOxon@earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon
Please note that OSS Oxon exists to put swimmers in touch with other swimmers, not to organise swim events or in any way suggest that outdoor swimming is a safe activity or that you should go swimming. If you choose to swim you do so entirely at your own risk and on your own initiative, and any plans you make are your own responsibility.
A whole heap of fun. The effects of the spiked tea have just about worn off. More work needed on the seal / plank exit technique (how did everyone else get out at Tadpole Bridge?)
Chloe. ________________________________________ From: ossoxon-bounces@earth.li [ossoxon-bounces@earth.li] On Behalf Of Tracy J Knowles [tracyjknowles@gmail.com] Sent: 21 August 2011 22:04 To: Pam Jones Cc: 'OSS Oxon' Subject: Re: [OSS Oxon] Catch up swim 8 Radcot Lock to Tadpole Bridge
As I recall, there was at least 3 users of training fins today... and I didn't really think she was off the telly but I fancied a biscuit with my tea ( loaded with Hallucinogenic drugs) and also wanted to check that my fortnight at Charm School hadn't been wasted...
Tracy
On 21 Aug 2011, at 20:21, Pam Jones wrote:
Report from the merry catch up swimmers today
17 fishermen, two exceptionally hospitable boats, three very undignified exits and one rude, hateful landlady. Four fabulous OSS swimmers in wetsuits and three supporters. (Tracy, Chloe, Paul and Pam plus Vicki, Silas and Bob). The first acknowledged use of training fins
The dreaded Swan landlady shouted at us across the river as we set off to the lock that ”You can’t swim in the river” “Why not” (Tracy) “There’s a fishing competition today downstream” “Does that stop the boats coming through then as well” (Pam) “Well in any case there was a sewage leak up at Faringdon yesterday” Muttered “Nothing’s stopping me” (Pam) “and you can’t leave your cars in my car park”
Naturally we ignored all the above. However, there were three fishermen near The Swan but they were from the Radcot angling club and not part of the competition. Tracy made it her business to chat up every one of the 14 competing fishermen who were spread out along the riverbank downstream of the lock and even asked to inspect the organiser’s catch of tiddlers. They were mostly very chatty and no one accused us of ruining the river.
While we were being abused at the Swan we saw a boat with a lady with very blonde hair. The boat passed us and, later, was moored with another boat. I nearly fell off my perch when Tracy asked the blond lady to make us a cup of tea. On went the kettle, out came the mugs and biscuits on a plate and we spent a happy half hour chatting to them all about why they were cutting up the river bank with a rusty saw. Hiding bodies was my theory. No, they were trying to dig up worms to fish with! Tracy refused to get out of the river and entertained us with a demo of aquaerobics and how to fall backwards off an underwater ledge holding a mug of tea without spilling a drop. Photos will be coming our way. She exchanged details with one of the mad sawmen. Tracy also uttered the unoriginal line ”don’t I know you from the telly” to the blonde lady.
Thus fortified, we were further cheered to find Bob, Vicki and Silas waiting for us near Rushey lock. More tea and Mars Bars and choccy biccies. Fins put on by one swimmer (my lips are sealed) and a pleasant final pootle to Tadpole Bridge where we couldn’t find anywhere to get out. Eventually, despite intending to make a low key exit, we were so hysterical that the whole garden at the pub was watching as Paul helped three ladies heave ourselves seal like on to the jetty.
Lunch at the Rose Revived.
We were anything but fast but we kept together, saw the birds, the flowers, the cows, the reflection of the sun dappling the willow leaves and just had a wonderful day.
Pam
_______________________________________________ OSS Oxon mailing list OSSOxon@earth.limailto:OSSOxon@earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon
Please note that OSS Oxon exists to put swimmers in touch with other swimmers, not to organise swim events or in any way suggest that outdoor swimming is a safe activity or that you should go swimming. If you choose to swim you do so entirely at your own risk and on your own initiative, and any plans you make are your own responsibility.
.....and I'm also not entirely sure how you forgot to mention your ants in your pants(literally) !!! How are your bites now? Ah, this blog should be excellent!
xxx
On 21 Aug 2011, at 20:21, Pam Jones wrote:
Report from the merry catch up swimmers today
17 fishermen, two exceptionally hospitable boats, three very undignified exits and one rude, hateful landlady. Four fabulous OSS swimmers in wetsuits and three supporters. (Tracy, Chloe, Paul and Pam plus Vicki, Silas and Bob). The first acknowledged use of training fins
The dreaded Swan landlady shouted at us across the river as we set off to the lock that ”You can’t swim in the river” “Why not” (Tracy) “There’s a fishing competition today downstream” “Does that stop the boats coming through then as well” (Pam) “Well in any case there was a sewage leak up at Faringdon yesterday” Muttered “Nothing’s stopping me” (Pam) “and you can’t leave your cars in my car park”
Naturally we ignored all the above. However, there were three fishermen near The Swan but they were from the Radcot angling club and not part of the competition. Tracy made it her business to chat up every one of the 14 competing fishermen who were spread out along the riverbank downstream of the lock and even asked to inspect the organiser’s catch of tiddlers. They were mostly very chatty and no one accused us of ruining the river.
While we were being abused at the Swan we saw a boat with a lady with very blonde hair. The boat passed us and, later, was moored with another boat. I nearly fell off my perch when Tracy asked the blond lady to make us a cup of tea. On went the kettle, out came the mugs and biscuits on a plate and we spent a happy half hour chatting to them all about why they were cutting up the river bank with a rusty saw. Hiding bodies was my theory. No, they were trying to dig up worms to fish with! Tracy refused to get out of the river and entertained us with a demo of aquaerobics and how to fall backwards off an underwater ledge holding a mug of tea without spilling a drop. Photos will be coming our way. She exchanged details with one of the mad sawmen. Tracy also uttered the unoriginal line ”don’t I know you from the telly” to the blonde lady.
Thus fortified, we were further cheered to find Bob, Vicki and Silas waiting for us near Rushey lock. More tea and Mars Bars and choccy biccies. Fins put on by one swimmer (my lips are sealed) and a pleasant final pootle to Tadpole Bridge where we couldn’t find anywhere to get out. Eventually, despite intending to make a low key exit, we were so hysterical that the whole garden at the pub was watching as Paul helped three ladies heave ourselves seal like on to the jetty.
Lunch at the Rose Revived.
We were anything but fast but we kept together, saw the birds, the flowers, the cows, the reflection of the sun dappling the willow leaves and just had a wonderful day.
Pam
OSS Oxon mailing list OSSOxon@earth.li http://www.earth.li/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/ossoxon
Please note that OSS Oxon exists to put swimmers in touch with other swimmers, not to organise swim events or in any way suggest that outdoor swimming is a safe activity or that you should go swimming. If you choose to swim you do so entirely at your own risk and on your own initiative, and any plans you make are your own responsibility.
-
Chloe Jeffries -
Jo-Anne Rutterford -
Liz Holliss -
Pam Jones -
Sefryn Penrose -
Tracy J Knowles