Sharpness to Worcester

As we set off to leave Sharpness cloud hung over the Severn estuary and we were glad we could leave the wheelhouse up to protect us from the drizzle.   On the approach to Purton we saw a small but pretty sailing ship had been tied up on the moorings.  

A small sailing ship near Purton

We stopped for the day at Shepherds Patch near the Slimbridge Wildfowl & Wetland Centre.  On Wednesday we continued our journey north but hadn't gone far when a bridge-keeper told us a bridge ahead would be closed for a couple of hours.  We pulled over to wait but as it was a nice spot we decided to stop for the day; we don't take much persuading!  A group of bird-watchers were looking out for a hen harrier but we weren't lucky enough to see it.  

The next day we continued our leisurely journey with the bridges being opened for us along the way.   

One of the many swing bridges open for us

On Friday we returned to Gloucester and stopped on the shopping mooring outside Sainsburys.   As we returned with our groceries a sailing ship passed on its way into the docks. 

The bridge is lifted for a sailing ship to sail into the docks

After putting away our shopping we followed the sailing ship, we didn't need the first bridge opening but Llanthony Bridge is low and had to be lifted for us.

Llanthony Bridge up in the air so we could pass through

We stayed in Gloucester for a couple of days and then returned up the River Severn on Sunday morning.  Initially we were pushing against the flow but a high tide came up behind giving us a hand.  The day was bright and sunny and the Lower Lode pub, near Tewkesbury, looked busy.

The Lower Lode pub near Tewkesbury

At Tewkesbury we didn't go through the lock but stayed on the River Severn moorings, the first time we've stayed on these moorings and we found they were very quiet.

On the River Severn moorings at Tewkesbury

Tewkesbury is an interesting little town and I always enjoy a look round the "Antique Centre" but I rarely buy anything.  On this occasion I was pleased to spot an embroidery hoop which will come in useful.

Bric-a-brac in the Antique Centre, the photo was taken from a balcony.

On Tuesday we set off up the river to Upton-on-Severn and thought we were lucky to find space on the pontoons as there are only 4 moorings.  We had a walk into the quaint little town and I went for a haircut.  When I arrived back at the pontoon a neighbouring boater had his music on full volume with all his doors wide open.  Kev was sat on Brent III with all the doors shut.  One advantage of boating is that you can move if you don't like your neighbours so we did.   A couple of hours sailing upstream took us to Worcester and we arrived at the manned Diglis Lock just in time to go through.  

The next day we had a look round the town and in Worcester Cathedral which has some of its old bells on display.  

A line up of Worcester Cathedral's old bells

The cathedral also has some interesting architecture in the Chapel in the Crypt.

Pillars and arches make interesting shapes in the Chapel in the Crypt

Our journey from Sharpness to Worcester