Another scorcher

Sorry, no Denise today. I think I overdid it yesterday and got a bit of heatstroke. Nothing serious, just too much sun. So, today, long sleeved shirt and trousers are the order of the day. (Much to the captain's relief.) 

Farewell to the Wharf Inn, even though we didn't go there. 

We're heading due west for the moment admiring the line of trees on the horizon. 

Now we're heading due east and the same line of trees. The canal does a spectacular 180° turn on itself because when the canal was built it was cheaper to follow the contour of the land instead of building a tunnel or digging out a cutting. 

Not a brilliant picture but the other side of the hedge can be seen the destruction of HS2. 

And look at this ghastly bridge. Many of the bridges made originally were almost works of art. Not today! 

No locks today so we cruised for about 3 hours before stopping  near Priors Hardwick. 

We've seen more boats today than in the whole time we've been out. Must be because it's a bank holiday weekend and half-term. 

As it's Sunday, roast chicken this evening, when the boat's cooled down a bit. We've sat out on the towpath all afternoon in the shade of the hedges and trees. Very pleasant as it's 28°C at the moment. 

Saturday 23rd - a surprise visit from Denise

We weren't expecting it but Denise came out on the boat early in the morning and stayed with us all day. 

Early morning and not a cloud in the sky. The forecast was 26°C, another hot day on our holiday. 

We were surrounded by kayaks for much of the journey into Cropredy, they have a club there. They weren't a problem for us but they are quite quiet and I was taken by surprise when boats came speeding past both sides.

Take a look at the water iris. Aren't they beautiful. 

Now coming up through the lock having taken on water and disposed of rubbish, etc., at the facilities first. 

Same lock but a different view.

Coming out of Cropredy are some former stables now converted for residential living. 

We were fortunate that many of the locks had volunteers on duty. It certainly helped through Claydon locks. 

Just at the end of Fenny Compton Tunnel passing under the crossover bridge. You get these bridges at regular intervals where the towpath changes from one side to the other so that the towing horses didn't always pull on the same side for too long.

Stopped for the night near the Wharf Inn, Fenny Compton. And here is where we said goodbye to Denise - da knees - the knees 🤣🤣🤣

I know, not a pretty sight. 

Saturday night and, as is our custom, Steak is on the menu. 

What a lovely day

After breakfast we moved up to Samuelson Bridge just before Banbury and paid a visit to Morrisons for supplies. 

Then on to Banbury where we dropped off our food waste and rubbish. 

Next into Banbury Lock where there were several people watching our every move. Luckily we did everything right and even managed to have a chat with some of the onlookers. 

The weather is splendid today. Factor 50 sunscreen for the captain and a large floppy hat. 

At Bourton Lock it looks as if someone is renovating the lock cottage.

That's great news and we can't wait to see what it's like next time we come this way.

We've stopped near Williamscot again in an attempt to avoid further travelling in the heat of the day.

Even managed to get a late lunch outside. 

Then spent some time with the pressure washer removing leaves and duck poo from the roof. The pressure washer is battery powered and the water comes straight out of the canal. 

And this is where we've stopped. The only thing is that there are 2 ducks who have tried to share our lunch, been on the roof a couple of times before being shooed away. Let's hope I don't have to get the pressure washer out again tomorrow. 

Returning to Banbury

The forecast for today was quite encouraging with a high of 21°C. So, a hearty breakfast before we set off. 

Granola, toast and apricot jam with tea and coffee. Tea for the captain and real coffee for me, the only caffeinated drink of the day. 

The first lock of the day was Aynho Weir Lock. This is where the River Cherwell crosses the path of the canal. 

But, before that, I managed to get the front fender stuck under the beam on the top lock gate. So we had to let a bit of water out, release the boat and then continue to fill the lock again. We then swapped roles because it was obvious that I couldn't be trusted with the boat and, anyway, the top gate was far too heavy and wouldn't budge for the captain. 

Safely through and this is the bridge over the Cherwell. When the river is running high you're not allowed to continue along the navigation. 

We're now a little further on at King's Sutton Lock. The captain also found closing the bottom gate troublesome but luckily a passing walker lent a bit of weight and all was fine. 

Grants Lock. I think that the picture says it all. Such a shame but this cottage has been like this for some time. 

We've moored up about a mile short of Banbury. We then had time for a short walk along the Jurassic Way. Not the most scenic of walks as we had to cross the River Cherwell which was right next to the M40, which we went under, and then over the railway. Still, we got a bit of much needed fresh air. 

Glad we stopped where we did as we discovered that a tree had fallen across the canal earlier in the day and boats were backing up until it was cleared. Boats came past us letting us know that the way was now open and that we'd have no trouble getting through tomorrow. Good news. 

Where did the wind come from?

The day started off well, eggs and bacon for breakfast. 

After that it all went downhill. The captain said that as it was a nice day she would be steering and I could do the locks. 

On the bright side it gave me time to take a picture of Mrs Duck and her family.

Many of you will have seen this garden before. There are various creatures and I think that Mr Toad is holding a shotgun. We are passing through Lower Heyford and the captain's still steering. 

Looks like all the hireboats are back at base waiting for the next holidaymakers to arrive.

Gosh, look, I'm at the helm. The captain enjoys working the lift bridge, lucky me.

Once again I'm in charge of the boat. There is a tricky entrance to this lock with a lot of water flowing out from the bywash. The consensus of opinion was that it was better if I bashed the boat about rather than the captain. 

Look at the sky, it's sunny. 

We're just approaching Somerton Deep Lock and the wind is getting up. The approach to the lock is totally unprotected and we got blown across the canal and almost got stuck on the opposite side. Luckily a chap who looked as if he played rugby managed to get hold of our centre rope and pull us out of trouble. 

The lock itself was no problem at all and there was plenty of help from other boaters. 

Managed to get a mooring at Aynho and now looking forward to a meal at the Great Western Arms. 

For the captain Smoked Haddock fishcakes and for me a pork and apple burger. 

Sweet dreams. 

Retracing our footsteps

Well, not exactly retracing footsteps, more like retracing propeller spins. 

A familiar sight, the lift bridge at Thrupp. I am driving at the moment and the captain is operating the controls for the bridge. She likes turning keys, stopping traffic and waving me through. 

I'm driving mainly because we need to stop the boat just on the left around this corner to get rid of rubbish and empty the loo. It's a tricky manoeuvre which I have been known to get wrong. 

I've lost the tiller now. We're back on the river Cherwell and I'm doing all the locks today. 

On the river bit we can go a bit faster than on the canal. Rivers are usually deeper and the boat moves along much easier. 

At the lock off the river we were confronted by a C&RT barge which took up quite a bit of space. Luckily there were 3 blokes on board who made sure that they didn't scrape our paintwork. 

Here's the captain coming into Pigeon Lock. The boat we secured the other day is still there and my makeshift rope work is holding up well. 

We've stopped for the night just below Dashwood Lock, almost at the same spot on the way up. 

A couple of downpours today but apart from them, not too bad a day.  

Return to Thrupp

As you know, we are moored in Jericho opposite the old wharf. What we didn't realise is that this is the base for the Oxford Narrowboats. It was only when boats started turning up at 9 o'clock that the penny dropped. 

The next thing we need to do is to turn the boat around so that we can head back towards Thrupp. To do that we have to go through Isis lock, spin round and come back through the lock again. 

So, into the lock. 

Here I am spinning the boat around. 

And back again. 

You can see from the green lights that water levels are OK. Luckily there were no strong winds or currents and the spinround went very smoothly. 

Now we are exiting Oxford. 

No pictures of our travels today as it's been overcast and wet. The captain worked all the locks and lift bridges while I weaved the boat in and out to drop her off and pick her up again. I did offer to swap, honestly. 

After about 4 hours we have arrived back at Thrupp and have stopped near the Jolly Boatman. 

And here is the jolly boatman himself rigging up a spring to stop the boat moving around too much. 

Guess where we are now! Pie for the captain and fish for me. 

Now back on board to watch an episode of Canal Boat Diaries.