Decision Day

Well, today is one of those decision days. At the junction do we turn left towards Oxford or right towards Coventry? 

But before that, a nautical traffic jam. A boat coming out at the junction while a hire boat wants to go in. 

It gave us a bit more time to make up our minds and follow the hire boat towards Oxford. 

Bridge 100 on the Oxford Canal. For some reason a favourite of mine. Look at it and think of all the Health and Safety issues you can find 😁

Quite busy on the cut today with plenty of traffic both ways. Also, the geese are on the water with two goslings (one is on the towpath). 

Now for another decision. 

Napton Junction. Straight on for Oxford or turn right towards Warwick. 

Straight on it is - aye aye captain. 

Past Napton Marina a base for a large fleet of hireboats. 

We stopped short of the Napton locks and decided to go for a walk in the afternoon.

A view of Polgara in the distance as we cross the canal. 

Came across these delicate yellow flowers. A passing dog walker they were broom but Google identified them as Birds-foot Trefoil. You learn something everyday. 

A strange rock formation further on but we weren't certain whether it was man made or natural. 

As we climb up the hill the views get better and better.

And at the top, after climbing 177 ft., most of which felt as if it was all in the last 100yds. 

Napton Mill, now a private house. 

All downhill from now on. 

The gentleman in this farm truck has lived his whole life in Napton. His sister was driving while he stepped out - notice, I don't say jumped - to open the gate into the field full of sheep. 

This area has been set aside as a remembrance of a WWII observer post that was on this site. With Coventry not too far away they would have seen all the planes as they flew over.

A beautiful walk downhill until we arrived at the canal again. 

A last look at the windmill before returning to the boat. 

Braunston

A pleasant start to the day, the sun is shining and little wind on the canal. 

After setting off we saw what looked like an archaeological dig in a field next to the canal.

There were several shallow trenches in different places and plenty of people sitting around drinking tea. 

Then we passed a couple of good old working boats before entering the notorious Braunston Tunnel. 

It's a strange thing that upon entering the tunnel you can see the opening at the other end. However, part way through, the light at the end of the tunnel disappears! I think that's because there's a kink in the tunnel and for a moment as you swing the boat to the left and right your view is obstructed. 

Luckily there was a hire boat following us through and we teamed up to work the locks. 

Passing the Admiral Nelson as all the gongoozlers watch us while eating their lunches canalside. 

We pulled into Braunston Marina to take on fuel, replace one of the gas cylinders and empty the loo. Spent some time talking to a couple who were looking to buy a boat. Don't know if we sold them on the idea or put them off! 

Opposite the fuel point was Raymond, a well known traditional boat on the canals. 

Took on fresh water and then moored up opposite the Boathouse where we repaired for a late lunch. 

After that some work on the computer and a quiet evening onboard. 

Off to Norton Junction

Looks like the weather is forecast as overcast today. 

Once again, plenty of hire boats around and we set off following one through Crick Tunnel.

We could see ahead of us the tunnel light of another boat coming towards us.

Actually it was two boats but we didn't know that until we were about to pass each other. We sailed straight through but there was quite a lot of bangs from the other boats as they hit the tunnel wall. 

We arrived at the top of Watford locks just after 12. Lovely view one way. 

And the M1 the other. Not a good place to stop for long. 

A lovely day as we look down the lock flight. 

And, off we go - only an hour after we arrived! We had to wait for three boats to come up first. 

In the picture you can see white paddle gear and red paddle gear. Always open the red paddle first otherwise you can get into trouble. 

The white paddle lets water out of the lock into the side pound and is a water saving measure. 

Once we got going it only took half an hour to get through all the locks and then it was full steam ahead to Norton Junction. 

We found a mooring for the night and lit the fire as it was quite chilly in the afternoon. 

What a lovely sunset. 

More signs of Spring today with ducklings and cygnets being fussed over by proud parents. 

Good day or bad day?

Do you ever have one of those days when, as soon as you wake up you know it's going to be a good day (or even the opposite, it's going to be a ghastly day). 

Well, this morning wasn't one of those days 😅

I had no idea what was going to be in store for us. 

Anyway, a photo of our overnight mooring taken by the captain.

Looks like being a good day on the cut. 

Much of our trip today was a repeat of our last outing in April. 

A look back at a favourite stopping place near the Fieldside Covert - no stopping this time round. 

But here's a view of the seat in the covert where we rested last time on our walk. 

A bit far off but a proud mother sheep with three lambs. The field looks empty but there are plenty of other sheep around, just not in frame. 

The canal was quite busy but it is the Bank Holiday week, so I suppose it's to be expected. 

But we are now moored at Crick and popped up to the Coop for necessary supplies. Had a lovely chat with a lady who thought we lived in the village. It's lovely to meet strangers who have the time to talk with you. 

Supper tonight is what we call risotto, chicken, onions, peppers, mushrooms, rice and tomatoes with leftover gravy as a stock. That with a glass of wine will do nicely, thank you. 

And we're off!

Monday 4th may and after sorting out the rubbish, toilet and water we're all ready to go. 

A gentle reverse out from the pontoon and then out of the marina. 

Managed to get out just before The Life of Pi came in. A few seconds later and we would have had to wait for them to enter first. 

Fifteen minutes later and we are moored up again. 

Why's that? Guess who forgot to move the car to the main carpark! 

It's a request from management that if you're going out cruising then you leave your car safely tucked away at the back of the marina where it is less likely to be damaged. 

Why is it always me who has to walk back and move the car? However, the captain did say that she would get some lunch ready for when I got back.

Luckily there's a side gate into the marina and I was back at the boat in no time at all. 

Lunch was indeed ready and afterwards we set off again. 

On our way along the canal we were overtaken by four canoeists who looked as if they were training for a race. Then, round the next corner, here they come again! Fair wore me out watching them. 

Eventually stopped for the night near the Hemplow Hills. 

Look, just one cow on the skyline. 

Just time to top-up the greaser, refill the anti-diesel bug bottle before supper of roast chicken with all the extras. 

Should sleep well tonight! 

We're back aboard

We are back on board having driven up from home on Friday. 

The shower is now mended and in full working order - yippee! 

Saturday was spent sorting out the boat and topping up supplies before setting off on Monday for about 5 weeks cruising. Not sure yet which way to go but we'll probably head South to start with and see which way we turn after Braunston. 

Saturday afternoon we took a turn around the marina as it was a lovely day. 

This is the lake in the marina grounds with picnic benches dotted all round the place. 

And the captain surveying the marina from the bridge over the entrance to the canal. 

Moving on to Sunday we spent most of the day with Harvey and Helen, went to church with them - twice! Communion service in the morning and Taizé in the evening. A lovely family day together. 

So, tomorrow, fill up with water, empty the loo and off we go - at least, that's the plan! 

At home for the weekend

Sorry everyone, I should have said that we were coming home for a few days. 

The Operatic Society that we joined in 1974 held a final concert after 70 years of performances and shows and we had been invited to attend. This was something that we didn't want to miss and we were glad to meet up with old friends and remember times past. 

The photo was from 51 years ago, G&S's The Grand Duke with the captain centre stage front.