BBQs r Us

(Saturday) Moored opposite the Pig Place last night, but more of that on our way back.

First lock of the day, Nell Bridge Lock. This is an awkward lock because Nell Bridge carries a very busy B road. To work the lock properly the boat exits the lock and then manoeuvres (awkwardly) into the bank, picks up the crew and then sets off for the next lock. Now, the captain, being the sensible one, says: "It's only a half mile to the next lock, I'll walk it, so you don't have to stop the boat." And, off she goes.

The aforementioned next lock is Aynho Weir Lock and is a bit of an odd shape. 

I suppose you could say that it's octagonal. It still only takes one boat and its been made this size and shape to let through a larger amount of water than usual to service Somerton Deep Lock, some 2 and a bit miles further on. 

Looking back you can see where the canal and the river Cherwell merge for a short while. 

Here we are entering Somerton Deep Lock. You may notice that the crew is working the lock this time. The reason being that the gates are large (after all it is a deep lock) and heavy and the captain says that this is man's work. I tried to argue equal opportunity but got cuffed round the ear. Threatened industrial injury and got cuffed round the other ear with an explanation of "How's that for equality?" 

Going down. 

Further. 

We're there. Luckily another boat was coming up so we didn't have to close the gates after all.

Near Somerton the railway passes close to the canal and this sign is for the benefit of the passengers. Looks like it has been done up this year. In the past it has looked a bit tired. 

We had planned to stay at Somerton but all the usual places were taken - on we go. 

In the end we moored for the night just above Upper Heyford, right in the middle of nowhere. Having said that, we were only half a mile from the village on a popular footpath. 

Had a little walk ourselves and here's the church, unsurprisingly closed. 

Just up the road from the church, The Tchure. This is an old Oxfordshire term for alley, although some say it means sewer. Ah well, a very pretty sewer at that.

A short walk round the town and then back to the boat for a barbecue. 

And, for once, we got it just right. Sitting outside with burgers, lemon and garlic chicken legs and peppers and mushrooms. 

BBQs r Us indeed.