Birthday surprises

Let's start with last night and our meal at the Kings Head.

First things first, a nice bottle of Malbec to get the evening started. 

Brigid started off with a Goat's Cheese Bruschetta, followed by Pan Fried Fillet of Seabass. 

My starter was the Spiced Lamb Koftas and Carpenters Farm 21 Day Aged 13oz Rib-Eye Steak. 

We both finished the meal off with Marmalade & Dark Chocolate Bread & Butter Pudding. 

Wow! What a feast. (Certainly made up for the meal the night before) We certainly slept well after that. 

Sunday morning and we set off towards Napton locks. Above you can see the windmill atop the hill at Napton on the Hill. Wonder how it got that name!? 

And here we are approaching the bottom lock. I was then going to add about a quick stop to empty the loo but there were three boats ahead of us waiting to enter the lock. GRRR!

There was probably a queue of ten boats in all waiting to go through. 

Anyway, our turn and in we go. The big problem with all the traffic was that some of the pounds were getting low on water and boats were getting stuck on the mud. OK if you've been there and done that but, for hirers who have only just got their craft, somewhat daunting. At one lock with a very short pound it was like moving pieces of a jigsaw to allow one boat down with three trying to get up. I had a great time. 

This is a lovely canal, the South Oxford, with views like this looking back towards Napton. 

One small concern, we found out that Timothy West was about three boats ahead of us. Now, those of you who have seen Timothy on TV will know that boating for him is a contact sport. Luckily we were also advised that his son was on board, so not to worry! 

Here’s a lovely picture of what looks like an empty field. Well, I was steering one handed, Brigid was on the towpath walking to the next lock and I didn't want to run aground while taking the photo. You'll just have to believe me when I tell you that the field is full of Water Buffaloes. Last night at the pub we could have had Napton Buffalo Farm Ice Cream - I kid you not. Anyway, they were there, honest. 

After four hours we cleared Napton top lock. We normally do it in just over two hours. Still, at least people are holidaying at home and supporting UK businesses. Just a shame they all did it today. 

Stopped for the night near Priors Hardwick at the end of a lovely sunny day. It's raining!