Best laid plans

We have a plan. First time ever but we have a plan. Motor up to Banbury, pick up a mooring in town, stock up the larder and go to Pizza Calzone for a meal out. Let's go.

We set off without wasting time with the washing up as we didn't want to miss the good weather. 

With some trepidation we approached Somerton Deep Lock - if you remember, we got stuck here on the way down. No problem this time, straight in. The captain was opening the top paddles to fill the lock and a lady from a boat coming along behind us asked her 'Where's your boat?' The captain replied 'Down there!' To which came the reply 'Gosh, that's deep!' 

Now safely in Aynho Weir Lock then on through Nell Bridge Lock and back past the Pig Place.

But it was closed. No burgers today!

All along the canal are the remains of old railway bridges, this one would have crossed the canal and the River Cherwell next to it. A bit ironic to think that the railway put paid to trade on the canal and yet, years later, the canal's still there and the railway isn't.

We pressed on past King's Sutton and in to Banbury. Yippee, we're here. 

Ten minutes later we're sailing out of Banbury. Not a single space available for us. No groceries and no meal out. 😕

We carried on another couple of miles and stopped just after Bourton Lock.

Another even longer day but feeling good. A sunny day and a sunny evening.