I thought Sunday was a day of rest!

We set off through Chisnell Lift Bridge. This bridge is now fitted with an hydraulic winding gear which makes life easier for the captain. In the old days you would have to hang on a length of chain to raise the bridge and then release it slowly without decapitating the driver.

Next, Somerton Deep Lock with its lovely cottage. No mains services, no road, just room for a small narrowboat to get you back and forth.

And why is called Deep Lock?

Well, it's deep. 

Not only that but we got stuck in the gateway and couldn't move backwards or forwards. Luckily, several people came along, leant on the gate and we managed to squeeze through. Don't know what we'll do on the way back. 

Just passed through Somerton Bridge where there are some lovely canalside cottages.

And here is a view of where we moor when we do the stop here, but not today.

A couple of miles further on at Upper Heyford this magnificent barn. 

Just round the corner is a lift bridge that the captain likes. Insert a key, press a button and... 

Hey presto, up she goes - the bridge, not the captain.

Not necessarily a place to moor, Lower Heyford, the railway station is alongside the canal.

However, the other side of the bridge is a garden full of characters and statues. Makes me smile every time.

A further 3 miles on and we stopped for the night just before Kirtlington. And, being Sunday, roast chicken today.