Day of rest? No, that's Monday!

We set off at our usual time and just around the corner we arrived at Pigeon Lock. 

Now, all the way along boaters have been telling us that the pound below Pigeon Lock is very low, keep to the middle or you'll run aground. Well, when we got to the lock we were second in line but we had to wait for about 30 minutes while C&RT men let down water to try and improve the water level below the lock.

A flattering picture of the captain getting ready to cast off.

Once we got going we went through Enslow and got a peek at the Satellite Earth Station.

You never can see much but the trees are getting taller each year.

We then came to one of our favourite sections on the Oxford Canal and that's where it is joined by the River Cherwell. It's a fairly deep, winding stretch of water and, after all the shallow bits, the boat really comes alive.

However, when we got to Shipton Weir Lock we had to queue again because the same C&RT men were letting water down to the next section.

You now see what I mean about Monday being a day of rest!

We arrived at Thrupp only to find that all the visitors moorings were full. So, empty the loo, take on water, get rid of rubbish and recycling - you know the drill by now - and turn the boat around as it's time to think of going back. 

Once again a masterclass turn.

And while the captain was filming from the front... 

My own view from the back.

We did manage to get a mooring right near the church, almost as you're leaving Thrupp. 

We decided to go for a walk so we walked back down to the winding hole, along to the pub and across country to the church.

The church was open and inside was a splendid stained glass window.

After that, back across the canal to the boat in time for supper. Our take on a chicken risotto.

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.

A day full of excitement - Saturday

We set off with the sun shining and immediately came to lift bridge 173 just before the M40 road bridge. Now the lift bridge was open, as most of them are, but the other side was a drifting canal boat that blocked the lift bridge as we went through. 

There was also a boat coming the other way but now they couldn't get through. 

We backed up and managed to get a hook onto the back to tow it and left it sitting under the motorway bridge. 

There wasn't much else we could do with it, there were no mooring ropes, no mooring pins and nowhere to tie it up. The captain phoned up C&RT to report the situation and they said that it had been reported the day before and that they would send someone out to sort it out. 

Our first lock, Grants lock, and the lock keepers cottage is still in a very sorry state.

A little further on at Twyford Wharf and all the hire boats being tidied up and turned round. We have seen a lot of hire boats around this week, business is looking up.

A view across to King's Sutton church. Regrettably, you can't get to the church from here because there isn't a bridge over the river Cherwell. You would need to stop back at the wharf and walk 1½ miles to get there. We'll do it one day but not today. 

Bit of an identity crisis at the lock itself. 

But nothing worries the captain. 

A mile on and we're at the Pig Place and it's lunchtime.

Always keep the crew happy.

Outside dining alongside the canal.

And, why's it called the Pig Place?

Obvious really.

After our brief break, on through Nell Bridge Lock. 

We are now entering a section where the River Cherwell crosses the canal and you have to keep an eye on the river level in case it's in flood.

Some piling at the side to ensure you don't get dragged into the arches of the bridge.

Then into Aynho Weir Lock, a hexagonal lock to take through enough water to service Somerton Deep Lock further on.

We stopped at Aynho Wharf to top up with fuel and then moved down to Chisnell Lift Bridge where we stopped for the night. 

We even managed to get a few hours sitting in the sun. Makes a nice change from other nights recently.

A chilly start - Friday

Brrr! A very cold start to the day.

Also, very misty. The sun soon came out and burned off the mist and, after that, the day got much better. 

We set off for Banbury, about 3 miles and 3 locks, passing under the M40 on the way. Once in Banbury we stopped in the centre of town and investigated the new Lidl store in the newly built shopping complex. We were very impressed and filled up the fridge and freezer. That should keep us going for a day or two.

We've now moved down through the lift bridge and are waiting to enter Banbury lock. 

We carried on another mile or so and stopped for the night at bridge 172, Nadkey bridge. 

When we arrived.

And later on. 

We're charging along

 Almost immediately after setting off today we came to Claydon Top Lock. 

There's a lovely house alongside this lock, such an idyllic position. 

There was a volunteer at the second lock and, fortunately, a boat coming out of the third lock. 

There's also a lock keepers cottage where the lockies keep a tally of boats going up and down the flight. 

Another boat exiting as we were approaching. I say 'we' but I was walking between the locks and the captain was doing all the driving. 

Now passing Clattercote Wharf where, supposedly, you can pick up fresh veg. and other supplies. 

We're now at the Elkington flight and the towpath has been worn away so much that they have put in new pilings and will eventually fill in the gap with mud and clay lifted out of the canal. 

We passed through Cropredy, only stopping long enough to empty the loo and take on water. This took a bit longer than expected as there was a hire boat already connected to the water tap. Not to worry, nobody was in a hurry. 

Oh, and by the way, the weather was a bit like dodgem cars today. Some clouds missed you and others hit you head on and drowned you. Luckily we were well prepared for both.

We stopped near Williamscott for the night which promised a temperature of 2℃. And we haven't stocked up on coal yet! 

And, guess what, yet another stunning sunset. 

Off to Claydon

Wednesday 11th September 

You saw the strip of sunlight last night now look at it today.

A lovely day for cruising along and the captain took the tiller. 

We had forgotten about HS2 and its impact on the canal.

It's still a mixture of rain and sun but not unpleasant. 

Unfortunately, the captain got caught out at a tricky turn through a bridge and we nudged a couple of bushes on the offside of the canal. Bit of a mess up front but no damage done. In fact, quite the opposite.

Looks like blackberry and apple crumble on the menu soon.

And, talking of menus, just around the next corner at Fenny Compton Wharf, the Wharf Inn. 

We're both wearing our Polgara sweat shirts.

Luckily for us it decided to rain quite heavily while we were eating. Of course, that's the only reason we went there in the first place!

After lunch we moved on to the top of Claydon locks and here are a couple of photos of the view from the boat.