PETROC'S PERAMBULATIONS

Back to Clifton

2011-09-22T16:20:00.000+01:00

We turned around at Braunston and set off on our final trip of the year. The weather was kind to us, and although it was chilly and a bit windy there was no rain and there was some sunshine. The run back to Clifton, like many other stretched on the Oxford canal, has many places where you can moor on a decent bank with piling with no restrictions. We could have spent a week doing this last stretch but time is running out and Cornwall calls......well not that loudly

The first part of the trip was quiet but soon we began to see more boats and by the time we reached Hillmorton Top Lock, we were third in the queue. To conserve water they have only one of the tandem locks working, although for the life of me I cannot see how this saves water........if the same number of boats go up and down...there is obviously a rational explanation which my brain is not clever enough to work out.

By the time we went down there were 5 or 6 behind us and when we reached the bottom there were about 10 waiting to come up. This has been the busiest we have seen the canals for a while. Presumably it is because there are time restrictions on the Southern Oxford at Claydon and Napton, and even more restrictions north of Foxton on the Leicester line of the GU. Only essential boats may travel, ie if they have to get back to their home mooring.

The BW man was in attendance flitting from top to bottom lock and winding the odd paddle!

Lovely flower display on this boat

Geoff decided to have a final towpath walk from the bottom into Clifton so I meandered very gently homewards.

It must be chilly having a bath on this boat!

We were able to moor in Barrogills place as Helen and Paul are away cruising. This will make like easy for unloading.

8.8 miles, 3 locks, 4hrs 5min

Years's Total 414 miles, 333 locks

Our average speed over the summer is just over 1.6 miles per hour........beat that if you can Mr Snail

Thats's All Folks

See you next year

Pause in Braunston

2011-09-21T23:35:00.001+01:00

The pause was to have our cratch cover and pram hood repaired. We had excellent service from A J Canopies. We had taken them in yesterday about 11.30 and 24 hours later Fraser brought them back to Petroc, all finished and did some repair work with the poppers on the boat for us. Petroc is now suitably clad again and what a difference they make. We are so used to having the extra space they afford that yesterday she seemed like a strange boat........and of course it rained!!!
The layover day was extremely fortuitous as it meant we could meet up with Paul & Helen from Clifton Cruisers. Clifton is Petrocs winter home where she is wonderfully looked after by Paul, Helen, Phil and Victoria, and also Neil.
Paul and Helen were starting out on a 2 week cruise on their liveaboard boat Barrogill. They came past us early after lunch so we walked up to the Braunston Locks to give them a hand locking through.

Ben is also in attendance. It was very interesting that he ignored Barnaby completely. Normally when we get to Clifton where Ben is on his own territory he takes a rather unhealthy interest in Barnaby until he gets used to having him around again.
The first 3 locks were negotiated successfully but a faulty top paddle on lock number 4 caused a major hold up. BW eventually arrived and at least 1 1/2 hours later boats were on the move again.
In the evening we met up with Paul & Helen at the Admiral Nelson for a meal and catch up.
A good day all round but tomorrow is our last cruise of the year...so sad.....

Braunston

2011-09-20T22:09:00.004+01:00

We beat the rain today, although it was a rather dank run down to Braunston with a fairish wind blowing.
En Route we passed this which we think may have been where there was a breach earlier this year.

We also passed this sunken boat which I am sure was here several months ago when we set out in April, one wonders why it can't be removed??
If you look closely at the above picture you will see we have a boat in front of us. He appeared seemingly from nowhere and to say he is going slowly is an understatement.............there slow and slow........
Having moored up the first stop was A J Canopies. Both our cratch cover and pram hood require some minor repairs so all off and we trundled them down to their workshop. We then walked up to the Admiral Nelson for a lunch time pint (well 1/2 pint for me...) and did some gongoozling on the way. The first spots of rain came when we were just back at Petroc so it was snuggle in for an afternoon with books and crossword.
Petroc looks very bare and vulnerable without her covers either end. It also makes life much more difficult when you have to don or divest oneself of wet weather clothes to take Barney for a walk in the pouring rain.
5.88 miles, 0 locks, 2hrs 22 min

Not quite the middle of nowhere

2011-09-19T17:32:00.002+01:00

Only because there is a pub back along a bit!!!
We reached the top of Napton Locks about 10.30, a lovely gentle run to there with the rain holding off.

There is a lot of lovely open country along this stretch, Napton is in the distance to the left. Barney and I had our usual walk first thing and Geoff picked us up at one of the bridges. With 9 locks to do Geoff would get his exercise later. Some of the pounds in the locks were low, but none gave any serious trouble. We were lucky the sani station at the bottom was free so we tied up. I always feel somewhat guilty tying up here as it makes it very awkward for a boat to get into the lock but there is not an option. We then crossed over to the watering point where we had the slowest fill of the year.
When we set off from there I was just negotiating a very sharp bend, and had already had to hover for a boat coming the other way, when Geoff remembered he had left the winch handle at the sani station............ so I dropped him off and I carried on to where we were intending to moor just past the Bridge Inn..... so he had even more walking than he bargained for...Barney did not complain.!!
We moored well past the pub in what should have been a very quiet place, however a farmer was ploughing his field opposite with a huge tractor right up to the canal bank......but.what the heck this is the countryside.......
7.71 miles, 9 locks, 5 hours 18 min (includes an eternity watering!)

In the middle of nowhere

2011-09-18T17:07:00.000+01:00

We had a good meal in the Wharf Inn last night and this morning we walked into Fenny Compton Village to the church where they had their monthly Family Service. You take your life in your hands for part of this walk as some of it does not have a pavement and the cars seem to rush past at 100 miles an hour...probably a slight exaggeration but that is what it feels like when you are walking under the road tunnel........
We set off on our return to position ourselves for the run to the top of Napton tomorrow. They are still on restricted opening times of 10am-2pm.
After a brief shower as we left we were lucky. There are no locks on this stretch as we are on the 11 mile summit stretch, BUT it is very twisty and bendy. Sod's law prevailed and the only boats we met were on some of the sharpest bends. We met one hire boat who was travelling far too fast, despite Geoff having sounded the horn, and it was really quite amusing. There was a youngish girl reading in the bow quite oblivious to her surroundings when he crashed into the bank...............................that woke her up!!!!
Luckily it is not as windy today as earlier in the week.
After an hour and a half we found our spot. Just lovely views across open fields and very quiet. This is what we like about the Oxford Canal....plenty of places like this where there are good banks with Piling to tie up to. We were joined by a couple more boats later on but not too close.
We even had a good TV picture.(Satellite) We are somewhat bemused by our reception as this area went digital last week and we can get absolutely nothing on our digital aerial........
2.98 miles, 0 locks, 1hr 29 min

Fenny Compton

2011-09-17T18:13:00.000+01:00

This is the sign by the moorings above Cropredy Lock. Most of it I understand and it is very polite, however the reference to Hardwick Lock is more difficult to understand. Hardwick Lock is 4 locks back and not far from Banbury....have they made a mistake in the name of the lock or do they really want you to relocate over 2 hours away.........enlightenment welcomed.......

Anyway we departed the moorings just before 9, we had 3 locks to negotiate before we reached the Claydon Flight of 5 which are still on restricted opening times from 10am-2pm.

There was a very strange sky as we left as though it wasn't sure what it was going to bring. In the event the rain held off for a good while but arrived just as we reached the bottom of the Claydon Flight.....and boy did it arrive!! There were 3 boats ahead of us but we still made reasonable time through, we were at the top by 11.30 and then the short run to our intended destination of Fenny Compton.

By now the wind had increased and as were were on the summit was really making itself felt. Geoff had difficulty persuading Petroc to turn at one of the corners, good job nothing was coming the other way......

We passed through the tree lined narrow area which was originally two tunnels and then we were nearly there. There was plenty of room on the moorings so we moored under the trees just as the rain started again.
This afternoon there has been more rain and thunderstorms but we are snug down below...
5.7 miles, 8 locks, 4hrs 5 min

Cropredy

2011-09-16T17:15:00.001+01:00

We decided to have a lay over day yesterday as Banbury is so pleasant. needless to say it was the best weather of the week......

We waited for the shops to open for the paper this morning and then it was goodbye Banbury for this year.....it was very quiet on the moorings. We gather that due to the restricted opening times at the summit the Hire Boats are not being sent this way so that makes part of the difference.

We passed this boat a few days ago.....I cannot remember where, it looked lovely but it must be a major job to keep them all watered.
Today the weather was still kind to us although a grey start. The wind freshened but nothing drastic and later in the afternoon it was positively hot and sitting out on towpath weather.......

Passing under the busy A40

I had walked with Barney to the first lock and then Geoff took over for the next two. Barney only rode for the last stretch to Cropredy so by the time we were coming up Cropredy Lock he needed a rest!!!
We stopped at the sani station at the bottom of the lock and then had almost our pick of the moorings. We moved from our fist selection as we couldn't get a satellite signal and there is something I want to watch tonight.......the second spot was fine. Now after 5pm and the moorings have filled up somewhat.

Sitting out on the towpath was all very well but I was not so keen on the company

4.33 miles, 4 locks, 2hrs 56 min (includes watering)

Banbury

2011-09-14T22:53:00.002+01:00

We set off from our delightfully quiet and secluded mooring just before 8am. What a glorious morning it was, almost complete blue sky to start with and no one else around...we could have bee completely alone on the canal system for the first hour at least........ Barney and I walked as far as Ayno Wharf and then we swapped over and Geoff walked with him...he gets twice the walking we do, no wonder he stays so slim...pity Geoff and I don't!!

Ayno Weir Lock which is diamond shaped

There are lots of swing bridges on this stretch but all left open as they seem to be just going from one field to another. Going under one of them just before Kings Sutton Lock we grounded on the bottom, Petroc seemed to climb up and over and we thought we had damaged the rudder but an inspection when we pulled up at the lock landing indicated otherwise. We were extremely thankful as we were in the middle of nowhere and had no idea who we could have called upon for aid....we do belong to River canal Rescue, but I thought they were only engines.......must check.....

After Kings Sutton we did meet one or two boats going the other way, maybe the canal was not just ours after all.......

At Grant's Lock they seemed to be building the entire bridge, just a pity they hadn't repaired one of the top paddles. By now we had a boat ahead of us and with one paddle only it was a slow process.....

And so into Banbury again, such a lovely town to come through on the canal. Unlike some places they have embraced the canal in their building and there are plenty of places to moor. We managed to get into our preferred position just through the main part and Tom Rolt Bridge and adjacent to Spiceball Park which is great for Barney.

In the evening Tony and Di drove over and we visited a restaurant they knew in a village a couple of miles away (I can't remember the name of the village!!) and had an excellent meal.

8.32 miles, 5 locks, 4hrs 46 min

On our way again

2011-09-13T17:03:00.001+01:00

Reluctantly we decided we must press on today....it is hard to leave Thrupp as it is so pleasant. We had a convivial last evening with Bones aboard for the odd glass of wine or three........

First through the lifting bridge, thank goodness there was hardly any wind, mind you it was not quite 7am.......

We stopped to water etc. The Thrupp Canal Cruising Club certainly keep the area very presentable.

Despite the early hour Bones and Boots were up so we went over to inspect her newly acquired motor bike...the last one caught fire as it was parked next to a car which caught fire in the Thrupp car park several weeks ago. This one is extremely smart and Geoff was most impressed, he said it was much more powerful than anything he had owned in his younger days(pre Me).

Shipton upon Cherwell Church sitting alongside the canal.

Then we were off, Geoff and Barney were accompanied by Bones and Boots to the first lock and then it was farewell and onward we go.

Alongside Shipton Weir Lock are either mushrooms or toadstools for sale!!!

Between this lock and the next the river Cherwell joins the canal. Even when it leaves it keeps us company for a good few miles.

Goodbye River Cherwell

As the morning progressed so the wind increased.....the early morning stillness was obviously too good to last.......however the sun was shining and the wind was not as strong as yesterday.

Just before reaching Lower Heyford I remarked to Geoff what a pleasant day it was....I shouldn't have said that!!!!

We stopped in Lower Heyford to visit the shop for the paper and some lovely still warm bread.......we also called on Maffi who had reached here safely despite the wind yesterday. Unfortunately instead of being hard at work blacking his boat, he was waiting for the afternoon arrival of the boss. He was apparently too heavy for the hoist.......Molly was obviously overweight!!!! he hoped the boss's arrival would give the go ahead...we shall see.....

As we left the heavens opened and continued off and on for the next hour.........I was absolutely soaked. When the opportunity arose(there were swing bridges and locks to negotiate) I went below for a complete change of clothes.......I kitted myself in my long waterproof and went up top again...to glorious sunshine......

After negotiating Somerton Deep Lock, with some difficulty as the bottom gate refused to open properly, we moored in our intended destination just short of Chisell Lift Bridge. Lovely and quiet and sufficient trees around to give some shelter from the wind which was still blowing well. They are only small trees and do not seem to pose a threat if they fall.................................

So tomorrow we shall go on to Banbury...or maybe Cropredy...not sure yet......

12.08 miles, 8 locks, 6hrs 56 min (includes watering and shopping!)

Windy Thrupp

2011-09-12T12:20:00.000+01:00

A quiet gentle day yesterday after all our visitors on Saturday. We went to Church at Shipton upon Cherwell in the morning where we had a very warm welcome.
Listening to the forecast last night we did think we might move today as it did not sound as though the wind would be as bad as we had originally thought. However by this morning things were not looking so good so we decided that we would stay put another day. We thought we might be a bit wimpish but as the morning has progressed so has the wind and we definitely made the right decision.
Maffi on Milly M is not so fortunate as he has to be in Lower Heyford tomorrow as he has a slot booked to do his blacking. He was moored just behind us but facing the wrong way so he had to reverse down to the swing bridge which Geoff was standing by to open.
I was glad it was him doing it and not me as it was not an easy task.

Very difficult at the start

Going well as he approaches the bridge

Not Bad!

Almost through

Made it!

It is very difficult to convey the strength of the wind with the pictures........only belatedly have I realised I should have been videoing it........

Stride & Ride in Oxford.

2011-09-10T21:38:00.001+01:00

Last night we had a convivial evening on board Petroc with Bones & Maffi so we rose somewhat later than usual.
Our friends Iain & Christine were scheduled to do a sponsored walk today round the churches of Oxford. It was a fund raising effort to raise money for the historic churches in Oxford. Geoff decided to join them and they managed to visit 13 churches in all...Geoff said there were at least 6 more. At each one they were welcomed, had their piece of paper signed, and partook of refreshments at several of them, including a very good cream tea at one of them............

He was not very active with the camera and only managed a few photos. Apart from Stride and Ride it was Open Day in Oxford with many places open to the public which were not normally. Geoff said Christchurch was exceedingly busy.
They all arrived back at Petroc just before 4 hoping for a nice rest but they had no sooner sat down than there was a knock on the roof. It was Giles with Finley and Oscar and also Parga (chocolate Labrador) so peace was shattered. It was a lovely surprise and I went with Giles and the boys and dogs for a walk in the woods to try and tire them all out.........
We then repaired to the Boat Inn for a drink and to feed the children tea. By the time they had all departed I was shattered........I find eating in a pub with small children quite nerve racking.............we always seem to leave such a mess behind!
We have decided to finish the weekend here and it looks as though we may be stuck on Monday also if the weather forecast is at all accurate....

Back to Thrupp

2011-09-09T13:05:00.002+01:00

We left before 8 this morning with the objective of reaching Thrupp at the optimum time to find space to moor.
Bones left just after us (Maffi must have still been abed!) and we hopped swing bridges and locks at first but we were held up after a while. There is a long line of moorings just before our last swing bridge which only allows one way passage through. I had to reverse back for one boat and then pause in the middle for another. Bones on the other hand managed to get through the swing bridge on their opening so was back long before us.
Just before Thrupp there is a water point on a very sharp bend just before a bridge. A boat was watering there so that made getting past quite tricky. Then lo and behold there is another sharp turn and we had to meet a boat coming the other way....sod's law.....
We paused outside the Jolly Boatman so I could walk ahead to check on space.....tons of it, so we are nicely placed. Whether we go on or not tomorrow depends on the weather...very strong winds are forecast and it is so nice here.........
5.74 miles, 4 locks, 3hrs 26 min

Oxford

2011-09-08T22:00:00.006+01:00

Last run on the river today.......I find that very sad.....
We watered etc above Abingdon lock and had a pleasant run to Oxford.

As we got closer we wondered if we were in the right country!!

We stopped on the moorings above Osney Lock so Geoff could nip up to town to get a few things..........I suspect cigarettes were on the list!!!!!

We moored here on the way down and they are very convenient for visiting the town. The first 24 hours are free, then it is £5 a night for the next 2 nights and the £25 if you exceed that. We fee that is quite acceptable for popular moorings and wish they did that at more places on the Thames.

However once on the canals we are back to free moorings and even the opportunity to moor out in open, especially on the Oxford.

We departed after shopping as we had arranged to meet Bones and Maffi at Aristotle Bridge near the Anchor pub.....I wonder why we were mooring near a pub!!

We took our flowers and aerial off the roof to get under Osney bridge which is very low.......it was a close run thing whether we would have got under or not but decided it was better to be safe than sorry.

A few sharp turns brought us to Isis Lock the first lock on the Oxford Canal. After all the big Thames locks and the double ones on the K&A it looked titchy.........

Just a bit further on and we moored by the park before Aristotle bridge. The moorings were empty when we arrived but quite soon we were joined by Maffi and a little later by Bones. They had both been moored down the arm at the end of the canal.

Later we all had a very convivial evening in the anchor with a good meal.....although it is not the cheapest pub we have frequented this year.....
10.38 miles, 3 locks, 4hrs 28 min

Go away wind!!

2011-09-07T11:35:00.000+01:00

We had planned an earlyish start, the forecast said dry but still windy though less than yesterday....they said.......
We were hemmed in by two boats who showed no signs of life, let alone leaving. The wind was blowing us hard on so we knew it would be an interesting departure....It was managed however with the aid of our friend on the narrowboat Cat, who was behind us. He gallantly pushed us away from him as we reversed out.
Once clear it was more straightforward but still very windy. Some of the bridges on the Thames are very appealing.

Little Wittenham Bridge

We had been warned by the lock keeper at Clifton Lock to keep an eye out for David Walliams who was doing his sponsored swim from Lechlade to London. Sure enough just as we were approaching Culham Lock we saw his party of boats.

He's the one in the silver bathing hat

Needless to say we had slowed right down by this time!! he certainly hasn't chosen the best weather for his epic swim. At least there is not any rain today......just that wretched wind.

Approaching Abingdon there is this sign marking the original junction with the now derelict Wilts and Berks Canal

Just beyond that notice is this bridge which also seems to lead to the old canal.

And so to Abingdon itself. We decided to moor, if we could, before the bridge in case there was no room beyond it. With a lot of wellie we managed to squeeze in between a wide beam and a plastic job. The shore is ideal for Barney BUT the bank is very high and it takes quite an athletic leap for him to get on and off.....come to that it is no so easy for me either. However we only plan to stay one night so we shall put up with it.

After coffee time Geoff took B for a stroll up to the lock and found that there was tons of space beyond the bridge!!!!

7.61 miles, 2 locks, 2hrs 33 min

An even windier day on the Thames

2011-09-06T20:45:00.000+01:00

So we stayed put!!!!
The mooring is congenial, no time limits, plenty of space for Barney, nearby Dorchester-on-Thames has a small shop, two pubs and a post office. It also has Dorchester Abbey which we visited when we went down the Thames earlier this year. The village is about a mile away but it made a good walk in between showers this morning.
The two hotel boats moored behind us last night left about 9.30 but rather them than me in the wind........I looked up their schedule and they aim to be in Oxford on Thursday. We have been joined by 3 other boats in our field this evening.
We hope the wind will have abated a little tomorrow so we can get up to Abingdon.

Windy day on the Thames

2011-09-05T16:57:00.000+01:00

I was chivvied out of bed this morning as the forecast was for rain later and worse tomorrow and Geoff wanted to get as far as possible.
So we set off just before 8, reached Goring Lock before the lock keeper came on duty but he appeared as we were going up the lock.

Lovely and sunny as we approach Gatehampton Railway bridge.

We passed what could be a lovely house but sadly it looked as though some tlc was called for

Not a bad idea for a conservatory!

One of the nice houses on the way

Enlarge picture to see the Canada Geese bathing

Now this house just after Goring Lock looks like a residential or care home so when the time comes perhaps my family could take note! I would approve of the situation.......I've tried looking for it on google but no luck.....

We were reasonably lucky with the rain, just one or two showers but it was very windy. Late lunchtime we reached Days Lock near Dorchester and our pleasant mooring spot which we had used on the way down was free so in we went.

14 miles, 4 locks, 5hrs 25 min

Back aboard Petroc

2011-09-04T22:00:00.001+01:00

For me a successful reunion (WRAF Officers) in London where a lot of talking was done!!!! On Sunday morning a group of us attended St Clement Danes Church in London (The RAF Church)
Meanwhile back on Petroc Geoff observed 2 rescues......

A plastic job lost their umbrella

The Air Ambulance landed alongside Petroc (suspected heart attack on one of the boats)

There were also various steam boats in as they were having a rally somewhere, although he did not see a lot of action and it did not seem to be very well organised. However there were some pretty boats.

and also a serious swimmer

Geoff also had welcome visitors on Saturday as Tony and Di, very old friends dropped in to see him. They all had lunch at the Swan in Streetley which is in a beautiful setting, ideal to watch all the river activity as you sit on their patio. It is however somewhat expensive and they had to send Di's salad back as the lettuce was full of grit!!!!

We rounded off the weekend when I returned with a BBQ at Giles and Susannah's, our last meet with them and the grandchildren for a while.........

We drove ourselves back to Beale Park, leaving the car for Giles to collect tomorrow morning. Unfortunately both the gates to the car park were locked so we had to leave it someway down the river giving us a 40 minute walk back to Petroc across the fields and along the river bank!!!! We made it just as it became really dark......we had forgotten to take a torch!!!!!

Mother & Daughter day

2011-09-02T22:25:00.002+01:00

We had collected our car from Giles on Thursday and parked it conveniently in the Beale Park car park...I had arranged with them that it was OK to leave it overnight for a few nights. So this morning Geoff drove me to Pangbourne to catch the train to London. En route we passed the Reading festival site where the clear up was still going on...........looks like it will take several weeks...........
Emma and I then proceeded to have a real girlie day....Pedicure, manicure, hair cut, sitting out on her tiny terrace in wonderful sunshine drinking cider, followed by supper in one of her local pubs.......Oh nearly forgot the bath......when us boaties visit houses we just have to avail ourselves of facilities we don't have!!
Meanwhile back at the ranch.............Geoff had completed all his tasks for the day, loo cassette emptying at Giles (facility at Mapledurham out of action due to vandalism), dog walking etc and had just settled down for a well earned siesta when they came a knock on the roof.......
Our cosy little mooring was required for the weekend as they are having a steam boat meet of some sort. Someone was going around putting up reserved mooring signs......so Geoff had to move...not a happy bear......luckily he has found a space albeit not as nice and not as easy to get on and off. he had to resort to the gang plank initially and Barney was not impressed.....however the satellite TV still works so all is not lost...........and maybe the rally or whatever it is will be interesting......

Beale Park

2011-09-01T18:56:00.000+01:00

I was extremely sad to leave our delightful mooring at Pangbourne this morning, it had everything going for it, pleasant surroundings, passing interest(but not too much) walk to the shops, good walks for Barney, railway station, all in all a delightful place for me to leave Geoffrey for a couple of days whilst I swan off to London for a reunion. The fly in the ointment is that it is 24 hours only and it has been known for people to be moved on. C'est la vie.......
So we up pinned and went through Whitchurch Lock

Whitchurch Bridge ahead. This is the toll bridge that Giles et al have to use to get into Pangbourne from where they live. There is a planned closure of this bridge from October 2012 to April 2013 for reconstruction so that will make things inconvenient for some. Apparently they will be a temporary bridge for pedestrians.

We were alone in Whitchurch Lock and the lock keeper whilst perfectly polite was not very chatty.........

A very gentle amble as far as Beale Park where we had to look carefully for the best mooring place as there were several wasp nests around. Anyway we seem to be snuggled in nicely.

I have spent the afternoon on Gillyma duties (granny) trying to entertain a nearly 3 year old and almost 11 month old whilst Susannah did a massive bake for an order she has to take to London tomorrow.......she is incredibly artistic and makes these wonderfully decorated cup cakes and other cakes also..........

I have now returned to Petroc for a medicinal glass of Pimms........I don't know how we ever coped with 3 small children.....

Just after my return this huge Dutch barge came up river. They had been moored right behind us last night in Pangbourne and we did comment that we hoped he didn't break free of his moorings.
2.23 miles, 1 lock, 1hr 11 min

Pangbourne

2011-08-31T19:30:00.001+01:00

We have turned in the homeward direction which is very sad...however we have a few weeks left.

As we left our mooring in Christchurch Meadows there was plenty of activity on the water. The fences in the background are round the Reading Festival site. I saw the site from the train on Monday still with what seemed like thousands of tents and a huge amount of rubbish.

The right bank was more pleasing with the lovely gardens in the grounds of this church

......and the lovely thatched boathouse which now looks as though some tlc is required

Meanwhile the fencing along the left bank seemed to go on for ever, I wonder how long it will take them to clear it all up. Eventually we came to the temporary bridge which is erected to allow access to yet more camping area on the other bank..

Despite our initial fears about going into Reading whilst the festival was on, we have not had a problem. Our mooring by the prison was well away and surprisingly quiet, although we could hear the music in the distance.

The only evidence I saw was when I went to the station on Monday to catch my train to Goring and although it was maxed out there did not seem to be any trouble.......

....and so to Mapledurham lock where we needed to use the sani station. This is the huge weir to the side of the lock.

Alone in a huge lock

We were able to water and get rid of the rubbish but the Elsan facility had been vandalised....apparently someone had taken all the stainless steel........the next sani station is not until Days Lock which will be next week so we have to resort to taking the cassettes to Giles. We are planning to stay at Beale Park for a few days whilst I go down to London for a reunion.

Just a short hop to Pangbourne now and there were several spaces and we managed to get an ideal spot at the far end (Southern end).

At tea time Giles brought all the children down and they had their picnic supper in the field (whilst we had a glass of wine!) followed by an hour on the swings and then they went home and we went back to Petroc for a peaceful supper on Petroc.

Sunset over Pangbourne

6.07 miles, 1 lock, 2hrs 29 min

Still moored in Reading, but escaped from the gaol!

2011-08-30T17:11:00.000+01:00

We have not gone far!!! Set off in company with another boat so we could actually share the last lock on the K&A.

A very low bridge

Just after the bridge we passed these vacant pontoons, and wonder if anyone ever uses them.

If you enlarge the picture you will see who they are for.

Further along the swans make good use of a shopping trolley

So Goodbye K&A

and looking back

This first stretch of the K&A is not tremendously inviting, but there are some beautiful places along the way to Bath. This time we did not venture down as far as Bristol as we had done that 3 years before.

We had trouble finding a mooring at Tesco's but managed to wedge ourselves three quarters in, and after I had done some of the shopping the boat in front obligingly left so we were able to get completely alongside.

Whilst shopping I received a phone call from Giles to say he was en route with some of his home grown runner beans and some of Susannah's cup cakes...........they were just in time for coffee.....very nice.....

We then moved upstream slightly to BetterBoats to refuel. They had a big notice saying you could self declare so it looked promising. We had to hang back a little as two other boats had been refuelling also, The price was 99p + tax which is the highest this year. The lowest was 82p

On through Caversham lock and despite my pleas to carry on to Maple Durham I was over-ruled....again......and we are moored by Reading Bridge......will we ever depart from Reading......

1.75 miles, 2 locks, 3 3/4 hours (includes shopping!)

Still Moored by Reading Gaol

2011-08-29T20:57:00.000+01:00

Despite the fair weather this morning I was unable to persuade Geoffey to move downstream, so I decided to take myself off to see the grandchildren.
They are only 2 stops away on the train so I duly headed for the station.....almost a disaster.......Reading Festival ended yesterday and seemed like a million people were queuing at the ticket office to purchase tickets. I nearly called Giles to say come and fetch me but decided to try my luck. Sometimes one just has to be a helpless female, especially an aging one!!!! There were numerous officials trying to marshal the crowds and I approached a likely looking one who proved most helpful. When I explained that I had a train to catch in 10 minutes and could I buy my ticket on the train(to which the answer was no) he decided that I could be let through the barrier and to travel free!!! I must have looked really decrepit...........
Giles and I then took 2 6 year old girls, 1 extremely hyper, almost 3 year old and little Oscar at 11 months almost walking, to Beale Park...needless to say I am exhausted this evening.

Oscar

Tomorrow we move, Geoffrey has promised....but upstream in the homeward direction.......

Goodbye Boe

2011-08-28T20:14:00.001+01:00

Up at 5.15 to catch the 0615 rail/air link bus to Heathrow to see Boe off. The station had a fair number of reading Festival departees and all waiting outside as the station had had a power failure and was shut........luckily it did not affect my bus.....and opened soon afterwards anyway.
She departed safely after removing a couple of things from her hold baggage to down to her weight allowance.
Meanwhile the engineer had duly arrived and had Petroc up and running electrically again within 45 minutes...easy when you know how........mind you at a price!!!!!
Lunch time Maggie arrived and we all enjoyed a leisurely Sunday Lunch in a comfortable pub close by which was away from the main crowds. A lot of chat went on between the two of us for the rest of the afternoon, whilst Geoff was happily ensconced with his TV.
We have already heard that Boe arrived safely, and I have even had a request for a test email. She seems to have a problem with everything coming through to her in Russian at the moment......no doubt she will get it sorted in time. She has decided to do a blog of her time there and it can be found at www.wodkaboe.blogspot.com

...and so back to Reading

2011-08-27T19:44:00.002+01:00

We set off at the respectable hour of 0745 for the journey back to Reading. Part way along we realised one of the battery warning lights was on, this coupled with our misgivings about the battery state monitor boded ill.....
We realised that there was every chance that our batteries were not charging at all so a phone call to RCR was called for. Told them the problem and they promised to have an engineer alerted for our arrival in Reading.

Tree lined canal and up ahead the busy M4...guess who is in the best place

We did find company for the last two locks. The lock pontoon for the last lock is right under the bridge and there is a fairly strong stream flowing so docking is not helped when there is a fisherman plonked right in the middle who was none too keen to move!!

Anyway all eventually negotiated and we had the run through the Oracle centre again

A very low bridge at the far end

Not far to go now as we wanted to moor in the loop by Reading Jail. Luckily there was only one other boat there so we had our pick of places. There was no sign of the Reading Festival crowds here so it was a good spot for the weekend.

Another call to RCR to tell them where we were moored and we had an engineer there within a couple of hours. It only too him a few minutes to diagnose a faulty alternator....grrrrh......

He said he could be back with a replacement at 7.30 Sunday morning. In the meantime we had to use minimal electricity so the fridge was turned off, and everything non essential. The worst part was that I could not have the shower and hair wash that I had intended to have ready for a very early departure by bus on Sunday to say goodbye to Boe who was departing for her new job in Moscow..........

6.06 mils, 6 locks, 3hrs 4 min

Theale

2011-08-26T22:52:00.026+01:00

Friday dawned wet and nasty so at first we decided to stay put for the day. However after I had braved the rain to collect a paper etc, during the course of which I was completely drenched by a man in a white van who drove far too fast through a huge puddle, it showed signs of improvement so we changed our minds and set off about 10am. I should add that said white van was stopped by the level crossing barriers just after this incident which enabled me to catch him up and have a few words with him......he was not impressed......but then neither was I!!!
First thing was to tackle the exit from Woolhampton lock and get through the swing bridge. The exit from the lock was accomplished with no real problem, but it was still flowing fast through the swing bridge and the pick up of Geoffrey was slightly more problematical....however with a fair bit of wellie and reversing it was eventually accomplished.....
The rest of the run was uneventful and the weather improved and we found a mooring at Theale. Good moorings with rings and no one there.

Yet another lock with leaky top gates.....all that water wasted!!!

En route we had passed fellow bloggers Sue & Vic on No Problem, there was no room to moor in Tyle Meadow where they were or we might have stopped for a chat.
By this time also Geoff was getting concerned because out battery state monitor did not seem to be functioning properly.....was it just the monitor or was the battery not charging????? We had just had the engine serviced so couldn't believe anything was seriously wrong. Decided to watch the state of affairs overnight.
5.93 miles, 6 locks, 3 hours 48 min

Woolhampton

2011-08-25T17:08:00.000+01:00

After a very cosy night in Newbury Marina we were quite sorry to leave. The yard was so well kept, we had water and electricity on tap, spotlessly clean toilets, and all for £10 for the night. They were also very helpful and can thoroughly recommend the place to all you other boaters out there. The Newbury Marina I am talking about is just before Hamm Lock, not to be confused with either of the other two sites. I am sure they are fine but we don't have first hand knowledge of them.
No photos today...too much rain......
We thought the rain had gone through and were all ready to leave just before 8am, however as we leave the marina it started again and stayed with us on and off nearly all the way to Woolhampton. No-one to share the locks with until the very last lock. But wonder of wonders, all the visitor moorings were free so we could choose our spot. By now the sun had been shining for almost an hour so life was definitely on the up.
Gentle afternoon, I took the opportunity to observe a boat going down the lock to try and assess how strong the flow is as it is a tricky exit with swing bridge soon afterwards. The exit seemed OK although there is a strongish flow, the more exciting bit is turning through the swing bridge and then picking ones crew up.........we shall see how we fare tomorrow.
5.53miles, 7 locks 3hrs 47min

Not far from Newbury

2011-08-24T21:10:00.000+01:00

Tuesday was the promised rainy day so we stayed put, although it was not the deluge that was forecast.
Today we set off bright and early as we had to be at Newbury Boat Services for our engine service by 0830.

Needless to say no one else was on the move at 0650!!!! The exit from Newbury lock can be exciting when there is a strong flow but despite the rain yesterday it was all very tame.

Looking back at the bridge and lock

The bottom moorings where we had stopped on the way up were completely empty(Look closely and see Geoff and Barney striding away in the distance.

Somebody is up, look closely at the stern.

On through one more lock and we were soon at our destination. Derek was there to meet us, despite the fact we were far too early, and to direct us to moor alongside his rather nice looking Dutch barge.

The plan was to have the service done and move on down to Thatcham late morning. However the service took a little longer than we thought and we discovered we could have a temporary mooring for the night for just £10 so staying over seemed quite attractive. We had all facilities and even hooked up to electricity, first time since leaving Clifton in April.

The boatyard is immaculately kept and we had a very thorough service done at a most reasonable price.

Unfortunately we may have used up the good weather as it was a brilliant day, too hot to sit out in the afternoon, and the forecast for tomorrow is for the rain to come back......so it may be a mac and wellie job tomorrow.

1.08miles, 2 locks, 1 hr

Newbury

2011-08-22T18:56:00.009+01:00

Set off earlyish when it was chilly and still a little misty. Down through Hungerford Lock and watered. The watering point is very convenient for Tesco's so did a short trip there.
The day improved steadily and even almost too hot for me........

Such a pretty approach to Kintbury

We dropped off the rubbish in Kintbury as they have removed this facility in Hungerford. We flirted with the idea of stopping as there was plenty of space but we felt we had come such a short distance and we were progressing well.
The horse drawn boat was waiting at the bottom of the lock with it's horse patiently waiting whilst they took on passengers

After a few locks we realised someone was ahead of us as we were having to fill all the locks and when we caught up with them we realised it was our friends with the two cats on leads together with the boat they are travelling with. We also discovered why they were going so slowly...they were following a Bruce Trust widebeam that was crawling along. What should have been a nicely timed lunch time arrival at Newbury was more like a 2pm arrival, very late lunch. However it was a lovely day, the countryside looked good and what the heck....whose in a hurry.
There was just space at the top of the lock so we decided to stay there rather than take a chance on a space being available down in the centre where we had moored on the way down.
The forecast for tomorrow is not good so will stay here. We have booked Petroc in for an engine service at Newbury Boat Services first thing Wednesday morning.
Then we have some decisions to make. Boe departs from Heathrow for her new teaching post in Moscow on Sunday morning and I want to go and see her off so the ideal place is Reading which we can make easily by then, however we have just discovered it is Reading Festival this weekend so that has cast some doubt on the advisability of mooring in Reading.......still thinking about it......
8.67miles, 11 locks, 6hrs 27min

Weekend in Hungerford.

2011-08-21T18:34:00.000+01:00

Visitors this weekend. Daughter Boe has just accepted a 10 month teaching post at the English Nursery School in Moscow and is leaving next Sunday.........so she decided to come and say goodbye and stay Saturday night. needless to say we had to kill the fatted calf and what was going to be a one course healthy supper turned into a 3 course, not quite so healthy!!!! Depending on her flight time I hope to be able to nip down on the train and say goodbye to her again next Sunday.

There are good walks around here, over the canal to the River Dunn which is full of brown trout

Sunday morning all 3 of us went to St Lawrences Church, which is conveniently almost alongside our mooring, where we had a very uplifting service and a very outgoing rector who preached his sermon standing in the aisle with no notes...such a gift......
Shorthly after our return our other visitors Geoff and Gill Smith and Ronnie Dunn arrived. Later we had an excellent lunch in the Downgate Pub. We had sussed out a couple of pubs on Saturday (when we got caught in unexpected heavy and prolonged rain) but decided on this one as the prices were very reasonable and the pub seemed to be very aircraft minded. One room had hundreds of model aeroplanes hanging from the ceiling and there were lots of aeroplane pictures. However when we asked the landlord if he was ex air force the answer was a negative....he just liked aeroplanes!!!!

Tow boat cats who will not be allowed to stray......I am not a cat person but these two are certainly lovely specimens but it does seem strange to see cats on a lead. Barney was not at all interested in them........

........even when one decided to take a closer look at Petroc

Hungerford

2011-08-19T18:43:00.000+01:00

Early start today as we wanted to reach Hungerford. We were off at 0715 with Emma still in bed!! Geoff had positioned her car down at Great Bedwyn to collect en route.
Crofton Visitor Centre with the nice coffee shop is set to open again today after their water problem.

There was quite a thick mist, if you enlarge the photo and look closely the chimney at Crofton is just visible.

Looking ahead I was not able to see the progress of the lock filling as normal. Most of these locks have to be left empty whichever way you are going so we were prepared to have to fill each one today.
By the time we reached the 2nd lock Emma was up and helping.

It was a very chilly morning in the mist so she had to borrow warm clothes and boots from me!!
At Great Bedwyn the watering point was full with one of the Bruce Trust boats so we had to wait a while.
Eventually all was completed and after a visit to the local store and Emma had herself ready to depart (make-up takes forever!) and we were on our way again by 0945.
At the first lock we met another boat which was very handy as he said he was going all the way to Newbury. he was single handing but very agile getting on and off his boat so it was a big help. At the second lock we came up behind a single boat so we thought we had lost our companion but for some reason he elected to stay as a pair with us.....great.....
By now the sun was in full spate and warm clothes stripped off and it was a pleasant run to Hungerford where we found the moorings just after the swing bridge were completely empty. We had our pick of places so were able to position ourselves for a satellite signal for the TV.........
6.42 miles, 13 locks, 6hrs 37min

Still at Crofton

2011-08-18T15:23:00.003+01:00

Well we needed a couple of days off after the Monday enforced marathon. Today was definitely not a moving day as it has absolutely poured with rain......easing off now as we await arrival of Emma for 2 nights. Onward to Hungerford tomorrow with the promise of better weather.

Monday night sky over Crofton, heralding a good day on Wednesday

We have heard that the Oxford canal is very short of water and lots of restrictions in place so are now hedging our bets on our route back to Rugby. Apparently the GU is not nearly as affected or as busy....... we shall see....

Crofton

2011-08-16T15:07:00.000+01:00

The intention was for an early start, about 8 we thought, but one of the boats in front was even keener than us so when we saw him setting off just after 7.30, we followed and agreed to share locks. Only 3 locks to climb to the summit and then a short run to Savernake tunnel on the summit and soon we were at the top of the Crofton Flight to begin our descent which will eventually take us all the way back to Reading. Good team work going with the two boats which make the journey a little quicker. There was also a lot more water than on our way down so life was also a lot pleasanter. The weather was somewhat dull however and a bit nippy......maybe summer has gone as my Daily Telegraph informed me yesterday!!
When we reached the 3rd lock in the flight (Lock 57) this was the sight as we descended.

The pound above was overfull and the lock overflowing and needless to say it took an age to empty. At first we thought that someone had come through and not emptied the lock after use as requested so water was being held back, but after a while we realised that the bottom paddles would not stay up so it was more likely a fault. (Duly reported to BW)

Eventually the water was down and you can see what must be 4 deliberate drain holes for excess water from above, hence the reason for the bottom paddles to be left open.......I think that is the reasoning.......
No problems with the last two locks and wonder of wonders the moorings are almost empty so we had our pick of places and we were tied up in time for late morning coffee.....
Sadly Crofton Pumping Station Visitor Centre is closed as they have had contamination of the fresh water supply so we were not able to up there for coffee with their delicious home made cakes.....
4.12 miles, 9 locks, 2hrs 34 min

We didn't mean to go to sea

2011-08-15T19:00:00.000+01:00

Well that is what the day felt like!

Set off at 0745 to complete the last three locks of the Devizes flight, with the intention of using the sani station on Devizes Wharf, a small shop and onwards to moor at the very nice moorings we had seen at All Cannings on our way down. The sun was shining and it showed promise of a good day.

DO NOT MAKE PLANS!

The locks were accomplished with no problem. We have found coming up relatively easy when we are on our own in these locks. Geoff is very careful to open the paddles gradually and there have been no major bumps I am glad to say.

The water point was occupied so we tied up opposite whilst I went shopping. Eventually watered, very slowly, by which time there was someone waiting to take our place. Set off for what should have been about an hours run to All Cannings. This was the first disappointment of the day as the moorings were completely full with no sign of anyone moving..............so onward........

It was lunchtime by now and our usual time for stopping. We tried a couple of places along the banks with no success so it was lunch on the go.

Clearing has been done in a lot of places along the canal but there are still a few passages where the reeds are gradually taking over and it is definitely one way traffic.

We eventually reached Pewsey where we did not have high hopes but to our surprise a boat pulled out of a mooring just ahead of us so we thought our luck was in. We managed to get the bows in only but we were satisfied with that until Geoff discovered a wasps nest just near the bows........so back off and onward again!!!!

Boat of the day

A few more rough bank moorings were attempted but the vibes were not right. We were resigned to continuing to Wooton Rivers so prepared to do another couple of locks. As we approached the bottom lock there we saw a boat entering the lock which was good news we thought as we could share. As we got closer we saw there was already a boat in the lock so hopes dashed again. Only one paddle was working so a longish wait for our turn. Above the lock there are visitor moorings and there was one space, albeit not quite long enough. However Geoff moved a deserted boat back one mooring ring and we managed to squeeze in. By this time we had been on the go for 9 hours so we just wanted to stop....... (no siesta for Geoff today!!)

En route I went to put the roast chicken in the oven only to discover that despite being within the sell by date that it was off....second big disappointment of the day.....

The 3^rd and final disappointment was no TV either from normal or sat aerial and I had wanted to watch New Tricks............

However one must always look on the plus side.....the clouds had steadily built up over the course of the afternoon and we felt the first drops of rain as we came up the lock. We managed to be moored up and with the pram cover up before the worst descended.

15.64 miles, 9 hours, 4 locks

Weekend below Devizes

2011-08-14T17:08:00.002+01:00

When we went to look in the basin on Saturday morning it was full and no room anywhere so we decided to stay put. The moorings here say they are pub moorings (Black Horse) for 24 hours so I went to have a word with the Landlord and explained we would like to book for Sunday Lunch and stay a little longer on the moorings if that was OK.........he said they weren't pub moorings but BW's..............so we decided to take a chance and have not been disturbed or asked to move on. On Saturday evening we were the only boat here.
Anne & Keith left after coffee on Saturday having taken me to do a shop first.
We are moored right at the end away from the main pub seating so it has been very congenial. Good for Barney to sit out, although we do have to keep a weather eye out that he does not decide to have a wander among the tables doing a scrounge! Plenty of good walking here...Today the weather improved. We found St Peters Church this morning, very High Church with lots of incence and then Sunday lunch at the pub. There were a few more boat movements today but we have been surprised at how quiet it is.
Onward again tomorrow.

Caen Flight

2011-08-12T19:00:00.035+01:00

Thursday was a miserable rainy day and I was so glad I had decided to do my painting on Wednesday.
Luckily by the time Anne & Keith arrived later in the afternoon it had cleared up and we had a reasonable evening. They were to be our willing crew for the trip back up the Caen Flight.
It was an early start as we had the 5 locks at Seend to negotiate before commencing the 29 of the flight!! Keith helped with these and then went and collected their car from the pub at Seend Cleeve and positioned it at the bottom of the 16 locks of the main flight and walked back to meet us.
By the time he was back with us we were still travelling alone, no sign of any other boats.
Just before Foxhangers Wharf they are building a new Marina...

When we reached Foxhangers Wharf we were still alone but spied a boat behind and our hopes were raised, then a second one appeared, hopes dashed, then a third one, hopes raised again................but it transpired that they were travelling as a threesome, one long and two short. So we continued on our solitary journey and were very glad we had our extra crew.

Flight of 16 ahead of us

After 2 locks we saw there was someone 3 locks ahead so Geoff went up to speak to them and there were very pleased to wait for us as they had been wanting company also.

Thereafter it was so much more pleasant. Our companion was a lady called Jamie a singlehander on NB Flags but she had 2 extra crew as well so we then speeded up.

Most of the locks we could do in Tandem apart from the one where it warns you that the entrance is narrower than normal.

Click the link below to see us in action!

synchronised locking

We only met two boats coming down which involved one occasion of a soft shoe shuffle. Unlike when we descended the flight and had this situation this was preplanned and went like clockwork!

We decided to call it quits when we reached the Black Horse pub, 3 locks from the top. It was 1pm and time for a pint....so the fellows said!
A quiet afternoon followed, 3 of us were able to sit out for a while (1 was siestering...guess who?) and later after drinks on board we had dinner in the pub.
4.31 miles, 31 locks, 5hrs 59 minutes

Seend Cleeve

2011-08-10T17:43:00.064+01:00

We made the great discovery today that our camera which we dropped in the water several weeks ago (and since replaced) is fully functional again. It has been residing in the airing cupboard all these weeks. We are now hoping that Geoff's phone which is the current occupant of the airing cupboard will also recover. It was sod's law that meant it was in his pocket when he fell in the canal last Monday. He very rarely carries it but because he was walking the previous stretch, which had been very shallow when we traversed it previously, he made the sensible decision to take it with him!!!!
We left our extremely pleasant mooring soon after 8 this morning. The only slight drawback to the mooring was the ledge which meant we were living at a slight angle all the time.

Boat of the day(enlarge to see the detail)

I liked this one too

Not far to the first lock at Bradford-upon-Avon.

The approaches to some locks are quite forbidding

and gloomy when you get in

but half way up the world begins to emerge again

and lo and behold a pretty scene awaits.

We stopped to top up with water, the elsan disposal out of action again. Whilst watering I nipped to Sainsburys for a couple of items and came back with about ten times as much!!

We stopped for fuel at 'The Boatyard` a small marina just west of Hilperton Marina as we had noticed their price of 82p per litre went we went by previously. Good price and declare our own split. Whilst locking the petrol cap Geoff managed to drop the widget that opens and closes it in the water!!!! However with the aid of our strong magnet he managed to find it.

That is two articles which rarely see the light of day proving useful in the space of a week, the first being the boarding ladder to retrieve Geoff from the canal!

Soon after leaving the marina is this sign

Now we do always slow down for moored craft, BUT if we were to go past every moored boat on this canal at our preferred slow speed, we would be here until Christmas! In places there are extremely long stretches of moored boats. Some like the two shown above today are in good nick but there are also a lot of extremely tatty looking ones. One thing we have noticed this year is that a larger proportion are showing in date licences. Still room for improvement.

The stretch of the canal from Devizes to Bath is part of the National Cycle network which means there are quite large numbers passing by each day. Sadly they are not all considerate riders. Some of them seem to think the towpath is there for them alone and ride at breakneck speed with no thank you when you stand aside to let them pass.........Grrrrrh! The minority also appear to have bells to warn you of their arrival from behind but I gather it is not law to have a bell.........why not????

Enough grousing for now, we found our mooring spot below Seend bottom lock was free and it is ideal. The day was still fine and after lunch I roused myself to paint the port side of the gunnels which had a large number of scratches down it. (Geoff siestered but he is still recovering from the shock of falling in!)

7.6 miles, 3 locks, 4hrs 40 min

Bradford upon Avon...nearly

2011-08-09T19:01:00.000+01:00

Off at 8.30 this morning, Geoff taking great care as he untied the ropes. I had thought we would be having a lay over day but Geoff said his shoulder was not as bad as he had feared and he had managed a reasonable nights sleep.......

Goodbye Dundas Wharf

The was a little more water on this stretch than we we came down, albeit still a lowish level. The sun was shining but we didn't see much of it as this is a very tree lined stretch....great if it is a boiling hot day.......

Bicycles in trees today

It is still a pretty stretch with the hills in the distance.

Avoncliffe Aqueduct

We were unsure about how far we would go and I had resigned myself to a longish day as Geoff seemed to have developed a touch of 'getonitis', however when we reached the swing bridge about 3/4 mile before Bradford there seemed to be a congenial mooring spot with lovely wide grass area alongside. When Geoff suggested we stop I agreed with alacrity......
After coffee we walked into Bradford, lovely walks along here, parkland and along the nearby River Avon.
A visit to Sainsbury's with my wheelie trolley has stocked us up for a few more days. The shopping was rounded off with a visit to the pub for a refreshing drink before the walk back.

Gentle afternoon in the sun (Geoff busy siestering!)

Later Geoff walked back to the Avoncliffe Aqueduct(with his faithful friend of course) and discovered the delightful Cross Guns pub.

One of our better moorings on this canal and I would be happy to stay a while but I don't expect I shall be allowed to....... there are no mooring restriction times here.
3.31 miles, 0 locks, 1hr 28 minutes

Ups and Downs to Dundas Wharf

2011-08-08T18:11:00.000+01:00

the first 'UP' was heading up towards the top of the locks to the turning point to begin our journey back along the K&A.

Geoff and Barney walked leaving me to turn just before Bath Narrowboats, it was up because the weather looked good and the sun was trying to shine

.The turn was successfully negotiated and the return trip began
The first 'Down `was that it then started to rain and became quite heavy. I pulled in briefly to close the hatch and don a waterproof and also to give Geoff his waterproof as he was still walking. Sadly Barney has to take his chances!
Geoff got on after the first swing bridge and shortly afterwards we had an 'UP' as the rain cleared and the sun shone so we were able to enjoy this pretty stretch with the hills around us.
There are still lots of moored boats along this stretch so the going was slow at times (another 'DOWN) but the 'UP was that there was a little more water than when we did the journey last week.
We reached Dundas Wharf and there was space for us on the waterpoint, another 'UP, but as soon as we had moored up a hire boat came along also wanting water, so we invited him to moor alongside temporarily as there is not much space to wait. When we had finished he said they had only taken the boat yesterday so would not need much water and suggested we waited whilst they watered rather than manoeuvring ourselves out. Thinking it would be a 5 min job we agreed....what a mistake...it took forever, I don't think the hire company could have filled them up, either that or all 4 of them had had extremely long showers!!
The final 'Down' occurred when they had left and we were departing. I was on the tiller and had cast off the stern line, Geoff went to cast off the bowline and slipped on the muddy path (torrential rain last night for several hours) and into the canal.

The canal may not be very deep as you can see but getting out is the problem. However our boarding ladder came into its own. We had purchased it last year after Geoff fell in the tidal Trent as we tried to help a boat who was aground. He had the same problem then but luckily the other boat had a boarding ladder..........
he looks reasonably cheerful here but has several cuts on his legs and has hurt his shoulder so we may have to have a layover day tomorrow........
4.48 miles, 0 locks, 2hr 59 min

Weekend in Bath

2011-08-07T19:21:00.007+01:00

A most enjoyable weekend in Bath. Friends Rosi & John arrived on Thursday, staying downtown in Bath.

They came to supper on board on Thursday, Friday Rosi & I did the town We did it very gently with stops for coffee, lunch and afternoon tea....very decadent...... In the evening we all went for dinner. Saturday they had a Ruby wedding to attend so we did our own thing. The horseshoe shaped weir which is so distinctive was only made that shape as far as I can make out in 1972 as part of the flood defences for Bath. It might explain why I do not remember it from over 50 years ago when I was attending college in Bath!!!! (1959/60)

The famous crescent

Poultney Bridge

Geoff did a guided walking tour of Bath and after we had lunch in a delightful Greek restaurant called OPA that Rosi and I had found the previous day, I went on a sort of busman's holiday. I took a 1hr trip up the river to Bathampton on one of the tourist boats...

Bridge at Bathampton

Poultney Bridge from the rear

On the trip back you get to see the not so familiar side of Poultney Bridge, and not so splendid.

Today we all went for lunch to the Bathwick Boatman which is on the stretch of the Avon I had passed on my boat trip. It is not a stretch you can visit from the canal so I felt justified in making the trip.

A quiet evening followed after John & Rosi's departure. The moorings here are quite delightful. Good for Barney and away from the crowds down in the town. It is a 15 min walk up from town, or in my case a 5 min bus ride!!!! The moorings below the locks are not at all suitable for Barnaby, a high wall and railings all along and as far as I know they charge, however as you can see from the picture they seem very popular.

Tomorrow is turning round day to begin retracing our trip along the K&A and back to the Thames.

And so to Bath

2011-08-04T14:04:00.000+01:00

Set off in the pouring rain this morning, water still shallow but we were not grounding as yesterday. We passed interminable lines of boats again, and it was interesting when a boat came the other way. We were just relieved that none of the boats coming against us were wide beams. There are quite a few along this canal.
We did pass several interesting boats again......

I am not sure which of these three boats is our 'hit' of the day!

We also saw our third kingfisher of the year, in fact this one kept us company for a while

The moorings where we are are 72 hours so we shall avail ourselves of that time as we have friends Rosi & John Lillis arriving in Bath today to visit with us. They also have an anniversary party to attend on Saturday.

4.35 miles, 0 locks, 2hrs 12 min

Shallow trip to Dundas Wharf

2011-08-03T17:46:00.000+01:00

Last night's white van did the trick and when we left early this morning all was well at the Elsan disposal, much to Geoff's delight!

Although we went down alone in Bradford lock it was very gentle, but the trouble started as we left the lock. nasty noises coming from the engine made me (and Geoff, who was on the shore) think we had picked up something round the prop. There is not much room to stop here so we had to tie up on the lock landing outside the cafe whilst we (Geoff) investigated. Normally he moans when I suggest we may have picked up something but he had heard the noise also. However on his investigation nothing was found, and by this time a boat had arrived to go up and needed to moor.....so we hastily shut everything up and set off again...none too happily. After a while we concluded that the problem had been very shallow water.......and the water continued like this all the way. We passed several boats coming in the other direction, sometimes with great difficulty, who all told us it was no better ahead. We also passed long lines of permanent boats and some interesting ones.

Mary, Mary how does your garden grow

I don't think they are silver bells and cockle shells!

Garden Shed???

If it hadn't been for the shallow water it would have been extremely pleasant, the countryside around is delightful and all the hills can now be seen.

As we rounded the last tight bend towards Dundas Basin there was one space at the end of the 48 hour moorings, our lucky day. We managed to get the bows in but not the stern. The water is still well down.

We are moored at the far end of the Dundas Aqueduct

Geoff and Barney took a stroll to the end of Brassknocker quay. If you look at the picture you can see there are narrowboats of our size up there but the turning room is very small so we did not venture.

Brassknocker Quay

Later on when Barney and I took a stroll I wondered what all the crowd were interested in.

It turned out to be this....Steam train pulling the UK version of the Venice-Orient Express. Passengers on this train would be enjoying a 5 course lunch with champagne..........at a price. I quite fancy a trip...........

Moored ahead of us is a narrowboat cafe selling drinks etc and Cornish Ice Cream!!! So many people went past the boat with their cones that I was forced to go and buy one. Needless to say Barney accompanied me and he lucked in, as he was given a free one of his own!!!! It was a slightly smaller version of mine and disappeared in a flash............and then he sat eyeing mine....No luck there..... Geoff was asleep having his siesta during all this......

4.18 miles, 1 lock, 2hrs 48 min

Bradford-upon-Avon

2011-08-02T20:00:00.049+01:00

A peaceful 2 days on our mooring......I am managing to do such a pot of reading.....bliss. In between the bouts of idleness on Monday we took a stroll into Bradford and noted that at 10.30am several boats had moved leaving plenty of space both above and below the lock.

Another interesting liveaboard?

Accordingly we set off just before 10 this morning to discover that everyone was having a lie-in......at first we thought there was not any space at all above the lock but eventually managed to wriggle into the last space available. These are only 24 hour moorings but that is all we wanted. However there are several obvious overstayers of the liveaboard variety. One of these is a small ramshackle boat whom we are told has no engine and never ventures far afield.

The basin itself is in a pretty setting. We were disappointed to find that Granny Mo's cafe had disappeared. When we came through here 3 years ago she had a wonderful cafe in the building seen slightly left in the above picture...........now Oxford narrowboats are operating here and have taken over what was her cafe.
However there is a K&A Trust cafe on the other side so we could still sit and watch the world of boats go by. It is very busy on this stretch of canal with hire boats.
It is also busy along the towpath with bicycles and has been since Devizes.

The town is a short stroll away and very pretty. Crossing over the last bridge before the basin also brings you to a convenient Sainsburys.
We decided to stroll to the pub for a pre supper drink and do some more gongoozling.

We managed to find a table in the shade. It has been extremely hot again today but luckily where we are moored most of Petroc was under trees.
En route to the pub Geoff checked out the sani station only to discover that the Elsan was unusable. So I called BW on the number given in the building. I had two options to choose from when connected...Emergency or non emergency...I chose the non-emergency only to find at 5.45 that although they said the opening hours we until 6pm, I could only leave a message for the following day. So I tried again and took the emergency option..this time I had a human being, however not initially much better as she said she could only leave a message for the engineers the following morning. I stressed that it was overflowing and a hazard to Health and Safety!!!!! Miraculously a couple of hours later a big white van appeared with something ROD on it's side...looks very promising.........
0.96 miles, 0 locks, 33 minutes

Outside Bradford-upon-Avon

2011-07-31T16:22:00.001+01:00

Set off with the destination of Bradford in mind, but about a mile short of the town we saw a nice looking mooring spot, proper bank with rings and vacant.........just waiting for us..........so pulled in, hung out the washing, and sat on shore in a delightful temperature, not too hot, wide towpath so Barney was happy........what more could anyone ask for.....and they are 48 hour moorings so we shall stay over tomorrow.
1.64 miles, 0 locks, 54 minutes

Hilperton

2011-07-30T18:45:00.003+01:00

Hilperton probably means little to anyone as a place name, but it is really on outlying suburb of Trowbridge......

Below bottom lock at Seend Cleeve

We left our secluded and peaceful mooring just before 9am with the first destination of Semington in mind. We had arranged to wait here for friends Alan & Karen. They were en route to Gatwick and had never seen Petroc so it seemed a good opportunity to put that to rights and to have a catch up.

Some of the sign posts en route were very new and smart.

Our own bit of dual carriageway on a small aqueduct

Quite a new aqueduct over the newish A350

Alan had brought his bike so after coffee we set off again with the possible destination of Hilperton in mind. Our book showed 2 mooring places there so we thought we should be OK.
Alan had fun steering Petroc for most of the way whilst Karen and I were able to sit up in the cratch and watch the world go by very slowly(and gossip!!) After lunch on board Alan cycled back to collect their car and they continued their journey to hotter climes.........mind you it cleared up very nicely today and I am not complaining about the temperature here........just the mooring!!!!
The mooring is not a patch on last nights, rough bank and we can't even get the bows in, never mind the stern. It is also a very narrow towpath which is very busy with cyclists so Barney cannot lie out and he is not pleased. Admittedly it is the same towpath we have had for the past few nights, busy with cyclists, but the grass area has not been so narrow............plenty of room for Barney to lie safely. Some of the cyclists go far too fast (in my opinion). Geoff did a recce this evening and it seems we are in the best place hereabouts (all things are relative) Anyway the result is we shall move on tomorrow to Bradford-upon-Avon and not stay over as we normally do for the weekend.
4.25 miles, 2 locks, 2hrs 43 min(in two stages)

Still at Seend Cleeve

2011-07-29T22:00:00.003+01:00

No, we have not exceeded our permitted 24 hour stay, well only by a few hours, not overnight.
We were expecting visitors for the day, Mary and Ivan, who duly arrived at coffee time. Sadly the weather of yesterday was not repeated and we had several showers of fine rain, so no sitting out leisurely watching the world go by. At one point as a shower started I went to close our swan doors but couldn't....the water had dropped a good foot. There didn't seem to be any reason for this, at times it rose a little but generally stayed low for the rest of the day. It did not seem to be linked to the rising and falling in the locks.
Geoff had to get out all 3 of our hoses to reach the water point but though we might as well fill up before we left. Since there is not a sign saying 'water point only' boats use the space for general mooring. There is also a pump out and elsan here and that is positioned adjacent to the lock moorings. The fellows needless to say had a pint in the pub at lunchtime. After lunch we moved down 2 locks to the moorings just after the bottom lock. Geoff bravely let Ivan loose with a winch handle, last time when he helped us up Tardebigge he managed to drop one in the canal!!. There are 24 hour mooring here also, space for 2/3 boats. They don't seem over popular but are in a lovely peaceful spot and still well within walking distance of the pub.
We had booked an earlyish supper there at the Barge Inn and had an excellent meal at a reasonable price.
0.33 miles, 2 locks, 32 min (Big Trip!)

Seend Cleeve

2011-07-28T22:00:00.002+01:00

Geoff did a walk up to the village this morning and came back via Seend Cleeve to check if there was space on the moorings......there was so on his return we set off. By this time (10am) it was getting hotter. I don't seem to do well in excessive heat so wanted to be finished before the 'mid day sun'.

Beautiful morning

There was plenty of room below the 3rd lock so objective was achieved

The rest of the day was spent trying to keep cool (I know we shouldn't really complain about good weather) and also watching the various antics of the passing boats. This included one hire boat, smaller than us, who tried to turn in front of the Barge Inn. Despite several attempts he failed..........

Thoughts of an evening drink at the pub fell by the wayside as we were too lethargic, but Pimms on board were just as good. The pub is very popular but was not rowdy and we were moored at the far end not directly in front so we were OK.

1.2miles, 1hr 11 min, 3 locks

Caen Flight

2011-07-27T19:11:00.000+01:00

Yesterday we met John and Sandra on a hire boat who were planning an early departure for the flight so decided to team up. They had their 12 year old grand daughter twins, Laura and Rebecca staying so plenty of crew. In fact the girls played a blinder rushing round doing paddles and gates.

We watered early (far too early in my opinion as I didn't really recover from my rude awakening all day)

We then went up to the start of the locks to wait for Serenity the hire boat. Eventually set off about 8am on a fine and beautiful morning.

What better day could we have asked for

Bottom of the main flight of 16

Just 7 more locks to go now and it was getting very hot which I don't find ideal. However we were doing well time wise. We had met 1 pair of boats and 3 singles on the way up, not exactly busy.

Some of the upper lock gates on the earlier locks were leaking badly

We managed to find a space to moor at Sells Green and after lunch crashed out exhausted. I was disturbed from a wonderful sleep by the chap on the boat in front who knocked on the side to ask what time we were planning to move on tomorrow...Grrrrrrrr......needless to say Geoff did not hear him!!

The next to disturb me was Geoff who wanted to move back a bit to see if we could get a satellite signal, we couldn't so it was revert to original position........by now I decided to call it quits and get up.......

Later we were hailed by the solitary diner from the restaurant last night. Steve had just moved into a house in Sells Green and came bearing a gift of apricots from his garden so he was invited aboard for a tea and chat.....pleasant interlude.

3.49 miles, 29 locks 5 hours

Layover in Devizes.

2011-07-26T22:20:00.002+01:00

Out early for my hair appointment, and then Geoff went seeking the same treatment so we have both been shorn.....
Another wander round this very pleasant market town and after lunch some more painting for me. I have inveigled Geoff into rubbing down some of the bad bits on our blue paint and treating with Kurust, ready for me to do the painting....he only grumbles a little.....so that was my afternoon job.
In the evening we tried one of the Indian restaurants. We had a very good meal but mostly all alone which I find a little unnerving. Just before we left one solitary man came in but otherwise we had the personal attention of all the staff........they told us they had been very busy the previous two days.......

Devizes

2011-07-25T15:05:00.012+01:00

Departed early so the Barge Inn looks peaceful.........normally a seething mass

Just after the pub there is a long.................................long line of what look like permanent moorers, or do I mean non-continuous cruisers...........the first few of which are on 24 hour moorings.

Makes for very slow going

Interested to know what they kept in the kennel affair

There are several very narrow passages due to the reeds

Enlarge this one and you can see that sod's law prevailed again

We passed a strange looking back door

and a nice welcome to Devizes

As we reached Devizes a boat very conveniently pulled out of the end of the mooring so we slid gently in. Geoff had a look further up as there was space but decided this was closest to the shops and also had a line of sight for the satellite.......

Moorings here are 72 hours which is very convenient, although we shall probably only stay 48hrs and move down the flight on Wednesday.

Since we were here early I set off for an explore of the town and to find a hairdresser as my hair is beginning to feel heavy!! Eventually managed to make an appointment for the next day.

Whilst Geoff was siestering I managed to paint the gunnels down one side so felt very virtuous.

The mooring is extremely pleasant as we can watch all the activity going on in the basin here.

7.81 miles, 0 locks, 3hrs 24 minutes.

Sunday at Honey Street

2011-07-24T20:19:00.001+01:00

This morning Geoff decided to take Barney and see if he could reach the White Horse.........he was defeated by the barbed wire......
He visited the tiny church of Alton Barnes, no service here until this evening.

He also found an RAF connection

Just after 12 our guests arrived, Anne & Keith Hall with two friends of theirs Jan and John. After pre lunch drinks on Petroc we repaired to the pub for lunch. It was once again very busy and a fairish wait for our food but it was worth the wait as it was delicious.

Whilst whiling away the rest of the afternoon sitting in the sun we saw a delightful wooden launch pass by, so nice to see a well kept boat in these parts........we seem to be in an area of very scruffy liveaboard boats.........

During this time Petroc was rammed by a canoe (with it's pointed end), skippered (I use the term loosely) by a rather drunken lady. I was leaning out of the side doors as she went past but there was no apology, just averted her eyes as she went past me.......

Nevertheless it was a very pleasant Sunday in good company........

Onward tomorrow, probably to Devizes unless we find a very good mooring just before. The chances of this are not great as we don't seem to be able to find any of our nice moorings out in the open away from everything, at least not where we can get into the bank easily.

Scraping over the Summit

2011-07-23T22:15:00.000+01:00

Another catch up as my 3 mobile broadband signal is not at all good along this stretch.

Literally scraping the bottom. Everything looked fine when we departed for Crofton Lock on Friday morning but the trouble started as soon as we left the lock. The water levels were considerably down and we crawled to the next lock, debated calling BW but Geoff let some water down from the following lock and it made a slight difference but by the third lock we were just looking for the phone number to call BW when miraculously a man in blue top appeared.
We waited half an hour for him to try and rectify the problem and when he came back the water levels had risen slightly. So we carried on with the warning that the summit pound was still quite shallow....
We actually then shared two locks with another boat....hooray!

A diddy little boat called TITANIC 2

This shows how much the water was down.

.he was not wrong.....it was a tedious slow passage and we nearly called it quits at the entrance to the Bruce tunnel as we had great difficulty getting in. However we persevered at snails pace and of course sods law operated......we saw a boat approaching from the other end. Whilst in normal circumstances we could have passed quite happily we did not want to risk both of us being wedged aground in the tunnel with no phone signal! So we hooted madly and eventually he got the message and stayed put until we were through.

Once on the other side of the tunnel, although the water was down, it was not as bad as the other side.
We went through our first 2 descending locks at Wooton and then saw a congenial mooring place just above the next lock so decided to call a halt for the day. We even had someone to share the locks with...............can't remember the name but a live aboard who goes up and down this stretch....no licence displayed!

We do pass some odd boats on the way.

4.1 miles, 4 hrs 5 min, 9 locks

Saturday we set off to find a congenial mooring as we were expecting visitors on Sunday.

Only 2 locks today and then a long pound without until we reach Devizes...and the Caen Flight.

One very leaky lock

We stopped at Pewsey for the Sani-station, but the moorings are dreadful. There are 48 hour visitor moorings and there was one space we might have been just able to get into, but we would have been miles off the bank There is no concession made for visitors, just a rough unfriendly bank, whilst through the bridge the permanent moorings have rings and a proper edge............there are parts of this canal that does not seem to actively encourage visiting boats........perhaps they prefer the liveaboards who cruise up and down a short stretch.......(My moan for the day)

We passed the famous White Horse.

Daleks obviously still reign in some places

When we reached Honey Street there was space on the moorings (rings and proper edge) so we decided to stop as there is a pub close by (just a little too close!). We checked it out for a lunch time pint (1/2 for me) and booked for Sunday lunch as it looked OK. It is obviously a very popular pub as it was heaving at lunch time and again in the evening although after the noise of the trains at Crofton it didn't bother us too much, however it is not a nice enough mooring to stop on the way back...........just hope it is OK for our Sunday lunch with visitors tomorrow......

7.41 miles, 2 locks, 3hrs 36min

Back on the Air now at Crofton

2011-07-21T14:47:00.001+01:00

Well 3 days with no Internet, nothing since leaving Hungerford, all of a sudden after lunch today I was connected, with no apparent reason why there was nothing in this same place all day yesterday and this morning.
So to catch up.
Tuesday

Moored behind us at Hungerford, a novel place to keep your spare pot plants and bicycles!

First lock of the day, Hungerford Marsh Lock with swing bridge over the centre.

A very patient barney always waits whilst Geoff crosses the lock

A lot of restoration work has been done along the banks

Nine locks today so was my crew getting weary?

There are some very `lived in` boats along this canal

We found a mooring just before the bridge at Great Bedwyn and Barney found a soul mate....they are both watching me intently as I am cooking!

4.61 miles, 9 locks 4 hrs 26 min

Wednesday

After availing ourselves of the sani-station it was after 10 before we set off, but not so far to go today far to go today. The goal was the moorings below Crofton Pumping Station. Geoff had done an early recce and there seemed to be space for us.

At 2 of the bridges today there were these strange objects (blow up picture for better view). Were they part of the WW2 defence system as were the numerous pill boxes?

And so to moor below the pumping station. There was plenty of space so we moved right up away from the trees in the hopes of a satellite signal (successful!)

1.75 miles, 4 locks 1hr 43 min

Thursday

For most of our journey thus far we have only shared 2 locks. We would have been quite happy to wait the recommended 20 mins at a lock to share, but it would have been a lot longer than that.....maybe we have BO or something but there just have not been many boats around. Today however we had decided on a layover day and this morning there have been numerous boats going both ways....sod's law or something.......

The weather over the last week has been very changeable and we have been caught in the odd shower, but luckily the worst seems to have been in the afternoon when we have finished for the day. As I sit writing this at 1430 the heavens have just opened. I was just in time to get in my washing, and close everything up. I did a small amount of touch up painting to our dark blue earlier. Geoff had very kindly (and not too willingly!) rubbed down the areas I wanted to do and applied anti rust stuff. This he had done whilst I walked back to Great Bedwyn for milk and paper. I had had a sleepless night...well not quite all night, but it seemed like it. so I decided that more exercise was called for......

After my return we climbed up to Crofton Pumping Station to avail ourselves of the coffee shop......they have delicious home made cakes but sadly the only one missing today was Geoff's favourite Coffee & Walnut.

Looking down on our mooring from Crofton. You can see how close the railway is and since it is higher than the canal it is quite a strange feeling being moored so close. There are a lot of trains both passenger and goods, the goods trains seem to go on forever.

To see the train in action click the link Train at Crofton

Croftons large chimney

Before lunch only 2 of us left

For more info about Crofton Pumping Station click the link.

Hungerford

2011-07-18T20:59:00.000+01:00

We were up early (again!) this morning so reversed back to the water point. A chilly, grey and windy morning....is it really July?
Eventually left just after 8 and through the first bridge are two lovely houses will rolling lawns.

I think if I lived here I would like a bigger boat at the bottom of my garden....

Still no company in the locks, but Geoff is filling them very slowly and gently so no major dramas. Amazingly there were very few boats around, I think we passed 2 all morning BUT when we reach Hungerford the place we thought we wanted to moor was full. We did attempt to get in the space you can see just behind the wide beam, but we were just too long. So we continued through the lock and found plenty of mooring at the top which is actually much nicer and also better for Barnaby.

After coffee we decided to do the shopping and here you can see me with my multi-coloured shopping trolley which Geoff refuses to pull......can't think why.

Very useful for heavy loads

En route this morning Geoff saw his second kingfisher of the year, they seem very sparse this year.

Ducklings are more plentiful and there are still quite a few young families about.

The rain was kind to us this morning and it saved itself until after lunch ..... and then it bucketed down, but by then we were all cosy below.

3.3 miles, 4 locks, 2hrs 30mim

Damp weekend in Kintbury.

2011-07-17T19:42:00.000+01:00

I have just walked back from seeing Boe off on her train back to London and as I walked back I thought what a thoroughly miserable evening it was and now I am sat below writing this and the rain is again pelting down.
Still we mustn't grumble too much as this is really the first washout of a weekend we have had for a while.
And it is not all bad, Boe has visited for the weekend so we were able to catch up with her doings, we went to the church this morning and had a good service, later we went to the Blue ball for lunch which was very good.
We had thought we would have to take down our pram cover for when the horse drawn trip boat came by, but Geoff saw them earlier on and discovered they were going the other way so that was a reprieve. They came past just after we arrived but luckily we had not put the cover up by then. There are notices all along asking people to keep their roof's completely clear in the day time but that is not always practical. Some boats have heavy top boxes on and it would be quite a job to remove.
There are also numerous other notices around as shown below.

Now these are very interesting. All of them have had the last line scratched out...what did it say??? I can only assume something like `between 8pm and 8am` maybe. Well, most of us know that you shouldn't run your engines between those hours anyway. It is obviously not practical as the engine has to be run to charge the battery. In addition `residential area` is a bit far fetched. On the offside the houses are well away from the canal and I doubt very much if they can hear the engines. Closer to the houses are permanent moorings so I wonder what those boats do as I can see no sign of an electricity supply for them.
On the towpath side there are no houses at all, just the very adjacent busy railway line. The trains come thundering past at many more decibels than any boat's engine.
So onward again tomorrow towards Hungerford.......forecast is not brilliant......

Kintbury

2011-07-15T15:48:00.000+01:00

A very pleasant 2 day sojourn in Newbury. We had originally thought we would be better mooring at the top of the lock but this proved to be far nicer........somewhat more public but lots going on to keep on amused...and much better access to park area for Barney.
Just up from our mooring is a water sports and youth centre and the kids were often out in force.

There were lots of swans and ducks and the inevitable families feeding them. The only downside to this was Barney. He was not interested in the animals, just the bread that they were being fed.........
The Kennet & Avon Trust cafe was directly opposite and we did pay them a visit on Thursday morning...they did a good line in coffee & walnut cake, Geoff's favourite.
In the evening we decided to try the cinema which is newly opened since our last visit through here 3 years ago. I don't think either of us would recommend the film, Bridesmaids, but there were a few funny bits and we don't indulge in this habit very often.
The shopping is good here and soon will no doubt be better as they are building a new shopping complex, which is due to be completed next March...meanwhile it looks a mess.......

This morning we were off at 8 for what should have been about a 4 hour journey to Kintbury........

Under Newbury Bridge

Sign at the top of the lock

however at the 5th lock we picked up a wide beam. He pulled out of his mooring just as we were entering the lock...talk about bad timing. It would have been OK if he had travelled at a normal speed but the water is down from the normal which does not give us a problem. However he draws about a foot more than we do and was having big problems, only moving at all at ultra slow speed.

The culmination was when we reached Kintbury lock (having crawled from the last one at less than half a knot!) and now he couldn't get over the cill. He was forced to reverse out and let us through. Once through yet again there seemed to be no room at the Inn!!! We pulled up on the watering point and I went on a recce. When requested a very kind boat agreed to pull forward a tad and this just left us space. So here we are for the weekend in a good spot. Train station is adjacent which Boe plans to make use of to visit us.
5.71 miles, 8 locks, 5hrs 2min

Newbury

2011-07-13T16:25:00.000+01:00

Gentle start from Thatcham this morning. The mooring there was perfectly OK but strange. Without sound you would have thought you were in the middle of nowhere, but the railway line was very adjacent although hidden by trees so every so over we had a great roar which you don't notice after a while. In addition you could quite clearly hear the platform announcements and also the siren sound of the level crossing every time it shut for another train. The motorists round here must have a fair bit of waiting to do.

Not many boats on the move, we met 2 or 3 going the other way but unfortunately no one to keep us company in the locks. We plan to stay at Newbury for a couple of days. We initially thought we would go up above the lock as we remembered it as a nice mooring, but there was no one in the centre so decided we would try that for a night first.

There is plenty of park area for Barnaby but can't leave him in his favourite position lying on the shore. There are so many people feeding the swans with bread that he wanders off to try and scrounge some! We are just hoping that it will be quieter in the evening when all the children have been taken home to bed, and that they are not replaced by a slightly older drinking generation. Geoff walked up to see the moorings at the top of the lock and they are 24hrs only so a good job we stayed here at least for today.
A surprise visit from our friend Mike Peaker this afternoon which was great.
We have been joined by 3 other narrow boats now, two of which are headed in the same direction as us.
3.55 miles, 5 locks, 2hrs 51min

We didn't mean to go to Thatcham

2011-07-12T16:34:00.000+01:00

Monday dawned incredibly fair so we set off early. Blue sky, no wind and a lovely stretch of the canal...what more could one ask for. We both did a bit of walking with Barney (Geoff still suffering from Man Flu!)

The boat moored in front of us before we departed had two very tall aerials...hope he had a good picture. We had had a very acceptable picture with our ting £9.99 job.

Just a bit further up was moored this diddly little boat. He was moored very securely with a bow line, a stern line and a mid line and also a fore and aft spring line........

Our second lock of the day was Garston Lock which according to our guide book is the sole remaining turf sided chamber. I am glad there are not many of these as they are not friendly locks.

This walkway is the only access to the boat from the shore once you are in the lock.

One of the many pill boxes along this canal.

Apparently the military identified the K&A as a Blue Defence Line in the second World War hence the large number of Pill Boxes along the route....

Sulhamstead Lock has curved sides and that in itself is not a problem however there are some nasty protuberances which need watching

By now it was becoming decidedly hot, so when Geoff spied a possible mooring place just before Tyle Mill Lock he suggested we stop. I was not initially over enthusiastic as there were cows around but complied with his request to try and get Petroc alongside. I managed to get the bows in but not the stern.......no problem......well not until Tuesday anyway.

As we came in to moor we say Rock & Roll again....we have been bunny hopping with them for a few days but never moored in the same place........we had done so now but only briefly as they were shortly moving on.

We met no other boats going our way so had to do all the locks alone. So far Geoff is being quite good at opening the paddles very slowly but but going up a double lock with only one boat in is a pain.

We had discussed briefly have a reasonably early start on Tuesday, but Geoff came with my cup of tea at 0610am, fully dressed and a big grin on his face (Man Flu receding!) and said he thought we could move over to the water point and then get ourselves fully up!!

So once again I did as I was bidden....so obedient I am....but Geoff had his come uppance....

As we were untying he stepped off the bows to untie us and stepped on the piece of grass I had warned him to beware off.........it gave way under him and both the turf and he sank very slowly into the canal. Luckily it was difficult for him to climb out as it was very shallow. Unfortunately I was so busy laughing I forgot to take a picture........Geoff now says he has a bruise on his bottom from where he hit the bank........

The day had dawned not so bright as Monday but at least I started the day with a good laugh....

We not only watered etc but gave Petroc a wash and brush up as she was looking a little grubby.

Eventually departed for real about 9am.

The second lock today was Towney Lock, still no other boats. Even without the paddles open there is a large amount of water coming in.so despite Geoff being careful it was not possible to keep Petroc alongside

See the flow of water and the tiny amount the paddle is open.

Paddle fully open now, but even when the other paddle was opened it didn't really help.

At Padworth lock we met another boat going our way, hurrah. They were a young couple on a short hire and their company was very acceptable through the next few locks and swing bridges. We were both planning to stop in Woolhampton and we were both disappointed!!! The moorings were full, although a boat offered us a place alongside we are not very keen on that with Barney. We did try to get in right at the end of the moorings but went firmly aground.........so onward we went...eventually.......

So we have ended up in Thatcham, much further than intended and we stopped too late for Geoff to have his customary siesta. I walked up to the nearby Co-op but by now they had run out of Daily Telegraphs, so no crossword for 2 days in a row.....

There is mooring for about 5 boats here below Monkey Marsh Lock and you would think we were right out in the country. However Thatcham Station is just behind us through the trees and we can hear the platform announcements.

7.32miles, 8 locks, 5hrs 47 min

Sunday in Burghfield

2011-07-10T21:00:00.002+01:00

Emma arrived after work about 9.30pm, having stopped at Tesco's to buy runny honey.......this was for a hot toddy for Geoff who had caught my cold and it had turned to Man Flu! By the time she arrived he was asleep so Emma and I repaired to the pub for a couple of nightcaps without him......not like Geoff to miss a trip to a pub.

It was not an auspicious start to the day today as Emma succeeded in throwing her early morning cup of tea (made lovingly for her by the invalid) all over herself and the bed.........she howled like a banshee as it had gone all over her hair and shoulders..........luckily she moved so quickly that no lasting harm was done but was not impressed when, after the first initial inquiry as to her injuries, I was more concerned about the bed and possible damage to the mattress!! So at 7.30am, when Emma had hoped for a peaceful lie-in after two long and busy days in A&E in Reading, it was bed stripping time....as soon as it was 8am the engine was on so the washing machine could begin. Our engine is so quiet that I doubt that the little boat behind (the one with the little dog) would have heard it, but we didn't want to be bad neighbours and infringe the engine curfew.

Geoff and I then went to St Mary's Church in Burghfield where we had a very warm welcome and arrived back to Petroc to find Emma had cooked us a lovely Brunch.

This was a Grand Prix day and although there was no satellite in amongst all the trees, Geoff managed to get a very acceptable picture on the tiny £9.99 aerial he had bought which just suckers on the roof.

Later sister -in-law Edith arrived and after a walk with Barney we went for late lunch/early supper at the Cunning Man. The meal was acceptable but the service left something to be desired. Luckily we were in no rush and were quite happy to have a long slow meal. We sat outside which was quite pleasant, marred however not only by multitudinous (is that a real word?) children running around and in and out of the tables, but also by a very loud lady at the next table who seemed to think that the whole world wanted to hear what she was saying and to hear her acting out songs and dittys for the children.........cabaret we did not need.

Notwithstanding it was a pleasant late afternoon, early evening and the sun obligingly came out for the latter part. Edith departed, unfortunately we could not ask her to stay as there was no room aboard with Emma there.

Onward to pastures new tomorrow.

Back to Canal Life

2011-07-09T19:00:00.103+01:00

To follow on from yesterday's blog, Emma was dropped at the station and I walked to meet her. A couple of wind down glasses of wine ant to bed as she had to be up at 5.30 for another double shift.

The above pictures were taken last night from our mooring, Petroc in the foreground of bottom picture. The sign said the mooring was 24hrs only and cost £4.80 but no one came to collect any money. We think the building opposite belongs to Thames Water or something like that, but they obviously don't mind wasting electricity.....looked pretty though......

Daylight view of same

Moored behind us was this boat......any guesses as to what they were doing? Second storey??!!

Today was the day to return to Canal life A very gentle start just before 9 meant the lock keeper was just arriving at Caversham Lock, past Tesco on Thames and a right turn and it was good-bye River Thames for the time being.

.The first bit is not beautiful...

Past a huge flock of swans and Canada Geese, Canada Geese seem to get everywhere and leave their mess behind for us all to tread in.....does anyone know the purpose of Canada geese on the planet?

Lo and Behold, the first shopping trolley

Getting Prettier

The actual start of the K&A, red traffic light visible which we have to push a button to turn to green as it is one way through the Oracle shopping centre.

This is where one has to alight to push the button and if you enlarge the picture you will see that it is not a solid pontoon, so it is not easy.......however as we we coming in for Geoff to do a dangerous act, a kindly passing gentleman did the honours for us.

Under this bridge and round the corner

and right through the shopping centre.

It is quite delightful cruising gently through but no mooring is allowed due to deep water and strong current

and so to County Lock, where as you can see we failed to make both gates stay shut. We met a boat coming out who asked us to enter the lock before he came out so his wife could run ahead to operate the traffic lights this end........the waiting pontoons both ends are quite short so it does not make life easy...yet again.....we do enjoy these minor challenges......keeps us young and active.......

The next lock was Fobney Lock which once presented an interesting approach, there was a huge torrent spewing out just before the lock which necessitated a fair bit of wellie, but accomplished OK

Geoff & Barney walked the next bit to Southcote Lock, back to canal walking which will please Barney and be good for Geoff!!

En route we passed this boat, not sure what the camouflage netting was for

Someone seemed to have left their good chairs behind when they left their mooring!

We often see boat names duplicated on the canals as, unlike sailing ships on the ships register there is no requirement to have a unique name. However we have yet to meet another Petroc.

We came close today when we passed Petra

After a long line of permanent moorings we reached our intended destination of the Cunning Man Pub at Burghfield Bridge. This was chosen as it had a car park for Emma to join us after her long shift and an easy meeting place for sister-in-law Edith who is joining us for lunch tomorrow.
We found a reasonable spot just past the pub, could only get the stern in but that was OK. Definitely no satellite here as we are surrounded by trees...this does not bode well for tomorrow as Geoff and Emma want to watch the Grand Prix.
Moored successfully with one major hiccup......I failed to notice that some undisciplined dog owner had neglected to clear up after their animal.......the result was over the stern of the boat and my shoes.......now I don't wish to throw stones but moored right behind us is a small boat with a small lady on and a small dog!!!! This said dog lives on the shore whilst it's owner is doing meaningful things to her boat...this is all circumstantial evidence however and I may be doing said lady and dog a huge injustice...if so...I apologise....

5.63 miles, 5 locks, 3 hours 33 min (This includes boat and cleaning shoe time as I forgot to turn Navvy off in my unhappiness!)

On the move again

2011-07-08T17:55:00.001+01:00

Not only on the move, but have camera, can take pictures!!!
The new camera was ordered on Saturday and it was delivered to Giles on Tuesday, we have always had excellent service from Amazon.
Tuesday was a gentle day, with not nearly as much rain as forecast, I managed to find the energy to clean another of the venetian blinds and also all the windows, and Geoff had a clean out of the cratch. We have to do a little work sometimes.......
Wednesday was all planned that Geoff would walk into Pangbourne, meet Giles at the station, collect the little car and we were then mobile to go up for our baby sitting duties after lunch. We had thought of moving up to Goring after a recce to see if there was space, but Giles delayed the meet by an hour so we decided that was not feasible. First part went according to plan but when Geoff arrived back at Petroc he was fuming......the car had virtually no petrol and had overheated on the journey back............thoughts of the AA loomed......however after giving the engine time to cool down he went back to check the problem. 4 pints of water later things were much improved. It was a good job Giles was not within range...no petrol and no water and we were doing them the favour of babysitting!!!!!!
Anyway we both went up to look after the children but Geoff departed after supper back to Petroc.
Thursday had been the day of departure but after a bit more baby minding we decided it was too late to set out.
The plot was an early start today Friday, this was achieved but in the pouring rain

It was a wellie and long mac day

We self locked through Whitchurch lock and the first stop was above Mapledurham Lock to water, deloo and empty rubbish.

Mapledurham weirs seen from below the lock

The back of Mapledurham House

Closer to Reading we passed Reading marine where 3 years ago we stopped to refuel. Despite the sign and the pump, we are reliably informed (by NB Epiphany) that they no longer sell fuel

There are some big houses on the approach to Reading some with their own boathouses, I liked the one below with it's thatched roof.

Not a bad little pile!

Not too sure about this one

Enlarge this one to see what they have parked in their garden

Next stop was Caversham Boat Service to fill up with fuel. I had phoned ahead to check the price 97p before tax. This is 8p a litre more than we paid for the last fill up o the Oxford. I don't think it is because fuel has gone up but just the fact that we are on the Thames. However we could self declare which I did at 10% cruising. We have been going so slowly this year and that is what the spread sheet tells me.

A little further on we passed Better Boating who were also advertising that they sold fuel, but it was the first time we had seen any marina advertise that you could self declare.

Next stop was Tesco-on-Thames. There was just one space which was just big enough for us to get in. After an abortive attempt to come in downstream, we did the sensible thing and turned round to come in upstream........we have forgotten what an effect the current does have when you are trying to moor.

3 trolley trips later we were well stocked up again. I neatly bypassed the grid area where I thought the trolley would stop and wheeled everything straight to the boat and thought I was quite clever. However we were then told by the boat who had come alongside us that since they were now making you put your £1 in for the trolley that the wheel locking thing no longer happened........

Upstream again to moor just the other side of Reading bridge..it says it is £4.80 a night here so it will be interesting to see if they come to collect it.

We are expecting Emma tonight after a long day shift in Reading A&E, followed by another one tomorrow.

We had thought she could use the car park close by but the sign says it shuts at 2130hrs and does not reopen until 0700...we shall have to see how she gets here...we are only one mile away and a 20 minute walk.

9.53miles, 4 locks, 4hrs 40 min(not including Tesco shopping time!)

Return to Beale Park

2011-07-04T17:45:00.000+01:00

After the weekend in Pangbourne we have returned to Beale Park as it is a lovely quiet mooring and convenient for our baby sitting duties on Wednesday night.
Pangbourne is a great place to moor BUT it is only 24 hours......we stayed 3 nights and didn't get moved on. If one moored there and did not venture off the boat you would not know it is 24 hours as there are only 2 signs and they both point towards the land...and one of those is almost hidden in the trees....you might have had a photo but if you read the previous blog you will know why not......the new camera is ordered from Amazon who are normally very speedy with their deliveries.
Sat was a relatively lazy day until the appearance of Giles and Finley......Giles was quite restful but Finley was not........at 2 1/2 he doesn't stop from waking up till bedtime......
On Sunday Geoff went to the early Communion service in Pangbourne and then Boe arrived and we were all picked up by Giles as they were both running in a nearby 10K race. Despite Boe not being sure she was going to enter, and then thinking she would only do the 5k one, she was persuaded by Giles and came in 3 minutes before him! An excellent lunch followed at the Highwayman in Checkenden, followed by the Men's finals at Wimbledon (I notice this year that they are calling it the Gentleman's and not the Men's). After all the children were in bed we departed back to our quiet Sunday evening on Petroc...suitably tired after a good day.
Today we went downstream to Mapledurham to water and empty the loos etc and then cruised very gently back to Beale Park passing the 7 deadly sins yet again. There are not many boats moored here so we had our pick of places.
6 miles, 1 lock, 2.5 hours

Good and bad day

2011-07-01T20:40:00.000+01:00

The day started well, clear skies and once the sun cleared the trees it was pleasantly warm for our short trip down to Pangbourne Meadows. En route we passed the 7 deadly sins. These are 7 Edwardian houses that were built in1896. There is an apocryphal story that they were built to house seven lady friends of the Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII)

Here are the first 4 as you approach from Goring.

We reached Pangbourne with the intention of taking Epiphany place as they departed, but there was space behind them so I could disembark leisurely before climbing aboard Epiphany for the trip down to Reading. The purpose of the trip was to see if I could get a problem with my IPhone rectified.

That was a very relaxing trip, it is quite nice travelling on someone elses boat as I have no responsibility and do not have to do anything except watch the world go by.

In Reading the orange store could not help as my phone was 15 moths old and only guaranteed for a year......but they suggested I try the Apple store. It was mayhem in there and I had to make an appointment for later in the afternoon but it was worth the wait. They could not fix it either but benevolently said they would give me a new phone even though it was out of guarantee...my lucky day......

My luck did not hold however......on returning to our lovely mooring in the meadows I found Geoff sitting outside and decided to join him with a nice cold glass of Pimms. Whilst sitting there this big boat came down so I thought I would take a photo..

The African Queen

That will be the last photo for a while. Whilst Geoff was passing the camera back to me on the boat it fell in the water...we won't bother to have a discussion as to whose fault it was..........

2.19miles, 1 lock, 56 minutes

Beale Park

2011-06-30T18:30:00.004+01:00

One major event I forgot to record on my last blog. When we went upstream to water at Cleeve Lock, Barney had taken himself off to lie under the trees. When we had finished we cast off and went slightly upstream to turn and in the middle of the turn remembered Barney....he had not noticed our departure immediately but had suddenly woken up to find us gone........how could we have done such a thing.......luckily it was only a few minutes before we were alongside the pontoon to collect him but we do wonder if we had been continuing upstream hoe long it would have been before we missed him!

I had visited Beale Park, the visitor attraction, itself with Giles, Finley and Oscar last Monday. They have annual family tickets as it is so close to them, but for the general public it is £9 and £7.50 for an oldie like me. For what is provided inside that is quite expensive. I blagged my way in on Susannah's ticket and the kind lady said I could do it just this once!!!! Since all the attractions are children orientated I shall not be paying another visit........
Along the river there is plenty of room to moor, albeit mainly rough moorings. Lots of land for Barney so he was happy. The notices a little further down from us say 24 hours, but the one by us is unreadable......we are not depriving anyone of a space as there are not that many boats here. Although we have trees all around they are far enough away on the other bank that our TV satellite is not affected....important for this week as it is Wimbledon.

A most enjoyable supper aboard Epiphany on Tuesday was followed today by Geoff hitching a ride with them to Pangbourne to get the paper and milk. My day was partly domestic, a very small part but I did make a start on cleaning the venetian blinds. In all respects bar one they are a great success but cleaning them is a real pain...I managed 2 windows before I had had enough......the rest of the day was spent doing Giles accounts. Tomorrow we shall move down to Pangbourne. The plan is to move into Epiphany's place and I shall hitch a ride to Reading. My phone is playing up and so I need a visit to the `3` shop.

upstream-downstream-upstream!

2011-06-29T18:34:00.000+01:00

We stayed a couple more days on our delightful mooring.

Monday. after a leisurely morning I went to Beale Park with the two boys (Finley 2.5 and Oscar nearly 9 months) so it was not leisurely...but very enjoyable......

Tuesday, whilst Geoff did a long walk with Barney and pottered on Petroc I spent the day at Giles & Zan's, alternatively doing Giles' accounts and babysitting!! In the evening Giles and Zan came to supper on Petroc so we ate somewhat later than normal.....getting 3 children to bed is something I have forgotten............

Goring Lock and Weir with Petroc in the background

Today we left this delightful mooring. Just before leaving we had a very interesting conversation with a friendly fisherman who had been fishing a little way down from us. When we said we were about to depart he said that was lucky (for us!) as there was a fishing competition on Thursday and he thought that we would have been asked to leave as they like to fish there. Apparently they pay £70 a year for their fishing permit.....this begs the question as to whether we would have had to move or not.......anyone out there know the position on this one???? Since they would obviously have come very early in the morning it could have been quite interesting.....

Anyway we did leave, first of all upstream to Cleeve Lock to get water and then downstream to Mapledurham as we needed to empty the loos and then back upstream to Beale Park as we had a rendezvous with Epiphany for supper.

Passing Epiphany on the way downstream, John taking our photo!!

We also passed this delightful boat

Coming back upstream approaching Whitchurch Bridge at Pangbourne.

Apparently this toll bridge is due for huge renovation in 2012 and will be closed for some months, which will make life difficult for many people. It is Giles and Zan's direct route to Pangbourne.

Eventually tied up behind Epiphany, they had kindly moved up a little so that we could have a good place for barney to alight!! Thank you

12 miles, 5 locks, 4 hours

Sojourn at Goring

2011-06-26T20:26:00.001+01:00

There really is not much incentive to move from here.......below are the views from our windows....

Epiphany had very kindly marked the mooring spot so it was very easy for us to come alongside. Great to see John and Fi again, we were not sure whether our paths would cross or not this year. However they have just come off the K&A and instead of continuing down the Thames they very kindly decided to turn upstream to catch up with us. Consequently there has been some socialising, interspersed with our baby-sitting duties.
Giles & family live only 3 miles from here so it was a very convenient stopping place. We are moored above Goring Lock on a rough field mooring so do not have to worry about overstaying. Goring moorings are 24hrs only as are a lot of places down the Thames.
We had an excellent breakfast in Pierrepont cafe yesterday, church in Woodcote this morning followed by Lunch in the Bull at Streatley. The lunch was very acceptable but we have had better. Most pubs who do a Sunday Roast are only too willing to let you have a Yorkshire pudding with whatever meat you chose, but not the Bull!!! Yes we could have one but it would be 50p extra.......first time we have ever come across that....and it was catering pack lamb...........
The weather has taken a turn for the wonderful, but very hot, so the afternoon has been spent in the shade but looking at the delightful views on the river and watching the antics of all the Sunday afternoon boaters.

In the evening someone was obviously having a leisurely cruise

Fi decided the shore was the coolest place

We have decided to stay here a couple of days longer although Epiphany plan to move tomorrow. However we shall catch them up at Beale Park for Wednesday.

Goring

2011-06-24T18:07:00.000+01:00

Late yesterday afternoon Geoff did his promised walk up the nearby Wittenham Clumps and castle Hill

He said it was very steep climb but the views from the top were worth it.

Little Wittenham

Later on our friends came to visit again

We awoke to a fine morning. At first there was not a breath of wind but it gradually increased but to nowhere the strength of the last couple of days. As it was so nice we set off about 8.30 and saw ourselves through Days Lock as the Lock keeper does not start until 9.

We took the trip down very leisurely as it was such a good day.

This is just an example of the many large houses we passed.

Passing Wallingford there were plenty of moorings but quite high. We moored here 3 years ago and Ellie, who was getting on by then, had great difficulty getting off the boat. Barney would probably have coped. However our destination lay further on, in preparation for our baby-sitting duties on Saturday.

Someone had been left high and dry

Looking at the brickwork under Moulsford Railway bridge, the bricklayers must have had a wonderful task.

We were intending to go through Goring Lock and hope there was space on the 24 hour moorings. We had a loose arrangement to meet up with John and Fi on Epiphany. As we approached the lock I saw a boat moored above and on the Streatley bank and told Geoff that was where Epiphany had moored on their way down.........closer inspection showed that it WAS Epiphany, so brakes on and having been invited to breast alongside we about turned and snuggled up.

11.02 miles, 3 locks, 3hr 36 min

Rural Oxfordshire

2011-06-23T14:11:00.001+01:00

Tuesday we spent leisurely in Abingdon, Geoff doing lots more walking and me doing some. I did try to visit an old friend. Marianne, whom we had not seen for years but with whom we still exchange Christmas cards. However when I located her address her neighbour told me she was in hospital in Oxford and had been for the last 3 months. She said she had gone downhill very rapidly and was quite confused so decided that seeing someone she had not seen for years would not help matters.
Wednesday was the day we had decided to move on downstream, but first we went back up through Abingdon Lock to the sani station. All was well on the trip up but as we set off to come down again the heavens opened and we both got thoroughly soaked.........
The trip downstream continued in the same vein.....they were only showers but quite heavy ones and the wind was blowing well. I went below and changed but Geoff, ever the stoic, stayed up and braved the elements.
We had decided to see what the moorings above Days lock were like and when we reached there, there was one boat moored and plenty of room for us.
It looked like an ideal mooring, meadowland, clear line for the satellite TV (for the tennis!) so we moored just opposite an old pillbox

The cowpat in the foreground should have warned us of possible visitors, but everything else seemed ideal.

It was not until late in the afternoon when these appeared.

There seemed to be hundreds of them, which is possibly a small exaggeration but I am not keen on cows......

Some were friendly looking little calves

Then we discovered there was a bull amongst them

Hi there, can we chat a while

or something!

All this going on in our front garden........we had taken Barney inside as soon as the cows appeared, much to his disgust. He likes to sit out. They grazed there for a couple of hours then all disappeared.

9 miles, 4 locks, 3.5 hours

This morning there was no sign of them as we set out to walk to Dorchester just under a mile away.

We visited the Abbey there

I had visions of finding a nice coffee shop for our elevens, but I was to be disappointed. There are Abbey tea Rooms but sadly only open in the afternoon, so it was back to Petroc. We just made it back in time as the heavy showers had decided to return.......luckily the cows had not. However I fully expect to see them at teatime again............

Lingering In Abingdon

2011-06-20T17:21:00.000+01:00

Well who wouldn't, it is a really delightful spot. Having found a mooring here, or at least half a mooring....

If you enlarge the photo you can see we are hanging on the end.....

But quite secure and snug

And Barney has a hidey hole in the long grass

The moorings here are very full and as soon as a spot becomes vacant it is quickly filled again.

As you can see we can stay for 5 days free which is great but helps to explain why it is so full.

Yesterday (Sunday) was sort of planned.....never do that. Part of it came to fruition but parts not, although some was in a nice way. Emma duly arrived at 8am to sleep between night duty. Once she was tucked up in bed and asleep Geoff and I set off for Church at St Nicholas in the town, only to discover that the service as advertised on their board outside was not taking place.......we were not impressed. It wasn't even just a notice about regular services, it was specific to this month......the Church was all locked up with no sign of life. After a few minutes a lady came up and said she had also forgotten that there was a Cluster service in one of the other churches(an hour previously!!)....a notice would have been good. Nothing daunted Geoff decided to do a long walk with barney and I decided I just had to sit and read my book, such a hard life.

A little later a phone call from Giles et al said they were coming for a surprise visit for Fathers Day........3 small children on the boat with Emma trying to sleep............however it all worked very well as Geoff arrived back as they arrived and we repaired to the pub for a Fathers Day drink. Oscar (8months) and I managed to spill 2 1/2 pints of cider all over ourselves.......well Oscar did really but I had the blame for being an inattentive Gillyma!!!!!

A visit to the swings for the two elder ones with Giles and Geoff followed, whilst Zan, Oscar and I returned to Petroc to give him some food.

Oscar seemed quite pleased with this arrangement

Today, Monday has been a beautiful day until about 4pm when the rain eventually reached us. I was able to sit out in my new chair at last.

Meanwhile Geoff and Barney went walkabout again and managed to take some photos to show how delightful this past of the world is.

Looking down river through Abingdon Bridge

Sign post along the Sustrans Cycle trail

Ah well we may have to be slightly more active at the weekend. Giles and Susannah have a wedding to go to on Saturday late afternoon/evening so we have been roped in to baby sit. The intention therefore is to aim for Goring on Friday in the hopes of being able to moor there so they can easily pick us up to perform Grandparenting duties!!!!

Abingdon

2011-06-18T21:25:00.000+01:00

We stayed over Friday as planned as the forecast was dire......however in the event it was nowhere near as bad as we had been led to believe. Nothing lost as it was a good day and good position for visitors. Wally stopped off on his way up from Taunton to London(just a slight detour) and Maggie came on the train from London and we were only 5 min from the station. A good day was had by all.

Before they came I walked up to the shops and was annoyed that the chauffeur had had the temerity to take our car out for a spin

Today we planned to be at the lock at 9 with the aim of getting to Abingdon late morning in the hope of finding space to moor. We hung around a little too long and we in the second lockful down...obviously everyone with the same idea......

This was our first real trip down the river and now we were into wide water and lots of different sorts of boats.

Some big

Some small

Some bigger

And the boat houses to keep them in

The weather was showery and occasionally very blustery but it is a pleasant run down just 4 locks to Abingdon.....and all with lock keepers. Barney is not impressed as he has to stay on boat as do we. he is used to hopping off and assisting Geoff at locks. now they are both going to miss their exercise.......

On the plus side we do pass some very pretty places.

And even some wild life

Today we saw our first Kingfisher of the year...far too nifty to catch on camera......we had been wondering where they had all vanished to...

The other difference now is the speed we can travel at.....today there were times when we were nearly doing 5 mph....!!!

And so to Abingdon. We could see when we were in Abingdon lock that it looked very busy down below...so much for getting here early. The wind was blowing quite well and we made one attempt to get in a space that was just big enough for us but there was some sort of obstruction close in and despite someone coming and trying to help pull us in we kept going aground so decided to abandon the attempt. We trawled on down through the bridge but nowhere looked very hopeful so we turned around (Can't do that on the canal) and started back along the line of boats. Eventually we spotted a space right on the end of the mooring which was about half the length of Petroc. So here we sit quite snugly with access only from the bows but we are securely(I hope) tied up on no less than 4 stakes. We are on the meadow side which is ideal for Barney, he promptly took himself off and snuggled into the longish grass.

9.04 miles, 4 locks, 3hr 29min

The Thames at last

2011-06-16T17:23:00.013+01:00

Well...just......
The timing of our departure today was important as we wanted to moor just above Osney Lock and the moorings seem to be full every day. Geoff and Barney did a recce mid morning and saw there were some spaces so we waved farewell to the Oxford Canal about 10.30 and descended through Isis Lock onto the cut to take us to the Thames.

Farewell Oxford Canal

We departed in the rain so it was long mac time for me, the first time it has been out this year. However it has warmed up in the last few weeks so it was not too unpleasant.

The lack of rain over the last weeks meant there was hardly any flow when we emerged at the bottom.

Going through the narrow cut to reach the river is hardly prepossessing.

Before we left we prepared Petroc for her time on the river by getting the Anchor out and securing it to the bow, We then have to stow it in the cockpit which is a bit of a pain........I know we have to do it for safety reasons, but I dread to think what would happen if we had to use the thing.......

In addition we had stripped the roof of flowers tubs and aerial for the passage under Osney Bridge. There is only just over 7ft headroom in the centre so it could have been tight...however lack of rain meant the river was low so there was no problem and we could have saved ourselves the bother.

En route to hear we passed some allotments and were please to see that the Cornish influence still abounds

So after only 1/2 an hour we had tied up again. The reason for the short trip was that the weather forecast for Friday seemed dire..strong winds and lots of rain so we had decided we wanted to be somewhere we could tuck up for the day. In the event it has worked our well as we are now expecting visitors for lunch...........

0.39miles, 1 lock, 33minutes

Layover in Oxford

2011-06-15T21:45:00.004+01:00

We are moored just before Isis lock and it would be ideal apart from the boarded up disputed Jericho Boatyard opposite..

So a gentle day today but with a fair bit of walking especially for Barney......he gets to walk with both of us. I did a circular walk heading southwards along the tow path and back through the town and that was after Geoff had been goodness knows where for over an hour first.

Later this afternoon Geoff and Barney took off again for a couple of hours walking the tow path along the river to Godstow and the ruined Abbey.
En route near Bossoms boatyard there was a narrowboat seemingly high and almost dry

No sign of life aboard

Canada geese aplenty

A boatful of girls to delight Geoffrey's eye!

The mooring here is quite congenial apart from the unsightly hoardings opposite the disputed Jericho area. The towpath is very busy both with pedestrians and cyclists but luckily is wide enough for Barney to still sit out and people watch. I say `pedestrians` and not `walkers` as most of them are walking with a purpose and are not so inclined to stop and chat as people are in more rural areas. Most of them do not even make eye contact to allow you to bid them a pleasant `hello`...........I guess that is town life......

As I write this the boat behind who has his stern adjacent to our stern (bed is aft) and he is running his engine or it might be a generator.......it is 9.45pm!!

So Long to Thrupp

2011-06-14T17:11:00.000+01:00

Sad to leave such a pleasant spot but a beautiful morning which was just made for early cruising........so we were off at 7 with Geoff and Barney walking so that they could buy the paper on the way to the first lock at Roundham.

There are several very sad looking boats in the first stretch before The Jolly Boatman pub

As I passed Milly M the sleepy head of Maffi appeared and I think he said Good Morning!!

There is a water point just after bridge 224 but no chance of getting on it. A hire boat was moored there (not watering!) and poking right out into the bridge hole. I had been creeping along very sedately and quietly but couldn't resist a noisy burst of reverse as I went past...........

Just before Roundham Lock there were 5 boats moored, the first 2 with out of date licences........

It was such a nice morning I shouldn't really have been critical BUT

This boat is moored in the lock landing place...grrrrh....

No criticism here, just a lovely rural spot with one of the several lifting bridges on this stretch of the Southern Oxford.

Spotted on a moored boat, can anyone enlighten me as to its use????

We moored right at the end of the canal just before Isis Lock. Sun was still shining so washing out and then a trip into Oxford for me to find Specsavers to have my glasses adjusted.

6.37 miles, 4 locks 3hrs 57min

Wey Hey...Toilet Fixed!!!

2011-06-13T18:00:00.002+01:00

Well at least we hope so and I will spare you a photograph......Lee Sanitation were brilliant and came straight out this morning, now they have replaced the whole docking station and Cal has assured us that it won't go wrong again....I just hope he is right.......
Boe departed at 6am this morning to be back in London in case she had a call for Supply work. Emma stayed the day and left about 5 as she was starting a week of nights.........seems very quiet without them both.......bit more space though!!
So onward to Oxford tomorrow. Despite the enforced prolonged stay we have really enjoyed Thrupp and will be sad to leave but one does get itchy feet after a while...........
Update on the Porta Potti argument.......stand-off. We went to view them, a fem `um`s and `ahs` and did not purchase but decided we knew what was available IF the worst came to the worst and the loo could not be mended....but as you can see it's mended.........................

Rainy Day in Thrupp

2011-06-12T19:49:00.000+01:00

This is our first really rainy day when all one wants to do is stay below with a good book........however we braved the rain to go to church at Shipton on Cherwell. We lucked in as they only have a service every other week. We had a very warm welcome and stayed to chat a good while after the service......we met another rnarrowboat couple, Dick and Jane from Ariadne, and discovered that Dick was the nephew of Jenny Clarke (Deceased) who used to teach at Trevisker School where Boe went to school....what a small world we live in...

This was followed a little later by an extremely good Sunday Roast in the Jolly Boatman.

The afternoon was given over to to gently relaxing, culminating( in Boe's and my case) in a beautiful sleep..............until we were rudely awakened by a large thump on the boat.....

It was still pouring with rain but we were forced to clamber ashore as the lady on the wooden boat behind seemed rather upset. We couldn't decide if this was because they had also been thumped or because her husband was having apoplexy over the incident and threatening to wreak revenge. He was no doubt fuelled by the fact that the boat in question not only did not seem to know what it was doing but was full of seemingly extremely drunken lads. There were in fact two boats......one of which was the one that had rammed the bridge on Friday......................

Poling at Thrupp

2011-06-11T19:31:00.000+01:00

We had been told about the art of punting ones boat when wishing to reverse but later on Saturday we were able to see Maffi on Milly M in action., ably assisted by Molly on the roof.....

Look....No hands (on tiller)

He certainly kept the boat as straight as a die..........

The squiggles only crept in when he went back on the tiller to negotiate the bridge!

And here we stay!

2011-06-11T07:25:00.003+01:00

Well it was voluntary until late yesterday afternoon.........

We had two leisurely days in this delightful spot. Iain & Christine came to lunch on Thursday and Geoff went into Oxford on Friday to visit the Pitt-Rivers Museum. The original intention was to leave on Friday but Emma decided she would like to come for the weekend so we thought we would stay an extra day so she could leave her car here, cruise down to Oxford with us and come back on the bus on Monday to collect. Weekend all nicely planned. Geoff had even googled for which church we would visit on Sunday and I had looked up bus times........now for Boe as well as she had decided to join the weekend party......DO NOT MAKE PLANS

Why are we still here..........THE TOILET IS BROKEN AGAIN!!!!! . I am not sure which was worse, the toilet breaking or Geoff's sense of humour failure. He takes these setbacks very personally......

We have had no problems for 4 years but this year we decided to be prudent and have it serviced. DO NOT HAVE TOILETS SERVICED...remember the motto...If it is not broken don't fix it.

It was 4.45pm when I reached for the phone to call Lee San and of course they shut at 4.30pm on Friday so I could not even tell them we needed an urgent visit on Monday......

Whilst we were having supper 2 hire boats, full of about 20 lads, went past en route to the lifting bridge and the second boat had problems stopping and this was the result...

The lads all thought it was very funny!!!

After supper we repaired to the Jolly Boatman where we had arranged to meet Bones and Maffi and we thought it would be good for morale. Emma joined us about 9.30 after a double shift in A&E and both Molly and Boots took a shine to her

If you are wondering if we are not drinking here don't worry, the glasses were only moved for the picture!

Anyway a hilarious evening served to temper Geoff's unhappiness......well for a while anyway. Now he is threatening to go out and buy a Porta Potti for just such emergencies.....this is being heavily resisted by me due to space requirements. However I have a feeling he may win and then I shall be the unhappy one.

Our prolonged stay meant we needed water for the weekend and since the 7 day moorings are full we decided the only way to ensure that we kept our place free whilst so doing was to fill up at 6am. So we snuck back through the bridge very quietly (actually at 5.45am) and by 6.30 we were back in our space. I would like to say `Not a creature had stirred, not even a mouse` BUT those wretched ducks were alive and squawking

Luckily it is a beautiful morning

We are beginning to wonder if we will ever get off the Oxford. Much as we love it I am looking forward to reaching the Thames and we hope the Kennet & Avon. We are watching carefully to see what happens to the water levels on the K&A. They already have restricted lock opening times at the summit however heavy rain is forecast for tomorrow so we hope that may help a little.

Another Sojourn at Thrupp

2011-06-08T22:39:00.001+01:00

Today I took the bus towards Oxford to rectify the last of yesterday's mishaps.......a filling had come out which necessitated a trip to the dentist...a very expensive one I might add!!

It is very easy to while away the days here in such delightfully kept moorings, although we are careful now not to keep our side doors open if unattended after the duck incident.....
On our travels we have seen several Cornish boats, St Piran, Truro to name a couple and we have seen several called Dreckly...however this one moored back around the corner from us really took the prize.

It really stands out as Cornwall colours I thought although on closer inspection what I thought was black turns out to be dark green.

The best bit however was this

The St Columb Canal is, or rather might have been, near where we live and was never completed.

It is sometimes referred to as Edyvean's Canal, was first proposed by the Cornish engineer, John Edyvean in 1773. His idea was to run a canal from Mawgan Porth through parishes inland and to return to Newquay. Its purpose was to import sea-sand, seaweed and stone for manuring to improve land. Two sections were built. One, from Trenance Point at Mawgan Porth to Whitewater, and the other from Lusty Glaze to Rialton Barton near St Columb Minor.

Work started in 1773, but it was never completed. At Lusty Glaze an inclined plane can be seen linking canal and sea. The canal was dug to Rialton at a height of 100 ft passing under the path from St Columb Minor to Penrose. Parts are clearly visible. A section from Mawgan Porth to Whitewater was used for three years. Failed attempts were made to complete it in 1829.

For those who want to know more see here
The day ended with a very pleasant evening as Bones and Maffi came to supper.

Toilets and Ducks

2011-06-07T20:26:00.002+01:00

Tuesday was not without it's problems.....

After such a delightful sojourn at Kirtlington Quarry the day ended badly when Geoff went to change the toilet cassette and had problems....it would not engage properly and subsequent investigation seemed to reveal that something was either broken or had come unattached. Because of the way the toilet is fitted it is very difficult to reach or see anything.........why don't boat builders think of these things??????

Now Geoff does not do adversity well...........so a sleepless night was had by both of us and early morning saw us hot footing down to Thrupp where there was at least a sani station including loo.....a phone call to Lee Sanitation as soon as they opened elicited a promise that someone would be with us that day.

Meanwhile the trip down was extremely pleasant but at times chilly

It is supposed to be Flaming June! Admittedly a few minutes later whilst waiting for the lock to fill and in the shelter from the wind and the sun came out, I was sweltering in this amount of clothes.

Luck was with us at Thrupp as we managed to fit into the last space on the 7 day moorings.

Cal from Lee San arrived about 2pm and quickly diagnosed the problem and managed to rectify it.......he left with the reassuring comment that it should not happen again!!!

Now where do the ducks in the title come in?

All along this stretch of moorings which are beautifully kept by the Thrupp Cruising Canal Club there are some extremely tame ducks.......we take great care not to feed them as they need no encouragement to come visiting. However today the friendly white one decided to pay a call (literally!). He or she entered by the side doors and proceeded to make itself very at home by c....ing all over our floor. To say I was not impressed would be an understatement. In addition to the mess to clear up I can't stand being near any form of bird with flappy wings, so it was left to Geoff to catch the thing and remove it....now we keep the side doors closed....

The day did end on a much better note as we went to the pub for a pre supper drink to meet up with Bones and Maffi (2 local boat residents) after which we decided that the cruising life was OK after all.......

En route to the Jolly Boatman we passed this poor dog...such a hard life living on a boat

4.02 miles 2hr 38 min 3 locks

On the move again.

2011-06-06T12:42:00.001+01:00

This is what I have been doing

Wey hey....we are on the move again.......
A week last Friday we left Petroc at Lower Heyford to go and house sit for Giles and Susannah. Whilst they holidayed in Cornwall in our house for the half-term week we went to their house where we were in charge of 2 dogs(One was our Barney), 3 cats, 3 chickens and one fish, not to mention watering all the vegetables etc.....
Geoff was i/c chickens as they are not my cup of tea at all...I think he became quite attached to them.....
Geoff had visions of a really restful, peaceful week with little to do but walk the dogs. In the event we had lots of visitors which was in fact very pleasant. We were initially left without a car as there was a last minute hiccup with their car in which they had planned to travel to Cornwall. The big car had to go to the garage and they had to squeeze all 3 children and a mountain of luggage into the smaller car......with the consequence that Boe had to drive out with out little car which she had in London........she ended up staying the week.....
We could have managed without transport except that we wanted to drive up to Petroc on the Tuesday and run the engine........we have never left her unattended for that length of time before in a strange place. In the event she was absolutely fine and we arrived back last night. We were driven back by Giles, stopping en route to do a biggish shop to stock up the fridge again.
So today we set off again on our leisurely trip southwards. We had intended to water at Lower Heyford as we left but there was one on the watering point and two waiting, so we abandoned the idea as we were not desperate.
We have moored at the disused quarry at Kirtlington again as it is such a peaceful spot. Tomorrow we shall wend our way to Thrupp where we hope there will be space to moor.
3.65 miles, 2 locks 2hr 30 min

Blenheim

2011-06-05T16:26:00.000+01:00

During our week away house sitting I had a day out with Di Fletcher and we went to visit Woodstock and the grounds of Blenheim Palace. Although it tried to rain on us it was kind to us whilst walking in the grounds which are beautiful.

Duck Pond

Approaching the palace over the bridge

The bridge viewed from across the vast lake

Still at Ayno

2011-05-26T19:35:00.000+01:00

We had planned a layover day anyway, at least that is my story. This is the view from Petroc at one stage of the day....

It is difficult to capture the full effect of rain on camera but I assure you they were heavy showers. Still we cannot complain too much as it is the first really wet day we have had since we set off. To be fair they were only showers, there were dry intervals when we could get Barnaby out for a walk, albeit a little shorter than normal.
As you can see from the second picture I do have something to occupy me when kept indoors...... more work on Giles` accounts amongst other things.
0 miles, 0 locks, 0 hours!!

Heading South again

2011-05-25T17:57:00.000+01:00

Well we were after a short trip in a northerly direction to turn ourselves around. Another very pleasant stop in Banbury. We did not rush ourselves this morning and it was almost 10.30 after we had shopped and pottered. Needless to say by that time other boats were on the move so there was a bit of waiting at locks, but we were in no rush.
Barney seems to prefer walking alongside with Geoff but when he is on the boat whilst cruising this is now his preferred position

One has to be very careful where feet are put

The wind was still with us but not quite as strong as yesterday.......it really is quite delightful ambling up and down the Southern Oxford. Geoff is still in seriously go slow mode which I think is great but takes a bit of getting used to!

No Kingfishers sighed this year yet but Heron's are around

As you exit Nell Bridge Lock there is a very low bridge and if you look closely you will see the level indicator board for the next stretch...however someone has obviously given it a good thwack and turned it through 90 degrees.

What it should look like.

We had lunch on the go today, a very rare occurrence for us, but we wanted to be on a little way as the forecast for tomorrow is not so good, there is even talk of rain.......

We moored just before Ayno Wharf and it is so congenial we may stay over tomorrow.

Our view

I have walked up the the Wharf and ascertained the price of diesel, 87p + tax where applicable and we can declare our own split. Interestingly I was informed that places that will only sell at 60/40 have to inform you of this fact before filling up or it is not legal...this is news to me....can anyone verify this snippet of information.

7.38 miles 4hr 16 min 5 locks

Back to Banbury

2011-05-24T17:11:00.015+01:00

Yes we are still heading north........
Another windy trip today. When we set off for one of our unusual (for this year) early starts it was quite breezy but the forecast had told us it would not be as strong as yesterday............not sure we think they had that quite right. It certainly made for some interesting approaches and exits to the locks. However we had no great difficulty until we exited Kings Sutton Lock. I had swapped over with Geoff and walked on for my morning constitutional with Barney. After a while(luckily not too long) I checked to see he was following me but there was no sign so I retraced my steps to find him moored up.
Guess what the problem was???

For the first time this year we had something round the prop........so Geoff had to engage in one of his least favourite occupations.
When we reached Banbury we found it much busier than our last visit...only a few weeks ago.....
However there was a convenient space that was just long enough for us in our favourite spot just north of Tom Rolt Bridge.
We had no sooner moored up when Tony Fletcher arrived and whisked Geoffrey away for some male bonding in the pubs of Banbury. The left me to have a peaceful afternoon with my book........
8.26 miles 5 locks 4hr 56min

ON THE MOVE AGAIN.

2011-05-23T14:59:00.001+01:00

We were collected from Petroc by Tony on Saturday morning and whisked off to their place as we were going to Samantha's 40th birthday party.........Geoff's goddaughter. a good time was had by all as can be seen below..

One of Geoff's rare appearances on the dance floor!!! I think this was only because the music was so loud you couldn't have a conversation with anyone...........birthday girl Sam in the centre.
Everyone was a little jaded on Sunday morning but we rallied sufficiently and Tony and I drove us back to Petroc. We did a Sainsbury's shop en route and then Sunday Lunch at the Boat at Thrupp. The food was excellent but pricier than the Jolly Boatman and not as plentiful....touch of the Nouvelle Cuisine bout it.
Today we had a leisurely start...another......we had the forecast for extremely high winds but it seemed to indicate they would be further north. As we progressed however it became stronger and by the time we reached Somerton deep lock it was blowing well. Dusty the Coalman was ahead of us so we tied up to wait (Very securely). Geoff went up to the lock to help and I sat and waited.....and waited....and waited....
Eventually he returned to report progress. Dusty had tried to tie up and his line ashore had broken and the boat waiting to come down had got itself into difficulties........stuck across the canal.....when they eventually extricated themselves and came out at the bottom of the lock the altercation between husband and wife was still going on.......it was bound to have been the man's fault wasn't it????.
Anyway we only went a little further before we moored up for the night.
4.96 mile, 3 locks, 3 hr 5 min

Lower Heyford again

2011-05-21T06:22:00.000+01:00

After a walk to the nearby village of Kirklington for the paper we set off for another of our mammoth trips. The village is truly delightful, it has everything going for it, pretty, village green with pond, school, church, pub and unbelievably in this day and age, a well stocked village shop together with Post Office. It's only slight downside is that a fairly busy road runs through it. However this does give them a bus service which runs from Oxford to Bicester. In addition we chatted to a lady walking her dog by the boat who said they had only moved there just after Christmas and they had found it a very friendly village with a great community spirit......
Anyway we set off gently and managed to find a very congenial mooring at Lower Heyford. We are out in the open which we like although the railway runs right alongside. After a while you hardly notice the noise of the trains.........

3.12 miles 1hr 44min 2 locks