On our way again

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!)