and so to Banbury

back to the quiet life on the canals

On Friday we moved on to Fenny Compton .  It was a 4 layer hat and gloves day...what a contrast from this time last year!   Fenny was very quiet and no problem with a choice of mooring spaces.  We were disappointed however to find that our memory had let us down.....I thought I remembered that the Wharf Inn served breakfast...NOT SO....

Visions of a lovely cooked breakfast were replaced with the promise of Bacon sandwiches on the go the next day.

Saturday was a comparatively late start...8.20.....and was not only 4 layers, hat and gloves but hood up as well as it was somewhat breezy.  (personal hood that is and not boat hood)  The bacon sandwiches helped though.    Luckily most of the approaches to the 9 locks we had to manage en route to Cropredy were sheltered from the worst of the wind.   By now we knew that the first of this years visitors was planning to join us.   Boe duly arrived late afternoon and after supper she and I decided to be very daring and visit the pub who were advertising a group.   Geoff had his normal early night and didn't even stir when we came in!   Mind you were were hardly late.....once the group got going we could not hear ourselves think so we  beat a hasty retreat.....

Sunday morning Boe and I ventured into Banbury in search of suitable attire for Sister-in-law Ediths 70th birthday celebrations.    We are off to the Aspinall Safari Park in Kent and the required dress is animal print for the dinner on the Saturday evening.....Geoff meanwhile attended the local church where he was made most welcome.   They have an even smaller catchment area than we do at home but managed to muster 17 for Holy Communion.

Back to the Brasenose Arms for a very good Sunday Lunch.

Today I ventured out with only 3 layers which was a mistake........

Its Bank Holiday Monday and the grass cutters are out in force,   This gentleman told Geoff they were on treble time!!!

What a contrast this is to last year when we came down the Oxford.   Hardly anything had been done and large areas were overgrown making walking quite difficult.   They must have found a Pot of Gold!!

There were 3 of them working together here.

And so into Banbury where we have our favoured spot just back from the entrance to Spiceball Park.  Boe had left us at Cropredy in search no doubt of more adventure than we can provide...It was good to see her.

Petroc is still causing a bit of concern.  We seem to have a definite bias to the port side which makes her not quite as stable as normal.   Rob from the yard thinks we must have some residual water left in the bilges which he assures me will dry out........WE NEED SUNSHINE and HEAT.

Boes arrival caused me to seek out the spare bedding under the rear bunk......disaster......this must have had the worst of the flood as it was all soaked....so two duvets have bitten the dust and new will have to be sought.