Making a run for home minus the skipper

The new crew member did well yesterday.   Very reluctant to take the helm.  She thought fast cars were more her scene.🤣🤣. However after a bit of practice she managed two bridges and to pass two boats on her own……..except I was not allowed to leave her side!  On the other hand she was brilliant at leaping on and off for locks and lifting bridges although she did admit that the last lock at Dashwood nearly finished her off.

It was a long day, far longer than Geoff and I would ever cruise in a day.  14.25 miles 10 locks and nearly 9 hours. We were both somewhat exhausted by the time we reached Lower Heyford.  

So we have left the mighty Thames and back to a slower pace of life on the canals.    Last night we had Boe with us and after a bit of online trawling found a gem of a pub for a meal.  The Bookbinders ale House in Jericho was a real find and we were lucky to get a table.  

We watered just beyond Aristotle Bridge where we also said goodbye to Boe who had to return to Cornwall as her last guests were arriving on Saturday in the man cave.  She is looking after letting here for the summer.

Meanwhile Geoff is lingering in the John Radcliffe.    There are still no answers as to the cause of his illness.  There has been a slight improvement over the last two days but it seems a long way to go.  Still waiting on results of some tests.  

The goal is to get the boat back to her winter home in Cropredy Marina.    Giles coming to crew on Saturday where we hope to reach Banbury.