Fenny Compton to Napton

 This morning we left Fenny Compton at 8:40am. Moored at near the Folly In, Napton, at 1:15pm, 4hrs 35mins, 9 locks. /// bagpipes.jogged.bluntly 

A dull morning which threatened rain but it held off and we arrived at Napton in sunshine. 

That is one hell of a big mud pie! HS2 construction work

1st time I have manged to photograph some ducklings this trip

Old engine house arm

Napton water buffalo

Lock 11 of the Napton flight

Bottom lock of Napton flight

Now moored around the corner from the Folly Inn at Napton.

After lunch we took a walk into the village of Napton

The Post Office and store, our destination

The Folly Inn, closed today, no beer it is then.

Keith

Weekends, Bank Holidays and School Holidays

 For those who do not know, we only move during school days except in exceptional circumstances.

In the past we have had problems with kids not at school at weekends, bank holidays and school holidays coming down to the canal and causing trouble, so some time ago we took the decision to only travel during school days.

It also gives us a break, and we can get jobs done which we can't do whilst on the move.

Also we can visit places of interest.

Keith

Cropredy to Fenny Compton

 This morning we left Cropredy at 8:45am. Moored at The Wharf Inn, Fenny Compton at 12:15pm, 3hrs 30mins, 9 locks. 

/// palettes.freedom.corporate

Leaving Cropredy lock.

Cropredy Marina, which wasn't here last time we passed by.

Clattercote Wharf

Clattercote Wharf

Oil seed rape field.

Approaching Fenny Compton tunnel

Fenny Compton Marina and service area

Moored near the Wharf Inn Fenny Compton.

After lunch we went to the Wharf Inn for a pint, met up with Gary & Denise off of narrowboat Columbus in the inn's garden and chatted with them all afternoon.

Keith

Banbury to Cropredy

 We did a supermarket food shop this morning before setting off from Banbury at 10:20am.

Moored at Cropredy at 1:10pm, 2hrs 50mins, 3 locks. /// sheepish.ruler.approve

The lock cottage at Little Bourton lock looks very sad.

Buttercup meadow.

Moored by Bridge Stores in Cropredy.

After lunch we had a stroll around Cropredy, The Red Lion opposite St Mary the Virgin church.

Enjoying a pint each at the Red Lion.

St Mary the Virgin church as seen from the Red Lion.

St Mary the Virgin church.

Inside St Mary the Virgin church.

Cropredy village sign.

Keith

Aynho Wharf to Banbury

 Miserable start to the day when we left Aynho wharf at 8:30am. My 1st photo is of Aynho weir lock, but do you know what is fairly uniquely different about this lock from any other, apart from the obvious in that it's hexagonal in shape? 🤔 P.S. It has nothing to do with the lock

Old and new bridges

Approaching Banbury, the rain held off and the sun started to come out as we got to Banbury

In Banbury

Moored at Banbury alongside Spiceball Country Park at 12:30pm, 4hrs, 5 locks

After lunch we had a walk around Banbury

Unusual spire of St. Mary's church

We sat and had a cup of tea at Banbury Cross

Keith

Rock of Gibraltar to Aynho Wharf

 This morning we set of at 8:20am from below Baker's lock headed down the navigable section of the River Cherwell, winded before Shipton Weir lock, and headed back up the Oxford Canal. Moored up at Aynho wharf at 3:15pm, 5hrs 55mis, 7 locks. /// tanks.eventful.stressed  😁

Heading down the navigable section of the River Cherwell

Shipton weir lock, we winded just before the lock

Returning back up the navigable Cherwell

The restored tithe barn at Upper Heyford

The horses were still at the bridge

Buttercup meadow

Somerton deep lock

Inside Somerton deep lock

Lots of sheep and lambs

Now moored at Aynho wharf

Keith

80th Birthday Party

Today my youngest sister Wendy picked us up in her car and drove us to Harefield for my eldest sister Beryl's surprise 80th birthday party in The River Garden alongside the Grand Union canal opposite Harefield Marina. 🎂🍺🍷🎉

Waiting for everyone to arrive.

Just about to start our meal, Jo and I seated with my eldest sister Beryl and her husband Chas.

The birthday cake arrives.

Cutting the cake.

And very nice it was too.

Me and my 3 sisters.

Was so nice to meet up with so much of the family.

Keith