Hi All,
Wednesday 30th August - Away at 9.00am from the good moorings at Abingdon
with Harnser close behind. A short wait at Abingdon lock and the partnership
was broken as we were called into the lock prior to Harnser and were soon on
our way upstream. It was bright sunny and warm. We overtook a couple of
boats on route but they caught us up again at the lock. All went well,
Sandford 10.35, Iffley 11.20. By far the quickest and on our own, was Osney,
just 5 minutes, in and out. Well done those lockies. Chimneys off for Osney
Bridge. We decided we would join the Oxford canal at Isis Lock, rather than
go on up the Thames. As we turned off the river we did wonder quite where
were going. Low bridge, narrow waterway, dark. A few minutes through the
gloom we reach Isis Lock and up we go, our Thames adventure over. We had
expected the going to be slow and so it was, but not as slow as I remembered
from our last visit. The boats seemed to be smarted, the tat removed or
moved on and most of the boats were licenced. I wonder is that BW
influenced? Some new building work going on as well. A Dukes Lock, I texed
Brian Holt with the news that we were 5 in the queue, only to get the reply
that Harnser was number 6. So, proof that going the long way round ( Thames
and Dukes cut ) is quicker than the way we have gone. Never mind all hands
to the lock and we carried on after an hour or so. We stopped for water and
Harnser zoomed past. We carried on slowly. I had forgotten how slow the
canals are after weeks on the Thames. I even thought at one point there
might
be something on the prop. A pretty rare occurrence me going down the
weedhatch. Anyway nothing round the prop but a large plastic seat cover
thing round the skeg!. Once underway it did not seem to make that much
difference. Lots of boats around, all moored up. Through Thrupp and at 7pm
we pulled up just after the lift bridge where another boat was moored. The
Captain came out to help us get in, just. Good TV picture.
Thursday 31st August, payday :-) - We moved off just after 10.15am and
followed 3 other boats through the lock onto the River Cherwell. There were
short delays at all the locks today, but no matter, the sun was out and the
chugg very pleasant. Wendy and I shared the steering and locking. At
Somerton Deep Lock, we were caught up by Arun and Terry Streeter at the
helm. At 6pm we moored for the night at Aynho right by the The Great Western
pub. In the evening we met friends for dinner and were joined by Terry. Very
nice meal and good company. Slept soundly.
Friday 1st September - Winter! Today it's overcast but dry. Terry left very
early and we stirred into chugging mode at 9.25am. We were soon at Banbury,
passing Draco on the town moorings waiting for a fresh delivery of dog food.
A container was expected any moment :-) We had expected to pump out at
Sovereign Wharf but they were closed Friday and Saturday's, typical!. Onward
towards Fenny Compton, the next available pump out. Croperdy was quiet but
Croperdy lock's bywash was blocked so all the water was coming over the top
lock. Amazingly the levels seemed to be just right and opening the gates not
that difficult. About half way up the Claydon flight, it was clear we were
not going to make Fenny by closing time. A phone call to the marina and a
very helpful lady said she would leave a token at.......... and I should put
the money through the letterbox. So it was, excellent service and a very
good pumpout. It was now time to moor but nothing available for another hour
or so. Eventually at 7.25pm, just in time for Corry :-) We found a space we
could once again just get into, just above Bridge 132. A 10 hour day!
Saturday 2nd September - Today we leave late. It's raining and I try and
catch up with the computery things. Draco passes and we have a brief chat.
Early pm and the rain eases so we set off. It's very, very windy. The summit
level twists and turns, is shallow, has bridges where you can't see what's
coming and is generally a canal which keeps you on your toes. Then add gale
force winds but thankfully no rain. Eventually the welcome sight of Napton
Top lock comes into view and a boat in front. Oh dear. We helped the other
boat through and then our turn. With Wendy on a bow line, LT gently eased
into the lock. From then on things changed. Boats were coming up thick and
fast and we were soon down the flight, passing Draco on her home mooring
trying to get in. The Bridge Inn moorings were full so we mooed just past
the pilings. We stuck out a bit as it was shallow but never mind. Dinner in
the Bridge Inn was excellent as was the Adnams and red wine. Unfortunately
Wendy must have picked up a bug from somewhere and the evening was shorter
than planned, when Wendy took to her bed.
Sunday 3rd September - Our last day :-( This morning was spent with
computery things once again for me. Wendy has fully recovered but is a
little fragile. It's warm and sunny and still windy. Boats zoom past and I
mean zoom. One goes so fast he pulls all three pins out!. I shout the usual
greeting but over his head it went. It seems slowing down is becoming a
dieing art these days and it's not the hire boats that are the worst
offenders. I can, hand on heart, say that in the last 4 weeks, not one
person has shouted at me. I have lost count of the times I have shouted at
others. At 11.30am I can stand it no longer and we set off for Braunston. 2
hours later we arrive at the marina and find out where we should moor and
get some diesel. LT is booked in for blacking and to have the BSC next
Thursday. Our son Brian is collecting us at 4pm ish. Total engine hours
190.6. A great holiday. Wonderful canals and rivers, wonderful people, some
really good memories. All systems worked perfectly. We will be back on
September 14th and chugg to the Cutweb Rally and then make our way back to
KB by the 24th.
Thanks for reading.
Regards
Andrew & Wendy from The Cut - Braunston Marina.
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