Date - 24 Nov 06 Day - Friday Start - Cropredy 1030 End - Banbury 1300 Today started even better than yesterday weather wise, it was sunny and warm enough not to need a coat. We met our first boat today, well we didn't exactly meet him, we were about to set off when he met us and informed us that Hardwick lock was flooded as the bywash was blocked, I told him that Broadmoor was the same. By 11 am the weather had taken a downward turn, it was now quite a bit colder and slightly showery. There was quite a bit of flooding to the east of the canal with a lot of the meadows partly under water. We passed through Bourton Lock but of course there was no face at the window. I heard that the lady who use to live there use to write to Finch while he was inside. Hardwick Lock was not as bad as expected, the bywash is partly blocked with a bit of water topping the gate but nowhere near as bad as Broadmoor where all the water was flowing over the gates. As we approached Banbury we had the pleasure of first watching a Kingfisher as he flashed along and then he sat on an overhanging branch as we passed within 5 feet of him. Why is the camera always down below at a moment like this. Sovereign are selling diesel at 48p lt. but only open Tuesday to Thursday 10-4 so no chance of a fill up there. We have moored just past there yard on the towpath side for the night and there have been several boats go by in each direction. -- Brian <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Visit this site and help save our waterways http://www.savethewaterways.org.uk/
