Off to Wales

We awoke early - just before six - but it was still 8 o'clock before the car was packed, everything that needed to be checked was checked (mostly ast least twice!) and we set off.

Traffic-wise the journey was as uneventful as we had hoped by setting off early (it being a Saturday) but around Exeter and Bristol there was very heavy rain which made driving quite difficult and speeds reduced, sometimes down to 40 mph.

With a stop for coffee at Michaelwood, we arrived at Lower Heyford before 12:45 and began unloading. The trolley and the new bunjee helped and were surprised how quickly we were ready to set off. After checking out a few things, including filling up with water, we began to push back just on 2.30 and headed northwards.




This was familiar territory, of course, so the fine drizzle and cold conditions did not mean that we missed new things! However, on the canal there is always something new to see. Just before Aynho Wharf some fresh yellow irises lined the canal bank. Aynho Weir lock gates were as difficult as ever!



Christine then spotted that the wood surround to the bathroom wash basin had dried out well - it has always been a problem because the varnish had failed and the veneer was not only stained but quickly became soaked. So, she persuaded Mike to start work on it. The basin itself had also come unstuck from the surface so the underside need plenty of cleaning. The stains in the wood cannot be removed entirely but it will be a lot better for several coats of varnish.

Once we found a mooring spot away from the nearby motorway we stopped for the night. The bank is rarely approachable along this stretch and Christine risked turning her ankle as she jumped off, straight into the only pothole nearby!


Mobile signal was not good enough overnight so this is being posted the next moring - same location!