Autumnal Oxford

Friday 23rd October

After the efforts of the previous day - which ended with taking part in the licensing of our new parish priest - we were not quite as early away as we might have been! We made good progress to the Willow Man - half way point - but around Junction 18 we ran into the delays which resulted from an accident north of the M4. Whilst we were not at a standstill for very long, it did add around an hour to our journey.

Christine had made arrangements with Gilly, who works at Lower Heyford, to make new curtains for the boat over the winter. She had recommended a shop in Kidlington so we came along the A40 to purchase the materials. It was indeed an excellent fabric shop. The main material was only £2.99 a metre but, ironically, the blackout lining material was double that!

By the time we arrived at the boat it was not sensible to think in terms of setting off before dark so we took our time unloading the car and setting up ready for the journey northwards. We spent the night at our mooring.

Saturday 24th October

Neither of us was super energetic at the start of the day and so it was after 10 o'clock when we started off and another quarter of an hour before we winded and were facing in the right direction.

The day started OK but before long rain arrived. Never heavy, but quite wet until later in the day. Nevertheless, it was far from cold and we made good progress northwards.

Just above Somerton Deep Lock we pulled in for lunch. when we were ready to set off again, the rained had stopped - but quickly returned. However, before long the promised better conditions appeared but they were accompanied by rather strong winds.

We had quite a problem at Nell Bridge Lock where a strong cross wind insisted on keeping us stuck to the bank as we attempted to leave! After several attempts to push the boat away from the piling we eventually succeeded.

The pleasant evening tempted us to press on and we finally moored just below Banbury Lock. Mike went on a walk to Morrison to pick up some parsley to put in the sauce to accompany the monkfish for dinner tonight.

We used the A Church Near You website to find out the times of services at Banbury churches. Looks like 9:30 at St Mary's is the best option, but we will report further in the next blog.

Christine phoned Oxford to refine the options for visits from the girls and it seems that we may see one or more in the latter part of the week - Alice may well join us on Tuesday, but the advantage of this trip is that we are not tied to any particular schedule other than having to return to base by next Saturday evening. Of course, the clocks change tonight so evenings will arrive earlier from now on. As well as having to return to Wadebridge, we have also to get south of Somerton by Nov 1st as after that there is a six week stoppage!