Oxford again

The morning began with a walk into Eynsham village where we attended the 10:45 Morning Worship service at the parish church. Just over 60 people of all ages were in the congregation and several people spoke to us before the start. Afterwards there was coffee but we did not stay over long as we still had to visit the Co-op for milk and bread before walking back to the boat.

After lunch we set off, not long after 1 o'clock and headed straight into Eynsham Lock, just past Swinford Bridge. We still do not know why they continue with collecting the tolls but perhaps Google may have the answer when there is a chance to ask.

Instead of returning via Dukes Cut - which is the way we came - we decided to go round the longer route via Sheepwash Channel and the middle of Oxford.

This meant two more locks - Kings Lock and Godstow Lock (with the remains of Godstow Abbey alongside)  before the wide reach alongside Port Meadow. At this time of year there is no sign of the flooding which occurs most winters.

We turned into Sheepwash Channel - no signs announce it or even indicate where it goes! after a few narrow bridges we arrived at Isis Lock and a return to the more familiar narrow locks and canal!

Surprisingly, the short term moorings close to the start of the canal were not all full which seems unusual for this time of year. Further up, several stretches are benefiting from the introduction of Conservation areas, meaning that wildlife adorns the water's edge and there are no moored boats. Elsewhere, boats cram into every available space - and sometimes more, making operation of the lift bridges a bit difficult.

Under the replaced A34 viaduct - from down here it is easier to see just how much had to be done whilst keeping the traffic moving overhead. No wonder it took so long!

The last lift bridge No 231, has an experimental lock on it. At least it has been re-balanced and can be easily operated from the towpath side without having to cross over and 'pull the chain'. It seems that not everyone is pleased with it as a passing local complained that they now have to buy a Watermate key for £5, just to navigate the canal - Oh, and that goes for the new mechanism at Thrupp as well! (No pleasing everyone all of the time! In case BW are reading this, we thought it a good idea, at least if it keeps as easy to operate as it is now)

We moored eventually just below Kidlington Green Lock - there are few mooring opportunities along here and even fewer with the possibility of TV . . .

(Later: now know that Swinford Bridge is privately owned and was last sold in December 2009 for just over £1 million. It is reported that up to 10,000 vehicles cross each day, but even so we still do not see how it is possible that it will pay for major long term repairs.)