Cropredy and Fenny Compton

We awoke early - Mike's cold did not help! He also wanted to visit Julian Graves for 'snack' supplies: we were told yesterday that 9 am this morning was the start of a new promotion. Alas, it was rather a disappointment as the main offers were for sweets and mini Easter eggs. They were also out of papaya chunck . . . At least he was able to pick up a newspaper and also some stir fry for tomorrow from M&S - guided by a very helpful member of staff.

Off before the schedule of 9:30 - immediately passing Soverign Wharf who never seem to be open - at these prices we are not surprised!

It was another misty morning and, unlike yesterday, never even threatened to break into sunshine. Nevertheless, whilst fresh it was not unbearably cold and we had quite a bit to do as we climbed the succesion of locks through Cropredy up to Claydon.

We called briefly for services at Cropredy Wharf and broke for lunch above Elkington's Lock. Christine had bought a chicken quarter at Morrisons yesterday and this was transformed over the morning into a delicious, warming soup for lunch - today and probably for the next couple of days as well.

Occasionally, bridges have lost their parapets - they do not add to the strength of the bridge, only provide comfort and some safety fro those crossing over. However, they so restrict the width of equipment farmers can move across the bridge. However, unusual shape is a little disconcerting!

The Claydon flight of five locks were all empty and we cleared them quite efficiently and then made a start on the long summit pound. Since it is very much a contour canal at this section, it seems to take forever to make any progress relative to visible landmarks. On the other hand, this part of the Oxford Canal is quite remote from habitation once away from Banbury and Cropredy.

Once again we passed through Fenny Compton Tunnel: those who do not know may be surprised at how easy this is! The tunnel is no more, now only cutting as it was opened out at the peak of the canal's sucess. Only the south eastern end, with its very narrow section, gives much clue about its early life!

We stopped at the Fenny Marine to visit the chandlery shop. Although they had the tiles we were looking for to fit into the front well deck, they did not have enough of any one colour - they claimed that they could no longer obtain supplies from America.

By the time we were clear of all the moored boats which seem to stretch quite a long way from Fenny Compton, it was nearing our scheduled stopping time: a bit early but we were beginning to feel the chill. So, after mooring, Mike was surprised when Christine announced that she was going to wash and wax the outside roof!

Tonight, unusually, will be a roast beef dinner night - the joint of brisket we brought from Duttons in Wadebridge proved too big to fit into the tiny freezing compartment and so could not wait until next Sunday!