Last night: after calling Tesco and organising to return the television to the nearby store, found that the laptop plug was not fully inserted. Then the TV started to work! We soon though that we were back on track but then the inverter sounded an alarm - possibly the result of insufficient battery charge?
Off in good time - just before 9 - but this was partly the result of the inverter not working from the batteries overnight and Christine was unable to use her new hairdryer!
After leaving Banbury well behind us, we soon began the long climb up to the summit pound. Many of the locks here had interesting houses for the keepers but they are often quite isolated, making them less attractive for development. The one at Little Bourton Lock was for sale when we came here a few weeks ago but now has a 'sold' sign. Certainly will be a challenging DIY job for the new owners and it was diificult to see how they will find vehicle access!
Christine went to the Bridge Store at Cropredy for eggs and bread, leaving Mike to proceed on up throug the lock. However, when she returned she failed to notice that he had not even passed under the bridge because a boat coming down was in the narrow section! She was eventually re-united with Take Five at Broadmoor Lock!
The day began with a pleasant if somewhat overcast morning, initially rather cool but soon much warmer. However, by midday the rain had returned and through the Clattercote locks and the Clayton Flight it was definitely wet. However, by the time we arrived at the top lock and the summit pound the sun was breaking through. Christine insisted that Mike moor the boat precisely in a sunny patch whilst we had a late lunch break. In fact, it was so pleasant we hardly noticed an hour an a half pass by!
Soon after seeting off once more we arrived at Fenny Compton 'tunnel'. This stretch was originally built as a tunnel but later opened out. However, the two end sections remain very narrow. In the centre there is a pretty turnover bridge (that takes the towpath from one side of the cut to the other) but which is now somewhat over-awed by the modern A423 road bridge.
Many canal bridges are interting in their variety of shapes and sizes, some more impressive than others. One footbridge does little to inspire confidence in its abilities to hold up under the lighest of loads!
Later in the afternoon we made a short stop to pick blackberries to have with our dinner tonight. The canal wanders around, changing direction every few minutes, so much that the large radio mast is sometimes to one side of the boat and then, confusingly, can be seen on the other direction! It was a clear, sunny evening although the temperature fell quite quickly as we approached sundown. We moored, as planned, at 6.30 although still about an hour short of Napton top lock.
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