Yesterday we drove up from Cornwall, eager to see how the boat looks after its spell in the paint shop at Lower Heyford. We left it there at the beginning of September since when Andy has been hard at work. It was not to be a full re-paint as the cabin sides were still in good condition. The main problem that prompted the work was the roof which has had a problem ever since the previous re-paint.
That time, we opted not to have the paint stripped back to bare metal - which was fine for the cabin - but the sanded grip sections on the roof already had algae growth in the grit and this soon came through the paint and looked unsightly. Despite several attempts to remove it, before long it re-appeared. The front and rear decks really did need attention as well as the gunwhales.
The journey up the motorway was straight-forward and we were at Lower Heyford shortly after 2 pm. we are very pleased indeed with the work and it is clear that Andy has taken very great care over it. The extra items have also been done - thanks to Nigel - and we hope that the problem we have had with the rear door sliding roof hatch (the blocks on which the bolts were mounted kept breaking away) is now well and truly fixed!
After unloading the car, Mike left Christine to start the task of restoring order inside the boat (we had removed everything from the shelves just in case the boat tilted whilst being blacked) and drove the car down to Packet Boat where we have booked a mooring again for this winter. Surprisingly, there was a direct train from West Drayton to Heyford which arrived back just after half past seven.
Today we still had some more work to to do sort out those things which defeated us last night! Eventually by 11 o'clock we were ready to set off northwards once more, a little earlier than we had expected.
The route up to Banbury and later to Napton is quite familiar and this is the third time this year! We came up from the Thames earlier in the season (when we booked the re-paint) and, of course, had to return back down to deliver the boat to the painters at the start of September. However, it is a pleasant canal with the locks on southern part spread out. The earlier contour canals were constructed as level as possible, following natural contours as much as possible, putting in a lock when a step up or down was needed. The canal here follows the line of the River Cherwell and the railway and motorway tagged along later.
It was raining when we started the day but by the time we set off it was very pleasant. A very short shower arrived at lunch time but otherwise the occasional threat from a dark rain cloud managed to pass just to one side of he canal.
We passed the tithe barn near Upper Heyford church and then came to the first lock of the day, Allen's Lock.
Two new balance beams have been left by the lock, no doubt waiting for the winter stoppage period. Both the beams on the present gates look in need of replacement - the lower gate made a desperate creaking sound as it was opened!
In the distance we could see a line of trees that looked as if it was spring and blossom time again.
Somerton meadow, where we have moored overnight many times in the past, provided a picturesque scene in the sunshine.
Four carved pieces of wood comprise an outdoor artwork, just above Somerton Bridge. This was the first time we managed to catch them all in one photo!
Alongside Aynho Weir lock was another of the trees whose leaves look almost like white blossom.
A little further, work boats left just enough room to squeeze past. They are in the midst of a bank repair - most of the towpath has fallen away. This technique is not so often seen - involves forming wire mesh cages which are filled with stones once they are in place. presumably, afterwards the top will be covered with soil and grass and other plants allowed to grow and in time soften the appearance.
Alongside Grant's Lock stands an electricity pole but the growth that sticks out all around can be seen from some distance. Until up close, it almost defies guesses as to what it is!
A short distance before Banbury, a dark cloud threatened but again passed to one side of us. Shortly afterwards, we moored for the night and the rest of the evening - not long as the sun sets soon after 5.50 now - was very pleasant. Andrew is due to join us some time tomorrow but we have yet to coordinate a location. However, we are not far from a Morrisons store and we need to stock up on those fresh things we did not bring with us. It also seems that we have worked our way through several wine glasses so perhaps time to buy some more!
Sadly, when looking through the photos we seem not to have managed one good enough to show the new paintwork. Will try harder tomorrow!
11.6 miles - 7 locks
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