Oxford Canal North

There was a bit of a frost this morning but it soon cleared and by 9:15 I was ready to move.

First stop was the services for the usual fill and empty, nice to find recycling as well as I had taken a 25kg coalbags worth of plastic bottles out of the canal in the last few days.

Then it was through Hawkesbury Junction on to the Oxford canal and the Sutton Stop Lock with a rise of about 7" it didn't take long and as I was leaving a holiday hirer asked me if I had every lost my boat doing what I do (I bring it to a halt just past the gate, hop off while I close the gate and then back on and away) I told him no, but in wind or with a strong bywash I keep the centre line handy, or even tie up first, I have had a few moments J

Just after the lock this chap was enjoying the sun.

Then not too far along I came across this sunken boat, fire damage by the looks of it, luckily plenty of room to pass, I expect it will be there a while. I hope the owner/s got off ok if they were aboard.

Lots of boat traffic today, the silly holiday season is now well underway, I slowed as a boat come through a bridge because between me and the bridge there was a lot of overhanging branches and I didn't want to force him into it, I waved him on, he never moved, I flashed my tunnel light and then waved him on again, he never moved, another boat was now coming through the bridge so I moved on he was drifting across and reducing my space now, and I ended up rubbing on the shallows,as we passed I told him but I don't think he was a hirer.

I would not fancy living here if the canal every burst it's bank.

Of course I met a boat at the bridge at Ansty, it was about 50/50 who had priority but the other chap yielded so that was nice.

This I liked, but look at all those solar panels, I wouldn't have that many.

Perhaps this one should have a roof full of solar panels

It's for sale at £85,000, not for me at that price, it must be exceptional inside.

Approaching Rose Narrow Boats base I yielded to another boat, it is wide enough for two if you take it very carefull but it's easier to wait especially when the sun is shining, who needs to hurry, Going through the tiny pedestrian swing bridge and another hire boat appeared so I left it open with a reminder to him to close it after he had passed.

I decided to stop for a cuppa and a sandwich just before Brinklow Marina, the sun was out and I ended up staying put for the day, my intended stop at Newbold would probably be busy so I will move up there tomorrow morning instead.

Totals Today: 8 miles : 1 Lock