A cruise decision.

On Tuesday I had a visit arranged with an electrician, which was the reason for my trip down to the Calcutt locks at Napton Junction, he arrived on time at 9:30 and proceeded to check out my charging system, my new batteries are performing so well compared to the old ones I was now worrying that they were being overcharged! anyway after running through things with various meters and diagnostic tools he gave it a clean bill of health, he said there were minor problems with the actual design which he could improve on and would show a slight improvement in the charging but it was not really worth it as it was all doing what it was designed to do.

So after he left I began to think about my spring/summer cruising plan, I didn’t have one yet, I was contemplating a trip further along to Leamington Spa and beyond when I received an e-mail update from my old mate Karl (N.b. Lizzie Jane) in which he said he was planning to go to Bristol, so I emailed him back and asked if he wanted some cruising company and the decision was made that we would head down the Oxford South to pick up the Thames and then join the Kennet and Avon to head to Bristol together, it should be fun. The minor problem was that I was at Napton and Karl is at Leighton Buzzard, we agreed to meet around Braunston, which will take Karl a lot longer than me to reach, so I have to occupy myself ‘til he arrives.

So having sat out two days of wind and rain at my current mooring this morning I said goodbye to my neighbours moored behind me and headed off, first winding (turning around) just before the lock and reversing back onto the water point.

Calcutt top lock viewed from the water point.

Filling the tank, the lock is over to the left.

 Having filled up with water I set off back to the junction passing the long term moorings and turning left back onto the Oxford South.

Passing the odd shaped boat from my last post and was able to get a couple of better pictures.

I would love to be able to take a nosey inside, it must be very different in feel to my narrow boat.

Then I passed this little one, very cute, just think how little 'housework' is needed.

I was soon back at Braunston and moored briefly immediately after the junction, I popped along to the small shop and bought some bread and milk and then set off again, the towpath there was very muddy and I did not want to be in a busy area preferring to find a more rural mooring.

So here I am back on the Oxford North.

 View from the side hatch.

Totals today: 7.5 miles