Ssshhh.... I think summer is making a showing.

Yesterday signalled the arrival of better weather and we had tentatively decided we may move on, Karl has been trying, frustratingly in vain, to renew his licence with Canal and River Trust but it’s been slow going due to them losing his details, so he decided to walk down to ‘The Folly’ pub, have a coffee and use their Wi-Fi, I needed some milk and bread so went with him and partook of a pint of ‘Old Hooky’ beer (I don't do coffee in pubs!) and eventually we decided to stay put. I did a small amount of painting preparation in the bow well deck area in the afternoon; I am slowly getting on with it J.

Today looked like being a good day, our 48 hours was up so around 9:45 Karl went on ahead, I filled the washing machine and followed on some 45 minutes later, as it is all single locks on the Oxford there is little point in actually trying to keep together, but first stopping to top up with water and then dispose of rubbish.

On the water point, services over on the left through the bridge
 and first lock ahead.

Looking across to 'The Folly' from the first lock (number 8).

Looking back down to lock 8 from lock 9.

It was quite busy with a number of boats on the move and nine locks to deal with before reaching the summit of the canal, but with boats coming downhill as I went uphill along with a volunteer at a couple of the locks it made for a pleasant cruise through more beautiful countryside.

Nice volunteer.

A little delay at the last lock for today due to congestion (even on the canals!)

Last lock, sharp right after leaving it.

I was soon enough through and heading off along the lovely meandering section between Marston Doles and Fenny Compton which is about 8miles of lovely lock free cruising.

Approaching the second bend I found Karl had moored up having decided this was the spot to spend tonight, and so I pulled over behind Lizzie Jane and it was get the washing on the airer in the front deck and settle down for a tough afternoon doing very little, tomorrow is another day.

Tonights Mooring

Totals today: 2.5 miles : 9 locks