It did get hot.

With the forecast declaring a very hot day I set off early-ish, around 9am in shorts and T shirt on my quest to find a suitable spot for painting, it needs to be away from housing, as I have to run the generator, and with a low bank, so I can reach down to the lower rubbing strake, I knew if I found one today I would have to wind (turn around) to get at the right hand side of the boat.

Janes Teas was just ahead but there was no one around, it's a right old mix of tables and chairs but I have seen it very busy, not a great picture with the sun behind me.

The canal seems more overgrown than when I came down this way, and a passing boater complained how shallow it was, but to be fair I have had no depth problems so far.

Bit of trimming wouldn't go amiss,

At my first lock Northbrook (38) luck was with me, I had help from a boat waiting to come down, they told me to stay aboard and I complied happily.

There were two helpful ladies, one's out of shot, as the men looked on ;-)

I really enjoy this canal, the scenery is lovely and ever changing, open fields one minute, tree lined banks, then lines of moored boats, all add to the appeal.

Next was Dashwoods lock (37), a bridge and steps up to the lock makes for a pleasant entrance.

 And then another lovely view across to the ploughed fields.

Where around the corner the seagulls (I think) were having an early feast.

Approaching Lower Heyford I saw Bones, the owner used to blog but I think she might have given up now, I love the way she's painted the name.

After passing through Lower Heyford I nearly stopped for a beer at the black swan ;-)

Unusual sight, not the first but you don't see many.

Next came the only blot on an otherwise lovely cruise, I was approaching the awkward lift bridge (205), I dislike it, it's just awkward, but just as I got there a dog walker appeared so I asked her if she would open it for me, there was a hire boat following me, so if she refused I intended to let them operate it, anyway she tried to lift it and failed and disappeared from view, I assumed she had given up, so I waved the hire boat towards me so I could ask them to open it, then the lady dog walker reappeared and opened it, hooray, I went through and as I got in hearing range I thanked her very much and said 'there is another boat just behind me', she did not like that and said "they can get off and open it, I am not the bridge operator" and with that let go of the bridge which dropped with a heavy clang much to the dismay of the boater behind me, oh well not everyone is happy all the time.

Next came Allen's lock (36) a very awkward entrance to this one, it's almost impossible to get in without hitting the bridge that forms the entrance, and I clipped it as most must do, once in a couple of Antipodean heads appeared above me and offered to work me through, things were really rather pleasant today.

Allen's lock and I'm on board again, my helpers waiting for it to fill. 

I think this pleasant little marquee must stay in place permanently.

Then it was on to Heyford Common lock (35) and  Somerton Deep lock (34) at 12ft deep it was the only the second one today with no helpers,

Somerton Deep lock

Without finding a suitable place for painting I moored up just beyond Aynho Wharf, hopefully tomorrow I will find somewhere as the towpath changes sides.

Totals today: 10 miles : 5 locks : 2 lift bridges

View from the side hatch: