Hmm... seems we can detect spacecraft

Glorious sunset last night and we expected a good day on the 'morrow. We were not disappointed as the day dawned sunny but cold.

Setting off early to take advantage of the boat that came past late last night leaving all 10 locks empty  (2 Itchington and 8 Stockton) we sailed up the flight and only the top lock had to be turned. Here we met a group of hirers having the time of their lives as they tried to get in (and out) of the lock. Ah, the hilarity coming from them as they tried to control the boat. This brought me right back to the early days when Ian and I with 4 friends were newbies and also finding much to laugh at. Oh, where has the time gone!

Stockton flight

Hirers

Calcutt locks and as we ascended a boat pulled out from the marina. Only three in this flight and no point in going up the last two alone so waited for them to catch up.

Marina

Waiting at the middle Calcutt lock

 At Napton Junction (Wigrams turn) not everything went to plan. Ian gestured for me to stop as a boat was reversing past the junction. I watched him reverse and was just about to do the manoeuvre when another reversed past. What was going on??? Both wanted to turn onto the Grand Union and with me now blocking the entrance, both had to wait for me to turn right onto the Oxford Canal.

coast clear

Right turn onto the Oxford canal

Looking back and another boat coming out of the junction

 No sooner had I got around when another boat in reverse but this time across the canal. Came to a stop and waited to see what was going to happen. Eventually, he got onto the side and waved me past. Looking rather sheepish he admitted to missing the junction and tried to wind the boat so he could go back. Realising it was much to narrow for that manoeuver he got himself slightly wedged!

 Made Napton flight in the allotted timescale. (10am to 3 pm) and so lucky that every lock was with us but only because a boat was exiting each time.  Glad we weren't going down! Even some of the pounds had more than one boat waiting.The queues at the top must have been awful.

two boats waiting

Low pounds yet again.

 The last two locks of today were at Marston Doles which also had the 10am to 3pm restrictions. With the afternoon having turned really warm we found a mooring where Ian could take the leaky bedroom window out to assess exactly where the water was coming from. His deduction was the screw holes was the problem so having cleaned the rims, rubbed down surrounding paintwork, painted red oxide to stop the rust, he replaced the window. Very temporarily mind, as Ian is going to take advantage of the good weather to do the job properly. So may well stay for a day or two.

And Ian came in with a smile on his face when he overheard a chap on a hire boat saying,
Ohh look at those ducks on top of their radar dome!"
This definition from Wiki, 
Radar is an object-detection system that uses radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects. It can be used to detect aircraft, ships, spacecraft, .........

And on the journey,

Must be uncomfortable living with this list.

This boater has taken over the towpath!

And seen on route,

Tis the time of the calfs

Buffalo Calf not long born

With mum