What a stroke of luck

This morning with the slight hint of red sky and the mist lingering over the fields, magical.

Today has been slow. We had two holdups by locks, both sorted by C&RT. The first one we probably could have dealt with as a reed island was the problem. Unintentionally I had brought a huge clump in with FS as I cruised in. Consequently, the bottom gate refused to open fully to allow me out. The thought crossed our minds to bring me back up, reverse out and shift the reeds that way but I had already spied a familiar boat. What a stroke of luck that it was C&RT's workboat with two ladies on board. Assessing the situation, a Keb to hand one of them proceeds to remove the reeds from behind the gate. A massive thank you to them both for their help.

I think it was at Alan's lock that we came across nb Oleanna. Side hatch was open and Pip and Mick stuck their heads out to have a natter. Then as I was descending Mick comes over for another chat. Turns out he has a similar problem with his window as we did! Hope you get it sorted soon guys and it was lovely to meet you both again.

 Oxfordshire hireboat yard had the Friday to Monday hirers returning. We timed getting past all wrong as boats were being winded and berthed. Several minutes of chaos while it was all sorted out.

And another returning boat.

 At Pigeon lock a hold up with queueing boats. C&RT having to use the Keb again to remove debris from behind the bottom gate. Not reeds this time but large branches and, would you believe, fenders! That's the problem if they are left down when going into a lock they can be ripped off and lost forever!

Bakers lock took us down to the river Cherwell. Another river section to do with another unique lock to get back onto the canal. This time a hexican shaped lock. A bit awkward to keep the boat straight in this lock so kept FS's nose against the bottom gate.

This is a brilliant idea. Lights flash to show the river conditions. On green, so we were good to go.

Shipton Weir Bridge

 At Thrupp, we waited for the facilities. Two boats breasted and both taking on water. After 10 minutes we gave up waiting and went through Aubrey's mechanical lift bridge. And here we met another blogger. It was none other than Maffi with Molly the dog. So arrangements made for a drink at the Boat Inn tonight. Although this could change as Maffi said they ran out of beer last night!

The facilities at Thrupp

And on the journey,

View from Somerton Deep Lock

This lock has a drop of 12 feet

The new  C&RT vans

To pass each other both of us had to scrape through the vegetation. Unacceptable in my opinion!

Seen from the river.

And seen on route,

Red Deer

Red Kite