Mixing two days together again.
We set off into a bright and sunny Sunday morning, the birds were singing, the ducks were quacking and the big ole diesel was thumping away to drown it all out.
The South Oxford is littered with these lift bridges, this one is rare in being down, as thankfully most are wedged open. They are very well balanced though and prove to be no match for D.
The first lock of the day was Somerton Deep Lock, which of course had a boat in it already, they were going the other way leaving the lock ready for us, a good start. That lock keepers cottage was very well kept and once again seemed to have no visible access other than the canal. I'm sure it has but being a man I just can't see it.
The view from inside the lock with the canal winding away into the distance was spectacular.
We then dropped Ubique the twelve or so feet to the bottom and found a very tight exit upon opening the gate. These locks have changed to a single gate top and bottom which D finds a lot easier to work, there's a lot less needless walking from one side to the other.
The next lock found us sharing with this intrepid sailor.
He had a very sad tale to tell about why he is cruising the canals in his tiny craft, it involved eleven years living aboard a Narrow boat with his now late wife.
Off he goes to find somewhere to stop for a lonely lunch.
Moving into Monday and the canal is completely covered with trees giving the impression of cruising through a green tunnel.
D spent some time below today as she was making an Apple and Blackberry crumble with the fruit she has been harvesting from the hedgerows. Not being a great eater of any pud myself, I must say that it was a very good crumble and I had some more.
Our mooring for tonight is at Thrupp, now there's a name. It is very clean and tidy, with these planters all along the quay having been donated by the locals.
Each one has a little sign in it asking boaters to water them if they look dry. Three pubs and a boatyard in quite a small area, this canal is looking very good for the winter.
Difficult to see from the picture but this unusually coloured duck is at least twice the size of any other and has an appetite to match.
I seem to have caught up a bit now,
so until next time.............................
4 comments:
Where is the third pub and where is the boat yard?
The winter moorings have all been let so I don't supose you will be wintering in Thrupp after all. I understand there are spaces nearer Oxford if you can bring yourself down to the level of the skankey boaters there, who by the way count doctors lawyers scientists writers actors among their ranks.
Hi Anonymous,
Thanks for reading the Blog.
Im sure it must be interesting to read other boaters views of your area as they pass through.
I dont generaly answer anon posts but as you have asked questions I will do my best to answer.
The three pubs are:
The Boat.
The Jolly Boatman.
The Rock of Gibraltar.
The Boatyard is next to Aubreys lift bridge No221, pumpout, water, bookswap etc.
We would only overwinter in the general area not at specific mooring sites as we CCers.
Hope this helps,
regards Chris & Debbie.
Re: The duck, we had one just like it at our marina for a while, at first I thought it was a half bred goose! She even got a name, we called her Henrietta, then one day she was gone...
H
Hi Heth,
A half bred goose describes that Duck perfectly.
Regards Chris & Debbie.
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