The Jolly Boatman

Today we left Oxford after a second wander around the city.

We found the low pound not quite as low. It became clear that this was because water was being let down.
The side effect of this was the overflow by the lock was a torrent sending every boat at 90 degrees to where they were steering with considerable force. The boat coming out of the lock got pushed and the grounded. We made it into the lock only because we bounced off the grounded boat when we were pushed sideways.

But we got through that section.





We then moored at The Jolly Boatman at Thrupp.





But walked to The Boat Inn for dinner as it was slightly cheaper but more importantly had a better Gluten Free menu.

Oxford

We made it through the low pound without grounding once. We are heading back through it today as we know we can pass through at the moment.

Enslow

Today we have moored up at Enslow. The famous waterside pub The Rock Of Gibraltar was the attraction. But disaster. They don't do food on a Tuesday evening and we had steaks on our mind all day following this morning's encounter.

Little Heyford

The name is very apt, tiny place with no shops and a pub that only opens in the evening.

That's why there are plentiful moorings.

Today we went through Somerton Deep Lock.







I still think the Hanbury locks are deeper though.

Other than that we just pottered down the canal. An easy day progressing towards Oxford.

Banbury

Today we stayed in Banbury making the most of the facilities in the nearby shopping mall and staying out of the rain.

We got a good view from the local multistory car park.



Yesterday we had a good look round and went to Banbury museum which was very interesting and the canal section is on a bridge over the canal.



We did go to Banbury Cross.



And ate in the Globe Room at Ye Olde Reine Deer Inn. This is the room where Oliver Cromwell had his head quarters during the civil war.

Are we going to Banbury Cross

We probably will.

Given the weather forecast we think we may well stay here all day tomorrow.

Last night we found some very interesting and tasty specials.



Today we negotiated high wind and showers but still lost control at one point and nudged some moored boats.

We are moored in the middle of Banbury.



And the crew is happy there are shops.



All in all a good day.

Happy Birthday Alison.

Cropredy

Today despite the water shortages we made it to Cropredy. Tonight we are going to eat at the Brasenose arms as the have a good gluten free menu.



Today's cruise was uneventful but hot.



The heat is meant to go away tomorrow. We hope.