Monday 19 August 2013

Oxford City...


Having moored in Oxford city we've just been taken it easy filling in time as the location is good for bus and train departures and arrivals.

The weathers still warm but had the occasional shower. The temperature is to rise back up to 28c later in the week another heat wave.

A nice cruise on the Oxford and Tait chuked together a few shots from the Go Pro....
Here's the link..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWJASTub23c

 




Leaving Banbury the shoppers stopped for a look.....





 
A lot of the lock keepers cottages are pretty run down but this one's still good....



 




Passed this sportster. It's an NG kit car... they're for sale complete or you can assemble the kits with a touch of mechanical knowledge..




The running gear is based on .........  Morris Marina..... (pppuuukkk)...  1800cc....  has a "boat tail" look at the rear.... (a tug)....




Leaving a lock that exits under an  arched bridge then under a motorway bridge....




Tied to the railings at Aynho Weir lock... the river Cherwell runs across the canal through these arches and after rain, in the winter usually, the swift cross current makes for tricky maneuvering entering the lock....



Somerton Deep lock has a desirable lock keepers cottage..... they had a generator running out back, maybe never been hooked to power...




A rail bridge keeps track of the canal.....





Real country setting...  Us, cows, water and lock....  noiseless... Perfect....





Dressed for the occasional  showers that fell.... great locking team...




Caught up to 4 guys in a row boat doing a lock so I suggested we share the lock... with a wooden boat they were braver than me...




They angled it across the lock to open the gates and emerged still Whole... I had the rudder touching  the rear sill to give them room to fit in...




Old cement works I think??..


As we approached Bakers lock the sky darkened and then the rain came. It fair poured down  for a short time then a hot sun came out and dried everything...



Five minutes before the storm this dude was doing all he could to gain a lightening strike...




Through Thrupp we passed and Maffis boat was moored but no sign of him...



The CRT fellas were  in the area putting up the new mooring signs so Maffi was probably on their Case.....


 

How to park your NB on the tow path, stove and all......



If you don't have the stop  lever on the cog of the paddle winder and your windlass hits the lock beam and your hand lets go the windlass you get.....






A Smack on the head from the flying handle..... ooouuuccchhh he said.....


Tait was flying out today to return to PNG via NZ..



A chill out time while mum cooks lunch...





One of the favourites... Ox Tail and jacket spuds....


Down to the bus for the direct run to Heathrow...



Leonie says good bye still smiling, but with a sad heart.., probably be two years now until we catch up......



Me too.... Awesome visit M8... take care.......