June 5th. Sunny Day.

     Sherri and I left Weedon Bec around 8:30 in the morning. The weather was chilli but the sun was out. We motored for an hour or so until we came to our first lock of the day. The picture above is interesting. Not just for its beauty but also for it history. At one time it was actually a tunnel. The rock was crumbly and long backups would acure at the tunnel. So the solution? Remove the top. The sides are now covered with heavy foliage and now disguises what it once was. We knew this existed but didn't know we passed through it until someone told us. 

     The day was bright and sunny. Sherri is now master entering and exiting the locks. We even have somewhat of a system and it seams to work. 

     We have arrived at our furthest point Banbury. We will spend a couple days here then turn back on Sunday for Gaton. We will return the boat next Thursday. 

     We walked into town for dinner. Something interesting about Banbury driving laws. You can drive your mini car into the pub, right up to the bar and order a drink. Don't believe me? See the picture below. 

     Maybe a trip to Oxford by rail if time allows. 

June 4th. Rainy Day.

    We stopped short of Napton and spent the night, moored in the country side.
     This morning, up early and after a full breakfast, we headed to Napton and the 9 locks for today. A soft rain was falling so we dressed in our rain gear. Stopping below the first lock we refilled our water tank. The set of nine locks were the first of the single boat locks Sherri and I have navigated. We found them much easier to operate and took less time to go through. At this point, I am going to say that I might, or might not have made a rookie mistake when operating lock number 12. No damage done to the lock itself but shattering to my pride. It had to do with water and the lack of between locks. My boating friend David will understand. I can already feel his disapproving look.
     Moving on. After we negotiated the 9 locks, we stopped for a short lunch just above the top lock. Sherri was very tired and I suggested she take a nap while I piloted the boat to Fenny Compton. I didn't have to mention it twice. I took hold of the tiller and notice the drizzle was changing to rain. Over the next 3.5 hours it went from steady rain to downpours. 

     We stopped in Fenny Compton for the night. Eating fish and chips at the Wharf Pub just 40 steps from the boat.

June 3rd. First full day on the boat.

     Sherri and I spent the night in Weedon BEC. We made seven miles on Monday. Pretty good for half a day.

     This was the first day that I was able to fix breakfast on the boat. I had eggs over easy, english bacon that was fried to golden brown, toast with butter and jelly. Sherri had oatmeal. After breakfast we walked into town to the local grocery store to pick up a few items. 

     

     We snuck away from Weedon at 8 am and headed toward Braunston. Shortly we reached our first locks for the day. We were fortunate enough to team up with another couple to share the work load of working the 13 locks that lay ahead. 9 miles, 13 locks and one tunnel later, we are now at Braunston for dinner and a visit to the butchers. 

     To stay on schedule we will travel a couple hours after dinner. Our goal for the night is Napton on the Hill.

June 2. Picking up the boat.

   

     10:15 am. This morning I awoke early. Sherri was still sleeping so I slipped out for a morning walk. I found a short footpath that led down to local grocery store. 

     I called the marina to ask if the boat will be ready a little earlier than scheduled. Unfortunately the people that have the boat have decided to keep it longer than hired. Hopefully they will show up soon.

     Sherri and I are headed to the grocery store to pick up supplies. We will then hire a taxi to take us to the marina then to lunch.
   
     7:35 pm. The taxi delivered Sherri and I to the marina. He was kind enough to wait while we stored our supplies in the marina's store refrigerator. He then drove us a mile away to the Greyhound pub for lunch. We had soup for appetizer and pudding for main course.
     After lunch we walked across the english country side back to the marina.

     The boat was ready for us to board shortly after we arrived back from lunch. Louis, who went through the boat with us last year,  was on hand to take us through the boat again. He efficiently went over the systems and turned the boat around so we were headed in the right direction.

     Our first stop was the village of Bugbrooke. We stopped and visited with a couple that were on a 100 year old coal boat. The owner was working at pulling the starter off the vintage engine. Fortunately he could hand crank start the engine.

     We continued into Bugbrooke. Our walk took us across a farmers pasture with cattle.
     After spending time exploring this charming village, we decided to move on to Weedon for the night. We prepared our supper on board, enjoyed our meal, then a walk to the pub for a drink and internet. Unfortunately the internet is slow and I am not able to post as many pictures as I would like. I will try to catch up with pictures over the next couple days. 

June 1st Arrived in London

       5:50 pm. This entry will be short. WE ARE TIRED. Plane, trains and automobiles has nothing on Sherri and me. Planes, tubes, trains, buses and a taxi. I don't remember being this tired last year. 

   
     We arrived at the hotel in the early afternoon and slept for 2 1/2 hours. I need more rest but I don't want to be awake all night.
    After a quick shower, we are going to go for a walk and check out the local grocery store. We will be picking up the boat at 2:30 pm tomorrow.
     If I can clear the cobwebs from my head, I will add more to this post tonight.

     9:45 pm. Sherri and I went for a walk after dinner. The weather is perfect. Hoping tomorrow will be nice as well.

Saturday May 31 Travel Day

     Sherri and I have arrived at the Springfield airport and are waiting at the gate for our 12:15 flight to Atlanta. My hope for a good night rest didn't go as planned. The neighbor dog's yelping as he was being shocked by the new invisible fence, brought me out of my early stages of sleep. I will have to make due with the 4.5 hours of sleep. Fortunately, Sherri did better than me.
     I will post again when we arrive in Northampton on Sunday.

Day before our flight to London

       Day before out flight. My bag is packed. Sherri has her clothes organized and is packing today. Since this is our second trip, I don't have the anxiety of the unknown. Knowing we can navigate the tube, cab and train system has helped calm my nervous feelings about visiting another country.
       We will arrive in London on Sunday, June 1st at 7:05 am. The boat won't be available until 2:30 Monday afternoon. This gives us plenty of time to travel to Northampton. Again, unlike last year, no rush and uncertainty of getting to the marina. We will spend the night in Northampton at the Holiday Inn Express on Grange Park. Monday morning Sherri and I plan to shop for groceries then head to the marina in the afternoon.