It was grey and looked like rain again this morning. We set off after a bit of light woodwork constructing a support to make lowering the roof simpler, and headed towards the Claydon lock flight. There wasn't much traffic about and as we reached the first lock, there was only one boat in front of us.

 A cute mosquito

 As we approaced each lock, there was generally a boat coming the other way which meant that the locks were set in our favour. We spoke to several other boaters, and a common theme of conversation was the problems we would encounter in Cropredy. The forthcoming festival has apparently attracted a great many boats and there were many tales of traffic jams and long delays. We had no real alternative than to continue on into Cropredy. When we did arrive in Cropredy, it was hard to understand what all the fuss was about. There were a lot of moored boats, but it wasn't too bad.

 A cute butterfly

 A pretty canalside cottage

 Angela amongst the thisles in an abandoned lock keepres cottage garden

The weather improved eventually and the sun came out. We were entertained by a group of lads on a hire boat who all seemed to be working to maximise the chances of falling in. They were zigzagging from side to side bouncing off one bank and crashing into the other. Finally, when setting off from the lock moorings, they accelerated quickly but were still tied to the bank causing the boat to lurch violently to one side. We were happy to leave them as we headed off in the other direction!

 Two donkeys waiting excidedly for their tea

We reached Banbury and found a good spot to moor right in the centre.We went on a hike to the nearest food shop - Morrisons this time - and returned with supplies. Tamlyn, Luis, Dan and Kaitlyn arrived soon after and we enjoyed supper under the new hood with rain falling outside - finally, all of the problems with getting the hood finished seem worthwhile. Tam and Luis have left now, but Dan and Kaitlyn will be travelling with us for the next few days.