The one that got away

 Kaitlyn with Dog Boat's dog

It was bright this morning and we breakfasted in our shiny new covered back deck, out of the cool breeze. We set off and found a boat coming out of the nearby lock, leaving it in our favour, which was a great start. The next lock was also in our favour and as we were waiting for it to empty, a small dog appeared which Kaitlyn befriended. When its owner appeared, we recognised him as the captain of what we have come to know as the 'Dog Boat'.We have played leapfrog with this boat for several days, and usually pass it when it stops to let the dog have a walk. Today, it is heading the other way, so I guess it's goodbye.

 Angela enjoying having a lock crew to share the load

 An approaching boat covered in flowers

 The junction with the River Cherwell

The River Cherwell follows beside the canal for mile after mile, and the two join for a few miles. The flow wasn't too great today, and had little effect on us. After a couple of miles, the two split again, and we turned right, back onto the Oxford canal and straight into a lock.

Like the lock we saw yesterday, this one is this weird shape having a narrow entrance and exit, but being wide enough for 3 boats in the actual lock. It isn't deep, but takes quite a while to fill and empty. We carried on heading south, passing through lush countryside, looking for a clear bank to moor up for lunch. The banks are thickly covered in what looks like huge bunches of rhubarb, offering litttle chance to get close. After a few miles, we did find a spot and moored up next to a small bridge. Kaitlyn fished with a net again, and had an exciting encounter with a crayfish which alas escaped. By the time we were ready to leave again, Kaitlyn had caught a large number of tiny Minnows which were returned to the water to grow a bit, before we left.

It's a Cracker! 

We debated whether to press on and try to make it into Oxford, but based on stories of scarce moorings in the city, we decided to stop early and aim to get into Oxford at about midday tomorrow, when finding a mooring is more likely. We topped up with water in Thrupp and met this fine 4 year old horse called Cracker by the lift bridge. We went through the electronically controlled bridge and found a spot to moor, in front of a row of little stone cottages. We spoke to a lady who was monitoring usage of the moorings, to discourage those outstaying the 48 hour mooring limit, and who recommended the nearby pubs for food. So, we obviously had to have a pub meal which was very nice.