Wednesday, October 08, 2014

A Day on The Oxford Canal

Last week we were back in Oxfordshire visiting family & friends, coinciding with a return visit to The UK by Adrian & David.  Last Friday we had a day on Oxford Canal hiring one of the day boats.

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Once we departed we set about breakfast - bacon rolls for all

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We hired the boat from Lower Heyford (http://www.oxfordshire-narrowboats.co.uk) & travelled north up the canal

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For the first section Andy walked Crag along the tow path

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Karen now takes over walking Crag, whilst Ian steers the boat

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Adrian & David take control at the first lock (Allen’s Lock)

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Crag is very happy as he makes acquaintance with Jess a 3 year old collie

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After much flirting from both parties it’s time to move on

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A short video clip

Andy takes control

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David & Adrian enjoy a cuppa

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Ian is the main helmsman

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David has a go

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Followed by Adrian

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We stop for a short break & Karen returns to the boat

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Crag finds a stick!

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Somerton Lock cottage

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Ian expertly steers the boat into Somerton Deep Lock, this is the deepest lock of the day at 12ft (it is the deepest lock on the canal & the 15th deepest in the country)

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The lock takes quite a while to fill

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And we are out the other side

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We turn the boat around & moor up for lunch before retracing our route back

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This time we have a 12ft drop down at Somerton

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Cuppas have been replaced with alcohol now

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Dad & Lad steer us back

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Some of the trees are starting to turn autumnal

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Ooops we decide to investigate the river bank!

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Karen wasn’t driving then honestly

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The lengthening shadows reflect in the canal

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Ian taking photos whilst David steered

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Thanks Anne & Ian for thinking up such a thoroughly good way for us all to spend the day.

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