Sept 19th moored near Onley and Barby on Oxford canal

         83 miles, 25 locks and 1 (short) tunnel from Aston Marina

Wednesday 19th Sept

Stayed put today.  Bright and sunny at times but cool breeze and plenty of cloud about.  Walked dogs along
towpath and tried to walk a little of the railway trackbed but only managed a short stretch used for farm access.  Sat out in the sun for a while but cloud turned it a bit on the cool side and Bridie decided to get her jigsaw out.

Tuesday 18th Sept

Another bright sunny morning so onwards towards Braunston.  Watered up below Hillmorton locks and then climbed the short hill of three locks.  Although double locks here, only one in use for all three pairs and evidence that CRT are actively working on them. As we left top lock we had a brief but heavy squally shower and a boat travelling in the opposite direction unfurled his umbrella as we passed and it immediately blew inside out.   Soon cleared and was pleasant cruising once more.  The straight and wide sections of the Oxford are perfectly ok it is the bends, narrows and moorings where problems potentially occur. Very enjoyable countryside although the West Coast Main Line is often close.  Bridges 79 and 80 being repaired
and we decided to moor when we saw near perfect moooring stretch just beyond bridge 80. (Olney prison is just across the fields from here and the track bed of the Great Central railway runs close by).  Once moored decided to polish the starboad side of the boat and managed this in the dry.  Chap moored behind put an undercoat on one side of his boat at the same time.  He was lucky it didn't rain although it did later in the evening.


Monday 17th Sept

Sunny start to the day so set off for short cruise into Rugby for a Tesco shopping trip and lunch by bridge 58.  Then on another short cruise as far as Clifton Bridge 66 and moored by golf course. Took dogs a walk trying to pick up 'The Great Central Way' but turned back when path went through field of cows by the Avon. Eventually found that the path under the canal near where it crosses the Avon is a better bet.  We will try that next time.