A very pleasant day today, with much improved weather and unimpeded boating, enlivened by an unexpected encounter with old friends. First task was to reverse and wind in the marina entrance, a job slightly complicated by a boat emerging from the marina just as I started the turn.
Much waving of hands, in the course of which I lost concentration and got the stern stemmed up on the offside. A bit of short shafting and muttering of the appropriate mantra (come on you cow) got her moving again and soon we were heading north once more.
It was now quite sunny and warm when sheltered from the wind. There was a bit of traffic about, but much less than we'd expected. In particular, we'd assumed we'd have to queue at Hillmorton Locks, but no. Just as we got into the bottom lock, a familiar couple were seen crossing it and walked up to greet us.
These were David and Beryl Chapman whom we'd not seen since the Burton IWA National. They'd left their boat Peddler (clever, huh) at Hillmorton rather than try to get her back to the Thames, a decision of remarkable prescience. We had a good old natter, there being no other boat in sight.
We've tied on the handy Armco just round the bend from the official visitor moorings, which are on the old, sloping Oxford Canal wash wall.
Just one more thing to share: that wonderful castellated manor house, Pooley Hall is up for sale. Take a look at the details and weep; HS2 is planned to go within about 200 metres of it.
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