Flecknoe

 Today's Canal - Oxford

If we did not have hopes (ie long range weather forecast) of better weather in the next two weeks we might well say that winter is now with us!

We had about an hour's run initially to arrive at Marston Doles, the locks which mark the start of the descent from the 11 mile long summit pound. But before tackling the locks we stopped on the water point as we were quite low. With a slowish tap it took about an hour to fill up. At least this gave us a little longer to look at the buildings around the top lock.

The main wharf area is the base for Eaton Geotechnics, specialists in ground investigations. However, the yard is of much greater interest to many passing boaters as there is a substantial collection of old cars which seems to vary every time we come this way. We have not yet found out whether this is a known collection or just a personal hobby. Anyone know?

In a small car park beside the lock we spotted this wonderful old vehicle. Is it destined to join the collection?

One of the older houses alongside the lock is undergoing extensive renovation and extension at the moment. Perhaps next time we pass by it will be complete.

Something else that could do with renovation is one of the bottom lock gates - this innovative repair will not last for ever!

Marston Doles is the name for the first two locks - the others are collectively the Napton Flight of seven. As we dropped down the hillside village of Napton can be seen, although most of it is around the other side of the hill. The famous herd of buffalo could be seen in one of the fields but they were all peacefully lying down and taking no interest in passing boaters!

Most of the locks were one up - one down so we made good progress to the bottom lock.

The building which has before been in use by volunteer lock keepers was well and truly locked up today so we all had to work for ourselves,

We found a good mooring just after the service block (where we made the usual disposals) so stopped for a lunch break.

Later we continued once more but as it was gradually becoming even chillier and gloomier, we gave in at around half past three, not far from Flecknoe.

On the way we passed Napton Narrowboats - we have seen many of their fleet in the last two days - only one was not on hire today.

The small village of Lower Shuckburgh once boasted two wharfs. The first to be passed now only remain as a single ruined cottage but the main Shuckburgh Wharf is now a small set of moorings.

We had planned to get at least as far as Braunston to replaced our gas cylinder which ran out last night and to buy some more toilet Elsan, but that will now have to wait until tomorrow! It's OK, we do carry spares of both so we can still have hot food and drinks as well as not having to cross our legs for a whole night!

8.7 Miles - 9 Locks