Brinklow Marina

Today's Canals : Coventry, Oxford

We were keen to make sure that we arrived at our destination in good time as we have not been in here before. Part of the reason for the choice this time is that Brinklow and Cropredy (where we are heading for the winter) are part pof the same group, Aquavista. One of the benefits is that all our details are on their computer system which makes check in much simpler. 

In any event, we left our mooring not long after 8 am - crack of dawn for us! The day was grey and remained that way all morning although after we arrived at the destination there was much better sunshine. 

Very soon we passed this boat (no-one awake yet) and we had to wait until later to check out the Latin tag, although our translation capability got us close. It means If you want peace, prepare for war in modern times it is used to assert that if you look as if your are ready for a fight then your potential enemies are unlikely to attack. We are not sure whether historians would agree but perhaps it does take a view on Putin and the war in Ukraine along with questions about the stamina of Western countries to continue with supplies. In any event, it seems an unusual choice for the name of a narrowboat whose armed capabilities are limited!

We intended to stop at Hawkesbury for the usual round of services but by the time we arrived there we revised our plan on the basis that we could manage until we were in the marina. Christine opted to work the paddles and gates - the change in level is minimal! Whist she was doing this, Mike went to the Jules Fuels boat just before the junction to buy a bag of solid fuel. We did not want any more at this stage as the evenings are still not always cold enough to warrant the effort of lighting the stove. We intend to bring logs and firewood back from home with on our next visit.

The towpath immediately above the lock is closed for a short distance as it is undergoing substantial repair to the bank.

We were now on the North Oxford which was an early canal and, given the technology of the day, was built following contours to minimise large scale earthworks , tunnels and locks. Some time later, as civil engineering moved forward, a lot of this canal was straightened with new cuts bypassing significant loops.This made journey times much shorter and thus earned more money for the canal company. Some of these changes are still obvious but many lie hidden by vegetation or even new building. Just after the Wyken Arm (it served a local colliery but was originally part of the main line) there is now a long straight.

However, it comes to an abrupt end with a sharp bend - even more obvious from the bridge which is just behind the camera. The line of the towpath from the start of the picture was the original direction and the canal headed off to the left of the present canal for about a mile.

We passed a group of cygnets - now beginning to look more like stroppy teenagers - with, we think, their mother. Just ahead two other adult swans, presumably male (!) were having a very lengthy extended fight, quite spectacular. Things quietened down a little after one retreated to the towpath as we passed them but as soon as we passed they were at it again. It did look as if the one being chased was very definitely 'after' one of the family, whether mother or perhaps a daughter we do not know but father was definitely defending his rights. Alas we did not manage the best of photos.

The little footbridge was across the canal at Stretton Stop. Mike jumped off to open it and then realised that a boat was coming in both directions - Christine called for him to jump back aboard and leave the two to fight it out which would close up afterwards!

As we passed through Easenhall Cutting we could see the repairs to two substantial land sips that occurred last winter.

Although the main work has been finished - and the canal re-opened remarkably quickly, given that constructing a roadway to bring in the heavy equipment was a major project in itself - it is clear it will not be finished any time soon. The usual temporary fencing across the towpath has been replaced at both ends by a much more substantial locked barrier.

Not far to go now - well before 12:30 we were turning under the ornate towpath cast iron bridge and then through the entrance into the marina itself. The marina is to one side of the first part of an old loop abandoned after straightening.

We completed the formalities at the marina office - so far we have been delighted by the obvious 'customer focussed' approach of Aquavista. We were made very welcome and one of the staff went down to our pontoon to guide us in. Mike made a hash of his first attempt to reverse in (strong winds!) so had to go back and start again but this time, following specific guidance, he came in almost perfectly.

As soon as we tied up we had lunch! `The afternoon started very quietly but we did manage most of the necessary chores including sorting out which clothes to take back home (this trip has been nothing like our expectations, dress-wise) and also checking the weed hatch. Mike did indeed find a significant amount of plastic, wire and fishing line will have accounted for the slight vibration of the last two days. At least it was nothing worse.

10.0 Miles - 1 Lock