This evening we are moored up at Fenny Compton on the Oxford Canal, following a slight error of judgement on our part.  Not moaning though as the Oxford Canal is very rural and quiet, apart from all the boats whizzing around, they are mostly moored here for the evening I think.

On Tuesday morning we left the mooring at Long Itchington to go up the 10 locks between there and Birdingbury Wharf.  As we set off, Laughing Dog, a boat moored in front of us also pulled out and we shared the first few locks together.  Then caught up with a boat called Red Dwarf and continued up with them.

Sharing a lock with Laughing Dog

And Red Dwarf

Red Dwarf and Jedanie Deans crossing one of the pounds together

The locks were quite busy and we met several boats coming down the flight.  Always good as it makes lighter work for everyone!

Waiting in the pound for us to exit the lock!

Having completed the 10 locks there was a bit of a gap before what should have been the last three locks of the day at Calcutt.  Time for a coffee.  Approaching Calcutt Locks we spotted two boats coming out of the bottom lock and hoped they had left the gates open.  When we arrived there was a boat already in there waiting for us.  This was a good omen and all the remaining locks had a boat exiting as we arrived.  A nice easy trip through all three locks.  Stopped for water and then set off for Napton Junction where the plan was to turn left to Braunston.  Quick change of plan however and we went right to Napton intending to empty the toilet at the bottom of Napton Flight and mayber moor up for the evening before turning round and heading for Braunston.  However there was no mooring available and the canal was too narrow to easily allow us to reverse back to the turning point.  So having emptied the toilet we continued up Napton flight, eventually mooring up in the pound between locks three and four.  A long day (6 hours).  Had a pint in the Folly, which seems to have changed hands since we were last there.  The landlord was a bit eccentric looking with a luxurious mustache with twirly ends.

Napton Junction where we should have turned left!

Bottom Lock at Napton

Tuesday evening's mooring

On Wednesday morning we walked into Napton to post a birthday card to Jacob who will be 2 a week on Saturday (I like to be in plenty of time).  Coming back the locks looked very busy with boats queuing at the bottom to go up.  So we had a cup of coffee before joining the fray.

Mist rising off the canal on Wednesday morning

 Carried on to the top of the flight at Marston Doles and found a mooring spot near Prior's Hardwick.  There was a good field with no sheep where we took the dogs and played ball with them as they haven't had a good run for a while.  Jake then found a filthy muddy puddle to lie down in and drink from, love him!  A very quiet and peaceful evening with no one passing on the tow path and no traffic noise.  A shame that the proposed path of the high speed rail link runs through this rural idyll.  Personally I hope it doesn't happen but that is just my opinion.

This morning we left this peaceful place and carried on to Fenny Compton.  This is probably a very short journey by road.  However the Oxford Canal is notoriously twisty and winding and this is a lengthy journey of 9 miles, taking about 3 hours.  Fenny Compton is a popular spot and the mooring is quite tight.  Not as quiet and peaceful as last nights mooring, but the combine harvester which was working in the field opposite has now finished for the evening.  Had a tasty meal at the Wharf.

The socks are coming on well just got the foot left to do on the first one!