Herbie is on the move again, this time en route for Oxford. After sampling the newly reopened Cropredy Red Lion last night (all is well) we set off southward this morning. Aah no we didn't, first we filled up with diesel and I was surprised to find we had only used a hundred litres since passing though Uxbridge in April. This, despite having an annoying diesel leak from Herbie's mighty BMC 1.8. I bought a "12volt fuel/oil transfer pump"off eBay to clear it out. About 15 quid and it worked brilliantly, requiring no priming. I'm ashamed to say that it extracted 10 litres from the tray beneath the engine, but that is from over six months cruising.
Anyhow, back to the story. We were somewhat perturbed to arrive at Slat Mill lock to find we were fifth in the queue. An hour it took to get us through! The reason? One top paddle out of action, so the lock was really slow to fill. At subsequent locks we mostly got straight through.
Arriving rather late at Banbury, Kath had a brilliant idea. As we were delayed and needed to press on, why not get a nice ready meal from M&S. They had one of their meal for two inc wine for a tenner offers. So now at a nice spot just north of Aynho we relax bank side full of steak pie with rosti potatoes and New York cheesecake and a surprisingly nice bottle of wine.
Meanwhile across the canal three tractors showed up and made short work of raking, rolling and wrapping hay bales. Fascinating to watch one machine rolling and spinning the bales while wrapping them in black plastic. Now they've gone and the rabbits have come out, dozens of 'em.
Just another day on the Oxford canal.
Posted with Blogsy
2 comments:
I don't believe that you were at Aynho and didn't pay a visit to The Great Western Arms - unbelievable!
I don't believe that you were at Aynho and didn't pay a visit to The Great Western Arms - unbelievable!
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