Up early knowing we have places to go and we are at the water point at 8.45 - to find a) someone already there b) there is only the one tap c) it is the slowest tap on the network d) if we do ever get to it and fill up we'll have to reverse through a bridge and do a 3-point reverse into the wharf to turn round and face in the right direction. Oh yes, and it's started to rain ....
So we don't actually set off until 10.30 and we make a note to tell CRT they've got a useless tap.
And it's raining .... so my memories of the rest of the day are just increasingly damp, very very damp.
We arrive in Banbury at 6.15 and it hasn't stopped raining, so changing into dry gear and hanging up the damp clothes is the first priority. Standing outside at the tiller for 8 hours of constant rain isn't so much fun.
We are moored right next to Tooley's Historic Boatyard.
Look closely and you will see that they offer "The ISIS school of boat handling." Is that the terrorist's alternative to the SAS and Special Boat Service?
At last with umbrellas up we head for The Old Reindeer, Banbury's oldest pub and quite atmospheric. We are served by an enthusiastic young man and a charming blonde ex-ballet dancer (see her pirouette as she changes direction with our meals!) and she also shows me around The Globe, the old panelled room where, it is said, Oliver Cromwell planned his campaigns.
Back at the boat, having negotiated the back streets of Banbury, we light the fire and try to dry our kit.
And still it rains ....
12.5 miles, 7 locks
So we don't actually set off until 10.30 and we make a note to tell CRT they've got a useless tap.
And it's raining .... so my memories of the rest of the day are just increasingly damp, very very damp.
We arrive in Banbury at 6.15 and it hasn't stopped raining, so changing into dry gear and hanging up the damp clothes is the first priority. Standing outside at the tiller for 8 hours of constant rain isn't so much fun.
We are moored right next to Tooley's Historic Boatyard.
At last with umbrellas up we head for The Old Reindeer, Banbury's oldest pub and quite atmospheric. We are served by an enthusiastic young man and a charming blonde ex-ballet dancer (see her pirouette as she changes direction with our meals!) and she also shows me around The Globe, the old panelled room where, it is said, Oliver Cromwell planned his campaigns.
Back at the boat, having negotiated the back streets of Banbury, we light the fire and try to dry our kit.
And still it rains ....
12.5 miles, 7 locks
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