Threes service is very patchy

Excuses, excuses, excuses. It wasn't me guv it was the kit, but it is; the 3 network is very patchy so not able to post . As soon as service gets better I will add some details and photos. Basically we have moved from the Thames, up the Oxford Canal and are now on the Grand Union. We should be going up the Hatton Flight tomorrow in the pouring rain. We have now covered 114 miles and 96 locks and have 190 miles and 128 locks to go to Liverpool. We have decided to do 66 more locks because of Eric (is that wise?) but more about that when I have better service.

Its actually holding up so here goes

We left Abingdon on the 16th May and went to Oxford where we moored just below Osney  Bridge, the original #an~er filter.

Some were pleased to see us leaving the Thames

Eric has had to have a biopsy on his back leg and we are hoping its not a return of mast cell.

On Saturday we left the Thames and went back to the muddy ditch in the Oxford guise

The oxford was quite an experience very shallow and progress is slow, well at its own pace, each canal seems to have one of its own. Mooring next to the railway station in Lower Heyford might not of been the best idea but a BBQ followed by a wander to the pub, seemed to eliminate the noise! Pub seemed ok but wouldn't eat there.

On Sunday we travelled to Banbury, which is about the best town centre mooring we have found. Someone at the council must have a bit of nouse and has put moorings in the centre to encourage boats to stop.

Well it worked for us had tea at the Old Auctioneer pub.

Monday was an easy day. Grainne bought some new sandals in Banbury, along with other bits and bobs. We topped up with fuel and had an easy cruise to Cropedy where we moored below the lock. Eric re-joined us after his traumas in Didcot at the vets and we all went for tea at the Red Lion. Eric soon had all the locals cooing and walked around as if he owned the place.

Tuesday - Well we have to start putting in some miles so 15 miles and 16 locks to get to the bottom of Napton flight. They had been shut in the morning and people were queuing for 4 hours, we sailed down in an hour. We met the grumpiest people yet, some Canadians, who refused to speak to anyone. Strange really. On the trip we had to avoid a careering hire boat and hit a very shallow bit of the canal which put us on a serious lean and we lost a French press, glasses, mugs and Erics confidence. Fortunately Wilma is still watching my back. Had tea at the pub (Folly Arms) again.

OH and I did mention Eric's back (sorry couldn't resist)

Today we have done 11 miles and 23 locks and are now on the Grand union Canal. Its a broad canal like the K&A but seems in much better condition and is better dredged it seems. Had to open a bottle of bubbly, to celebrate: Our boy has not got cancer!!!!!! Tomorrow the infamous Hatton flight.

One last pic of a fisherman preparing himself