Fenny Compton to Braunston 18/7/14

Jim and Chris arrived on their NB Sylph with Jim singing Waltzing Matilda to attract our attention!!! They moored close by and while Bron finished the last blog, Bob helped them moor, chatted to other neighbours and finally returned to Celtic Maid with Chris and Jim in tow for social drinks!!!

We slept well.

On Tuesday morning we headed off after completing the domestic humdrum (of using water and replacing it) with plans to moor at the top of the Napton Lock flight. Chris and Jim were joining us there and we planned a BBQ that evening to meet their friends Marian and John who have a permanent mooring nearby. The scenery along the way was lovely  – the Oxford canal is known for its lovely canal side views. This is the highest point of the Oxford canal and gives opportunity to enjoy the lush farmland and rolling hills of this part of the country.

Our BBQ was held in great surroundings, with good company and lovely food. We had a learning experience with our Jamie Oliver BBQ as our sausages were a little black due to premature placement, but Marian and John’s chicken turned out well. Chris had made some beautiful vegetarian kebabs which we all enjoyed along with an array of salads contributed by all. The acommpanying wine and beer went down well. And we were impressed to see our UK friends drinking so much Australian wine – much of it from SA!!!

On Wednesday we tackled the Napton lock flight – very easy compared to Caen Hill but done in warm weather – leaving us a bit thirsty by the time we moored. Luckily The Folly pub was close by so we enjoyed a beer and cider or two before a much needed rest in the afternoon. Of course due to its close proximity a return visit with Chris and Jim, and Marian and John later that evening to enjoy the interior ambiance of the place was a necessity.

We had spent much of the last few days trying to work out how we were going to get to the medical appointments in London next Thursday and where would be the best place from which to logistically facilitate the trip. Fortunately those with better knowledge of the area than us were able to offer advice and we have settled on getting to Rugby from where public transport is readily available.

So we headed off on Thursday towards Rugby by turning onto the Grand Union canal at Napton Junction and then back onto the Oxford at Braunston Junction finding relaxing moorings just outside of Braunston with lots of shade. The weather has been warming up. I know our Australian friends and family would find this strange but temperatures in the high 20s are considered a heat wave. Mind you 10 days without rain is also a drought!!!!

Thursday night and more relaxing with our friends on the towpath on a warm and clear night but with the expected dark clouds rolling in. By the time we went to bed the thunder and lightning had started and the rain soon followed. Just enough to lull you off to a pleasant sleep!!!

This morning the rain continued for a little while but the day has warmed again and thunderstorms are expected tonight or tomorrow. We should be out there enjoying it but we have spent much of the day making travel and medical appointment arrangements and catching up with sharing our news, photos and doings with you all.

I hope you enjoy – please let me know and I am also happy to answer any questions you may have about where we are or what we have seen/are doing!!!!