Winter has begun as we travel south along the Cherwell Valley

Chisnell Lift Bridge to Kirtlington, Oxford Canal, 8 miles 5 locks

It was a misty morning when I opened the curtains, but the air was still.  I had been woken well before 8am by a narrowboat flying by, then stopping in a heap just before striking the lift bridge behind No Problem..  Someone was in a hurry and to hell with those still in bed. .. Out on the towpath after breakfast the scene was once again tranquil…

I could have had another 40 minutes in bed, because when we got to the first lock, Somerton Deep Lock there was a boat just about to go down.. and Moore2Life was in front of me.. so had to wait for 3 fills of the deep 12ft lock before we could get on our way.  But I wasn’t in a hurry and had a bit of fun with the camera while waiting.. here is Moore2Life exiting the lock

It was coats on today, and it was very noticeable that winter is just round the corner.  The acorns were gently plopping into the canal, the leaves falling from the trees.. colours turning to golden glows.  The smoke from our chimney was lingering low in the still dank air.. yep time I think to put in the antifreeze.

Played I spy today too…

Mike Stevens’ narrowboat Felis Catus III.  Mike has one of the largest waterways sites on the internet with some very interesting articles… He is also running a ‘Save our Waterways’ campaign..

“My other web site, about the campaign against DEFRA's cuts to the budgets of British Waterways and the Environment Agency. Please tell everybody about this site.”

We have settled this evening at one of our favourite spots, the quarry moorings near Kirtlington.  Just as we moored Mark of NB Dusty stopped by and gave out leaflets to us.  The diesel and coal boat has changed hands, and Phil and Tracy have given it up to Mark Boardman who will be plying his trade along the Oxford Canal.