Where's the warm weather gone?

We left glorious bird watching spot this morning fairly early at 08:30.  As we pulled away the cold air made you go and fetch another layer and get the order in for coffee.

David had his Noddy hat on and gloves as it was so chilly, but obviously not long trousers.

Last nights mooring.

The South Oxford really is lovely, it was all flattish around here but the gentle rolling hills began very soon.

In the past we have had animated conversations about these ridges, David had maintained that they were for drainage rather than the the medieval farming system that I favour..... But I have included this shot to illustrate that I feel its unlikely that drainage would be used on top of hills, I could be wrong of course.

This little sweetheart is lost, he has pushed his way through a hedge and wandered and is now most likely to stay for some time lost.  My husband was unmoved when I suggested we stop, catch him and return to its mother.  So there on the tow path it stays until you rescue it Reader.  Frankly it seemed pretty content.

So we arrived at Napton wanting to top up with water but finding two boats on the water point..... we waited our turn whilst passing boats pulled our back end right out into the middle of the canal due to misplaced rings... There was a post that David suggested we could tie the back rope to across the tow path but the thought that I could be reported to Maffi was too terrifying so I stood and held the rope while Noddy went off to make breakfast and coffee.

Its been three years since we were down this way.  We have never been to The Folly, the pub at the bottom lock, so we put that right today after tying up just past the fourth lock.  

We were too late to sample the famous pies they serve here which was a pity.  But afterwards we walked to the Napton Stores.  A wee general shop in the village which has all bases covered.  If you haven't been there I urge you to go, it has freshly baked hot savoury snacks plus cakes and fresh coffee served.  Great veg and its a post office too.  We brought a fabulous olive loaf to have with cheese.

We got back to WaL in time to see the cold grey sky filling in, D took the decision to pop the tonneau cover on and as he finished the rain started,   the end of a cold and blowy day.


Supper was breaded cod portions with sweet potato wedges and peas.