Day 24 - Aynho

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3 locks, total 109







Lots of people on the move today, sometimes up to 4 boats waiting at a lock but the single locks fill and empty quite quickly and it's a good time for chatting and playing with dogs. Springer spaniels seem to be the dog of choice for many boaters.







I shouldn't have mentioned the Cotswold stone bridges again yesterday – they've reverted to bog-standard brick ones again. We manahed to reach Aynho for a late pub lunch, which made a change. Our guide book suggested the one mile walk into the village was 'well worthwhile' so off we set, luckily having left Hattie on board. After about a quarter of a mile we gave up – narrow road, no footpath and a procession of speeding cars that weren't going to take prisoners – Aynho village was not worth the risk. Otherwise a quiet day with another painting session once moored.







By the way, the community shop at Lower Heyford that I mentioned yesterday? - a 4-pinter of milk cost us £2.20!

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Photos

Unusual bow design
I believe that's what is known as an ice-breaker bow.

Large tithe barn and church ay Upper Heyford.
Sorry the lighting is poor.

Heyford Common Lock
In the middle of nowhere.

Weird trees....
.... and the buttercups beyond - they were so prolific it looked at first sight like a field of rape.

Repairing the canal banks
Earth-filled hessian bags and then back-planting.

Somerton deep lock.
12 feet deep and quite a strange feeling as the boat eases in.

What can you say about Hattie....
.... apart from 'I told you she was special'!

Tiger prawns in garlic butter....
.... my pub lunch - yummy.

The Great Western Arms
The ladies loo - patrons are encouraged to write on pink heart-shaped stick-its rather than on the walls. Most people took the hint. My favourite comment was 'Oh, a loo full of love'.

Pub memorabilia
Bits and pieces about the GWR, not many were noteworthy though.