Here we are, just two locks and one mile north of Cropredy "top lock" (Broadmoor), where we've been moored for two weeks. We had a wonderful time. Elizabeth had her Heinz birthday (57th), Pete went off to Windermere for a few days and in between we've done heaps of happy entertaining.
On Saturday, we provided great entertainment whilst benefitting from 5 added crew as we set south the two locks and 1.5 miles to turn around and use the services. Gongoozlers from Cropredy festival enjoyed watching the dance of boats moving in and out of the services area, including a lovely shuffle of a small boat's rope being carried over the top of ours as we switched places - all the time with face painting for a festival drum band going on in their stern well. All in all, it took three hours, passing by festival boats, revellers, musicians and more.
We took advantage of the festival fringe and listened to each night from our deck. And, of course, we shopped and now have a tiny upholstered stool for our lounge.
And so now we queue. All the while we've been in dear Croppo, there has been little rain for reservoirs, leaving the canal low. But the big problem is that there's been a small breach in between Napton and Braunston leading to some in-season stoppages and restrictions. The Claydon flight which leads to the Oxford Canal summit pound - which ends in the Napton flight - is open only 4 hours each day at the moment. This builds up a large queue, especially when only 16 boats a day are likely to move in either direction on any day. Add to that, one of the Napton lock gates was broken today and so that flight is restricted as well. We're the 15th in the queue, so tomorrow will be spent moving Bella forward a boat length each 15 minutes...yawn.
The story awaits!
