Saturday 5th November 2005
Birdingbury Bridge - Napton (7 miles, 16 locks)
The weather forecast for the weekend had not been good, so when the sun rose to reveal a relatively pleasant sky, we decided to get moving as soon as possible.
At Calcutt locks, we shared with Pendeford, another boat administered by Ownerships, then we moored above the locks and Jen cooked four Full English Breakfasts, minus the bacon for Jeannine who is vegetarian. Turning right at Napton Junction, towards Oxford, we passed up the seven Napton Locks and then I turned the boat at the Engine House Arm, against the increasing power of the wind. After working a few of the locks, Jeannine and Tony were starting to realise how much energy it takes and how much walking is involved, unless you are the helmsman of course, as they kept reminding me.
We came back down the locks and moored on the stretch before the bottom lock and walked into Napton to buy provisions at the shop.
We returned to the boat via "The Folly Pie" to book an evening meal. Unfortunately, they had no chef that day and suggested "The Crown Inn". We had a late lunch on the boat and then played cards and Trivial Pursuit for the rest of the afternoon. Tony won as usual and I came last as usual...
"The Crown Inn" seemed a bit run down, but the landlady and the locals were very friendly. The food was tasty and good value.