Lower Heyford, Kidlington and now Oxford

Internet has not been good so another delay in updating the blog. We have had some beautiful weather after a heavy storm on leaving Banbury. It's been really warm. Lower Heyford was very peaceful and we were surrounded by fields. Kidlington somewhat disappointing, a big development of new properties but lacking atmosphere and soul. There was a few shops and nothing of great interest. The railway line we had to cross was scary. High speed trains and just a gate to stop you entering the tracks. Cross when the light is green and proceed quickly is the advice given. Hearing children playing nearby added to the fear of what if ! Having crossed many railway lines in Bangkok this felt so different. The trains in Bangkok travel much much slower. Having just googled the speed on these tracks, it's quite frightening to think that you are crossing where trains travel at over 100 miles a hour.

We moored just below the railway bridge and this did not feel too good either! We had been travelling for 4 hrs and it was time to moor up for the night. It was the first place we found that we could secure the boat well.

It was nice to leave here and arrive in Oxford this afternoon. The weather is still good. The scenery on route great. I love peeping into the back gardens of the houses that back onto the canal. They vary from the very opulent mansion like houses to small two up two downs. All having the same wonderful view over the canal.

On arriving in Oxford we struggled to secure Bluemoon. Many of the mooring rings were missing on the canal bank. Les had to hammer in some mooring pins but these did not want to stay in place due to the ground being so soft. Whilst tackling this task the boat that was moored behind us broke loose from its mooring. The ropes broke free and the mooring pins that were attached still ended up in the canal ! Luckily we managed to pull the boat back in. Les jumped aboard and threw a rope to me to pull it back. We managed to secure it and hoped it would still be there when the owners returned ! How disastrous this could have been if it had made its way along the canal banging into moored boats on route.

There has been at least 5 locks each day and many lifting bridges. These are quite a challenge. They are pulled up and down on a chain !

This afternoon we had a lovely time sightseeing around the city. Making the most of the sunshine whilst it lasts. Loved looking at the wonderful buildings.