Danger Bridge at Aynho

Danger Bridge at Aynho.

Thursday.
Wet start to the day, but turns out warm with sunny periods. Went into Banbury to find a place to have a haircut and to locate the launderette. Was successful in both. Got a good haircut at Spruced and Dapper. They fitted me in straight away and were very competent. I certainly look more presentable. Visited the museum and bought some flowers for the boat at the market.
Cruised from Banbury towards Oxford. Was pleasantly surprised to be able to buy ice cream at the lock cottage at Kings Sutton. The lock at Aynho Weir was very heavy and we had some difficulty opening it. Disaster struck at the bridge just beyond the wharf. I was in charge and manage to touch the bridge side which threw the boat towards the opposite bridge support. The witches hat and then the chimney were caught on the bridge arch, with David’s bike handlebars also at risk of damage. It all seemed to be happening in slow motion, but I was unable to react quick enough to help the situation. The chimney and hat scraped along the bridge arch causing some damage to both. Little did we know that the pressure had also caused the flue from the stove inside the boat to also come adrift, showering sooty debris around. Anoth repair job to be done. Continued on and moored on the towpath just beyond Aynho for the night. 7 miles and 4 locks today.

Wednesday.

David entertained the engineers who were investigating our electrical problems whilst I spent all day Wednesday with Megan and Gil before returning to Banbury on the 20.00 train from Marylebone. Chiltern trains run such a reliable service. Everything went without a hitch. David went into Banbury to have a haircut. Found a good barber at RJS’s.

Tuesday.
Took the train from Banbury to Marylebone. Was in Vauxhall by 11.45. Spent the afternoon out with Gil in the pushchair. Looked after him during the evening so his parents could have an evening out together.

Monday.
Cruised from Cropredy to Banbury and moored below the lock.