The day started dreek and finished dreek, in between we had the odd glimpse of the sun. We left Wormleighton about 9:00 and travelled in light and then heavy rain until Fenny Compton, after which the weather improved. There was very little boat traffic, particularly going south, but at the Claydon flight a couple of boats came up making locking a little easier. It is remarkably easier operating the Oxford single-width locks after their Grand Union double-width brethren.
The views over the open fields at Claydon top lock were particularly fine as the rain held off. Just below the top lock, we saw another green woodpecker with its unmistakable flight pattern. Maggie wondered if they are on the increase since we have seen around four already on this trip.
We stopped for lunch just below the Claydons and then went on down to Cropredy which was very quiet with few boats on the extensive visitor moorings. We managed to get a mooring in a prime position just above Cropredy lock. Because we arrived quite early, around 3:30, we shopped at the Bridge Stores and then explored the village.
Tonight we visited one of our favourite “watering-holes” the Red Lion. This historic pub (E Temple-Thurston and LTC Rolt) is still a great place to enjoy a good pint and eat fine food. Monday is pie night so Maggie enjoyed a fish pie and I had a beef & vegetable pie. Both were delicious. The warm fire was also very welcoming on a wet spring evening.
Internet connection tonight was yet again via GPRS, so no images, but it did appear a little more reliable and possibly a bit quicker. I live in hope of 3G. In Oxford maybe?
