26 July 2011 - Oxford to Kirtlington

Walked into Jericho and bought rolls for breakfast and a paper so it wasn't until 11am when we cast off. Straight away we found that the bikes mounted on the back of the boat (on a bike rack) are a liability.  It is easy to catch them when reversing or squeezing into narrow locks.  They have had so many knocks I reckon they will ride like clowns bikes by the time we get on them.

The Oxford is for the most part very beautiful and every turning can present a new surprise.  One such surprise occurred with Annie piloting as we turned a sharp bend in Thrupp.  With moored boats on either side, coming towards us down the narrow centre channel at some speed *backwards* was a narrowboat.... with nobody at the tiller!  A chap was stationed at the bow steering by using a pole.  Skillful stuff no doubt, but with two 10 ton boats at rapid closing speed, I was not admiring his skill.....  Annie slammed Ceilidh into reverse with the wick turned right up and we slowly stopped and changed direction.  Pilot of reversing boat made his way aft just as I made my way forward.  The gap closed, fenders just kissed each other, then the gap grew again as we gathered speed backwards.  No problem says he! You want to practice going backwards, it comes in useful.  As we tried to then guide our rearwards hurtling boat avoiding nearby boats and pontoons, he continued on his way allowing us to read his boat name.  nb. Milly M.  This boat is owned by Maffi who regularly features in august columns of the 'Canal Boat' mag.  He is known to operate his boat backwards more often than forwards.
Moored up opposite a golf course - very quiet.

Mooring for 26th July opposite golf course