Diamond Lock

 

Another early start from Twyford Wharf and its not long before we pass this Farm shop called The Pig Place . The people that own it still live on a Narrowboat on site and specialize in Pigs, Poultry and Sheep. Having just filled up with food the day before we had no space for any more , but we will be stopping on our way back later in the summer.

We soon reached Nell bridge lock and this is where we drop down onto the river Cherwell section of the canal. After checking the river was not in Red flood or on Amber alert (Carolyn will not go on a river unless it is on Green) we passed through the lock and entered the short stretch to the next lock

Now this is a first for us. Its a diamond shaped lock. The idea is to take extra water out of the river to feed Somerton deep lock which is the next lock on. There is just about enough room to get 2 boats in.

This is something we haven't had to done for a long time. We are queuing for the water point at Aynho wharf. We arrived at the same time as the other boat ,but as they were hirers and had a long way to go we let them fill first.

Inca in the bottom of Somerton lock. It is one of the deepest single locks in the country and is 12 feet deep.

With the large single gate open we eventually emerge from the lock and edge our way out into the sunshine.

After a few hours of cruising its chill time again with our travelling companions and friends Keith and Ann on Narrowboat Oakfield. We picked a lovely sunny mooring just before Upper Heyford with a lovely wide towpath and very few walkers . Carolyn made some delicious Scones with the jam on top of the cream , The Devon way ……Just the ticket !!!

 

                                                                       Happy Days