Now that we are through the river sections of the Oxford Canal we can relax. We’d wanted to get through them before any more rain fell possibly blocking our way. Now we need to slow down as winter stoppages ahead means our progress will be held up for a while.

Napton Lock 9 is currently closed. Last year it had substantial rebuilding work done to the chamber. The coping stones they put in were only temporary ones, so this closure is to replace them with specially manufactured brick stones. The lock is due to reopen on the 6th of December.

Claydon Locks 17, 20 and 21 are closed also. These are nearer to Banbury. Various things are happening to the locks, but Lock 17 is being treated to new gates at both top and bottom and a new lock ladder. The flight is due to reopen on the 13th of December.

Hopefully these closures will be finished on time and we can be on our way to where we’d like to be for Christmas.

The weather is now turning colder. Too cold to paint the gunnel I prepared before panto or finish off the grabrail. Hopefully there are enough coats on the grab rail to keep the moisture out till things warm up a touch.

If we’re somewhere suitable Tilly will be allowed out in the mornings as well as evenings. A quick pounce or two before she returns back to have a wash sat in any available sunshine. Then a long snooze in front of the stove. At this time of year the end of the sofa nearest the stove is a keenly sort after seat.