We left early this morning from just the other side of Banbury and when we got to the lock in Banbury town centre a hire boater was closing the locks gates as we arrived so we stuck the nose up against the lock and then he just opened the paddles sending Derwent6 into the side wall....After explaining to him that the boat with the water in the right direction has the right of way and the saving water thing, we proceeded into the lock to find he had moored so tight to the exit that we couldn't turn to get out of the lock. On then trying to line up for the lift bridge we caught the bridge with the chimney and in slow motion it plopped into the canal. We then moored up and got out the sea searcher magnet, hooks and things, but after 20 minutes we still couldn't find it and as we had a table booked for lunch had to leave without it. Gutted or what!
We made our way up the Oxford chimney less, passing Matilda Rose and Balmaha. One day we will catch up with Vanessa and Mo, but it will probably be next winter now. As for Jill and Graham we said we would meet them in the pub in Cropedey.
When we got to The Red Lion pub it was very busy with people waiting outside and you know when things come in threes, well we weren't too shocked when they said we never had a booking. We booked over a week ago and were very disappointed when they told us they would have to squeeze us in the bar, and not in the restaurant. Al then asked if she could see the booking sheet and there was our telephone number under a completely different name, so we had a table after all. We had a fantastic Sunday lunch and met up with Jill and Graham for drinks afterwards.
When we left, we said we would try and meet up later in the evening.
When we got back to Derwent6 we said our goodbyes to Len & Terry and drowned our sorrows on the days events , so thought we would have a lay down....bad move we slept right through the late afternoon and evening, so if we missed you J & G sorry! but we must have needed it !!!!
Anyway best to get all your bad luck out the way all in one day!!!!!
9 comments:
Hi Guys, we only walked 5 miles in wind, rain and snow for a visit, (about 6.30) but hey you wouldn't have enjoyed the wine we brought either, we did! If you would like a lift into Banbury/Tescos wonder down to the boat at about 11am, we are on the 14day moorings south of the water point.
Hi Jill & Graham
Sorry we missed you!!!! Would have enjoyed that wine. Thanks for offer of lift, but we caught the 10.00am bus....chimney now sorted
Did you find the chimney or get a new one ????
Al did you like your card yesterday only you have not replied. If I did not know better I might think you dont want to see me again. As you both dont have a clue as to my AKA I might just have to start giving you very big clues soon. Oh and shame about the bridge.
Love DERWENT
Hi Derwent Gnome
Thankyou for the card.....just picked it up!!
Very kind & thoughtful....
Perhaps it was a stainless steel chimney - so no luck with the Sea Searcher?
We have a piece of string that attaches to our chimney to the boat. If it does get knocked off, its saved from a watery death. Using string also means should it get stuck that'll snap rather than part of the boat.
Was moored @banbury on Sunday - pity I missed the action.
Hi John
No....not Stainless Steel. We thought we could feel it with the magnet, but couldn't pick it up.
Hi Narrowbo.at
We're going to buy a small bog chain next time we pass a chandlery. Shame you didn't see us on Sunday.......you could have helped find it lol
Post a Comment