Tuesday, 13th September
Today is the first day of our Autumn/Winter cruise. We went to the junction of the Thames and the Oxford Canal, took a last long wistful look at the Thames and set off along Duke's Cut and on to the Oxford Canal.

We soon settled down to the canal again, despite having to do all our own locks! We've had six lovely weeks on the Thames and have thoroughly enjoyed it. We plan to return next year. But now we have places to visit, holidays to take and a whole winter ahead of us!

We moored up at Thrupp and had a meal at the Boat Inn.

Wednesday, 14th September
We were both awake early this morning, we were showered by 7.00, Trev fetched the paper and then we had breakfast and were ready to leave at 8.00. I think we're both glad to be cruising again. It was such a long time at Eynsham whilst we waited for Rob to look at the electrics, and to hire the car to go to Warwick.

We called in at the Farm Shop on the boat where we had shopped on the way down, but this time their stock was limited and we just bought eggs. Whilst we were there, the owner was moving his lorry and there was suddenly a crash and a cracking noise and the sound of something falling. A roof of a shed crashed to the ground. He'd caught it with the corner of his van! Oh dear.

We passed through beautiful countryside today, and eventually moored up near Somerton alongside a meadow. We moored here last year. I picked blackberries, we hung the washing out to dry, Trev chopped the wood we'd collected from the towpath as we came along--we need to get ready for the winter--and we sat in the sun enjoying a glass of wine. It was a beautiful evening, the shadows were soooooo long.

Thursday, 15th September
A wet start to the day, but it wasn't cold. We set off at 10.00 and the drizzle continued for an hour or so, but then the sun came out and it was a glorious day.

At King's Sutton lock, I went up to set the lock, and found there was a boat in it, going the same way as ourselves. I helped the couple on board with the lock and then they both got on board and sailed out of the lock without dropping the paddles or closing the gates! So, I closed the gates and paddles, and then emptied the lock for us to use, refilled it and off we went. Well, we got to the next lock and muggins goes up to help and there is a repeat performance of them sailing out of the lock leaving the paddles up and the gates open for me to sort out!

It was all happening today! As we were mooring up to visit Morrison's in Banbury a man came along with a dog and a new dog's lifejacket--yes there are such things as dog life jackets, they even have a handle on top so that if the dog falls in, the owner can lift him out! The man stopped to say hello and I asked him if he'd just bought the life jacket.

"Yes," he said, "but I'm leaving the boat tomorrow."
"Oh, why's that?" I asked.
"'Cos my partner's brothers are coming to take the boat away."
"Really?"
"Yes, and I've got to be out of the way 'cos they're thugs!"
"Oh dear."
"I thought we were getting on OK, but yesterday she told me she's had enough and I've got to go tomorrow and her brothers are going to take the boat away."
"Where will you go?" I asked.
"I shall have to throw myself on my son's mercy," he replied. "Do you want all of my maps and guides?" he asked. "And I've got windlasses and a hammer. I'll make it as difficult as possible for them when they take the boat."
"Well," I said, "that's very kind of you, but we already have guides and windlasses."
"Oh it's no trouble, I'll bring them along."
"Thank you! I do hope it all gets sorted out for you."
And off he went, but he didn't bring the things. I was rather glad he didn't really.