Somerton Deep Lock

After a weekend of sun and doing nothing in particular, we decided to move a mile or so down towards Oxford and have a well earned rest. Travelling early is essential to us, mainly because we are built that way, but also to avoid the heat of the sun, for both human and animals sake.

Our route today includes Somerton deep lock, a twelve foot drop in the canal levels, doesn't sound much, but it does feel a long way down when sat at the bottom looking up at a small patch of daylight, absolutely fantastic cruising weather,and after a short, slow meander along the cut, we saw what we think is a perfect mooring spot ( doubt cast only by a incessantly barking Alsation dog on the boat in front ) we hoped for a morning sun afternoon shade slot, but got it the other way round, better for the solar panels, bit sticky for us though, but it has a field instead of a tow path that both we and the dogs will love, and an open scenic aspect that makes us think, a two day stop, and the dogs think ball throwing please.

A slow meander through some beautiful sunny countryside

Work boat ( 2nd one down ) is not moored properly and drifts into our way ( why is it canal professionals never seem to tie a boat properly, this one held at the stern with old baling twine ? ) 

Ali eye view of the drop between levels at Somerton deep lock 

Micky moored in partial shade, table and chairs beckon

Ali gets her paints out, before it gets too warm

The subject of her painting, Somerton church, here seen through the zoom lens

The field opposite us only lacks a cricket match, oh! and a beer tent of course. This section of the Oxford lives up to all our expectations, that and the weather we are having makes us feel very lucky people.

Bye for now,

Baz and Ali.