Oxford for Christmas

I've spent an unseasonably mild few days trundling slowly down the Oxford canal from Braunston to Oxford. Although the weather is not ideal the south Oxford is a beautiful canal meandering mainly through open countryside with Banbury being the only town along the route. There are a few villages which offer good pubs and often a small shop for the essentials. 

I enjoyed a few quiet moorings in the middle of nowhere which are extremely peaceful with only the pleasant birdsong to break the science. Not an artificial light in sight.  

Early evening peace

Now moored up in Oxford only a short walk from the city centre and am looking forward to seeing the city and may even have a day trip to London as the station is close by. 

A merry Christmas and happy new year to all my family and friends. 

On the move again

I have once again been remiss in not updating the blog for over a month. It really is not good enough. Over the past month I made my way back to Braunston via the Stratford canal, thus completing the Avon ring. And then back along the Grand Union via the 21 lock Hatton flight and Warwick.

Braunston is of course where this wonderful journey began little over four years ago when I bought the Bunbury from Braunston marina. Returning always feels like returning home and so I spent three weeks here. Last weekend I had a trip to visit my wonderful children for the annual dad's birthday and Christmas dinner get-together in York. After a lovely weekend it's time to gain to move on this time a gentle cruise down the South Oxford Canal to the dreamy spires of Oxford itself when I plan to spend Christmas. 

I left Braunston this morning and am currently moored up in splendid isolation in the peaceful countryside.