Eynsham lock was busy last afternoon as a hireboat fleet had to be back by early this morning. Whilst taking some photos of their boat I detected that Aussie twang….”G’Day mate” found out they were from Sydney.

The 24hour overnight stop worked well, very quiet with a bathroom. A full size shower is always appreciated now !

Again with not too many miles to do we had a leisurely start to the day. The rural nature continued with twists and turns, out of which popped SO Little Gem heading back to Lechlade.

The locks were all manned today, and are gradually increasing in size. We’ve never had to wait, so I think the days of water rationing are over down south.

There are lots of Swans, Canada Geese and other wildfowl to keep you company as you float along. The road noise increased with the Oxford Ring road bridge, typically with a traffic jam. Then around another corner was Godstow lock and it’s abbey ruins. In the distance Oxfords dreaming spires had been supplemented by cranes, and lots of them.

Oxford’s water meadows are extensive, after another hours cruising we entered suburbia, with a plethora of houses, bridges and run down continuous cruisers…always moored on the outskirts of cities as cheap housing. Being here before we knew there are good moorings between Osney lock and bridge, and soon we were settled in.

We’ve had a quick 10 minute walk into town, a few salads from M&S, and a new clock for Prime Thyme. We purchased this from a John Lewis store in the Centrepoint shopping centre.

Oxford had changed, this was an enormous complex under cover. Lots of people were a bit overwhelming after our rural interlude, time to retreat to our boat and hang the clock !