Once again we were off at 09:30, but didn't get very far as we stopped just under the first bridge, by the Barley Mow pub, to top up with water as it was free. Soon accomplished and then round the corner and into Newbold Tunnel. There were a couple of boats approaching the other end, but they stopped to wait, despite it being two way, so thanks for that.
t Bridge 43 we could see Falls Bridge boat yard straight ahead and to the left is the old over bridge that goes over the old canal bend that started at Newbold and comes out here. One of the many loops that were cut off when the canal was straightened.
Helen catching up with the ship's log. She later completed the ensemble with her waterproof too, but still has he legs out, just to show willing!
All Oaks Wood should be done under the trade Description Act as clearly there are many different types of trees there. It is very nice though, however much nicer when the sun is shining and we aren't trying to go astern in a straight line like the last time we were here.
It looks like C&RT have taken preventative action here at Easenhall cutting as there is a second area of scalped bank. I wonder if although the roots of trees help bind the topsoil and scree together, when they get too big the top heavy trees topple over and bring anything loose with them. Maybe if they kept the trees small, more like buddelia or other shrubs, they would have the root effect without the tendency to topple over?
This was the site of the main slip that blocked the canal. There was obviously a work meeting going on, maybe to sort out the next spate of work.
Stretton Stop bridge was closed so Helen had to hop off and do the honours. The water point here is not very obvious and the sign that used to indicate it has gone. It also doesn't look like it is a 'proper' C&RT water point as it is just a tap on a fence post. I thought they had spent loads of money with those tin plate things as many of the old ones didn't not prevent accidental syphoning (or something similar!).
The M6 goes over the canal, the West Coast Mainline runs alongside it and the Oxford Canal makes an almost straight line (for now) towards Ansty.
The canal widens here and there is a depression across the adjoining golf course, all clues to show where another loop rejoined this bit of the canal before the straightening in the 1830's.
The concrete beyond bridge 9 shows where yet another loop left the canal.
Here the concrete to the left of the over bridge shows where the old canal joined here, but it was just a bend to go back under the over bridge on it's windy route to Wyken Colliery.
On the left of this part of the canal was Longford Power Station that provided much work for narrow boats bringing coal from the Warwickshire mines. On the right is the electric sub station that distributed the power and still does. It does look other worldly, and on the power station side slightly dystopian and the old concrete lamp posts are still standing despite the trees and bushes growing around them.
We found a mooring round the bend toward the Sutton Stop Lock. We didn't bother going any further as we were hoping to get moored up before the rain caught up with us. After lunch we went for a walk to drop off the rubbish, and to stretch our legs. This Oxford Canal Company plate was on the towpath just over the cross over bridge opposite the Greyhound pub. It seems very close to the Coventry Canal, rather than the Oxford so maybe not in the original position?
The stop lock to prevent the Coventry stealing the Oxford's water and a couple of canal cottages. I wonder if this is where the Sutton family lived that gave their name to the junction in canal speak?
The Coventry Canal is to the left and the Oxford Canal to the right with the junction made below the bridge.
The Greyhound pub at the junction. We are meeting a friend here this evening. and strange to think that we met in Dehli and it was also unseasonably cold then, especially when you have packed for very warm weather. Mind you they had temperatures of 45 deg last week so maybe I won't wish that heat for here.
A lovely splash of colour in these very red poppies.
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