Oxford Canal:Back to Br 123

Pat, the one who is not very well, thought it sensible that we should turn round now and return to Barby and home.   Unfortunately the first opportunity to wind is at the bottom of the Claydon Flight, so it means going down the 6 locks, then turning round and coming back up.  I went to check the state of the flight and found that the Canal and River Trust guy responsible for the water had all the paddles up at the top lock and was letting water down.  So in spite of this, our “early departure” was still 07:45.  Not bad at all, and with the chaps help for the first 3 locks I had soon reached the bottom only to find that there were 4 boats there waiting to come up. “All best laid plans etc”.   It was about 11:10 by the time I made it back and wild thoughts of doing Napton Locks today evaporated, because I have to set aside time for cooking food.  So we first made for Fenny Compton for lunch (and a pint) then continued on back to Bridge 123 where we knew we could moor.  It was now 15:45 hrs.   The aim tomorrow is to get back to Barby