Oxford Canal:Banbury (Tramway Road)

Like yesterday we started early and didn’t meet another boat until Aynho Lock.  A first time hire boater with his family were finding it impossible to open the bottom gate.  On investigation it transpired that the top gate paddle was about three inches short of being completely lowered.   Their boat was short, so we got the two of us in at the same time.   The next lock is Nell Bridge which has a very narrow passage and no landing below the lock.  Further more, the towpath changes sides and he access from below is best from the lock landing, across the bridge and main road.  Not at all obvious.  To compound matters, a boat was exiting the lock which added further confusion.  They asked us to go first, and my plan was to go up, then work the lock for them, however, two boats were waiting to come down and by then the hire boaters partner had come topside.  So nothing more to do.   At Kings Sutton there was a three boat queue.  Apparently the boat ahead had broken off its tiller in the lock.  That took a little time to resolve - maybe 45 minutes.  However, in spite of alll that we arrived at Banbury in very good time, found a very convenient mooring just 10 yards from the car, and all set off for home.