Oxford Canal:Barby Marina

Set off at 7:15, but was stopped at the tunnel entrance by the “tunnel guard”.  An opposite direction widebeam was coming through.  It appeared eventually and I set off following another boat which overtook me just as I was pushing off.  He seemed to be in a hurry.  At the other end I followed to see his boat disappear in a dense cloud of blue smoke form his exhaust.  Moment later he did an emergency stop and pulled into the side.  The lock was ready for me and I was joined by a beautifully newly painted fuel boat.  So with help we were down the locks pretty quickly.  Then on to Barby arriving at 12:00.  I decided to stay overnight as there is a lot of laundry to sort out!