Thinning-out now

I've just boated from Marston Doles to Fenny Compton on the way back to my long term mooring at Lower Heyford and it was just like being back in the 80's with hardly anyone else about, writes Kevin McNiff.

Granted the summit was a good 9" down, but because we were not being 'chuff chased' by others, we still made the trip in just over 2.5 hours, without a breaking wash and drawing 2' 6" To cap it all, the sun was shining and little wind—ecstasy!

Wasting water

Yesterday at the Folly, one ex Ownership boat Slipstream went from the bottom lock up to the Engine Arm, came back down and then moored above the bottom lock overnight—how considerate is that in the present restrictions??

Later, I walked up to the Engine Arm just after another boat had ascended, and on the way back some 20 minutes later, every lock had almost completedy emptied. Now there seems to be a real source of water wastage which puzzles me as every November/December Napton Locks are closed for winter maintenance.

I have volunteered to help our moorers make good a really bad patch of towpath on our long term mooring but guess—I'm still waiting to hear from Milton Keynes as to whether they will provide the materials.

Latest:

Further to my mention of Nb Slipstream yesterday, well today they completed the ultimate. Having passed Fenny Compton they descended Claydon Locks [restricted opening 1000-1400 due to severe water shortage] and promptly winded at the bottom and came straight back.

You couldn't make this stuff up but if they have to close the Oxford Summit completely, that crew will have contributed in spades! Incidentally the cut between Fenny and Claydon is worse than the rest of the summit in respect of no depth due to lack of dredging.