Started off at 6.45 a.m., rain overnight but now fine with a strong on-shore wind making moving out from among moored boats needing care. Arrived at the first lock to find, Wild Tansy VIII, also from Calcutt had just set it, but as they were not ready to untie they waved me in. Over a mile of boats moored below probably the festival. Just above Bourton Lock passed Motor Boscotte and Butty Gosport, they set off after me towards the lock. Below the lock I reported this to a girl leaning out of the side hatch of a moored boat in her dressing gown. She caught up with me at the next lock rather than follow them. Must have been the fastest dresser on record!

At 9.45 stopped to water at Banbury and then moved just beyond the point while the family shopped in the town. This turned out to be the location for the local wino’s. Despite the controversy I think the canal through the town has been very well done! While gossiping at the lock Wild Tansy VIII, also out from Calcutt boats caught me up and went on ahead.

At 10.45 we moved, catching up with Wild Tansy. Rain and a strong cross wind at Grants Lock, we watched several boats blown helplessly across the canal here. We then moored 1.30 to 1.45 just after Kings Sutton Lock for a brief lunch but it was far to noisy from the motorway to stay so soon moved on, dry now but still with a strong wind. Finally stopped at 5.00 p.m. for the night just after B196 out on the flood meadows below Somerton village which we walked through after dinner. At first we were on our own but soon joined by three other boats!!

Miles 14 Locks 8 Time 9 hours.