Easter Monday we arrived at Hawkesbury Junction, with everything still suffering from this icy wind, and it was good to get inside and sit by the fire and warm up a bit.
Overnight there was yet another sharp frost and the canal was cloaked in a thick layer of ice, this however was soon broken up by the hardy boaters who had to push on. The day did however soon warm up (if you can call 2 degree's warm) with the sun coming out and staying for most of the day. Sally and I made the most of this and walked into the local shop for some treats, taking Socks with us, and where Sally could not resist a few bags of pork scratchings which she likes.

Picture showing the old engine pump house at Hawkesbury.

 

I don't know what has happened to Socks but he seems to has learnt a new trick, which is to run free without his lead and when told to he gets back on the boat, what a relief this is and quite a treat for us, he is growing into a well behaved dog and the one we always wanted.

We spent the night by the fire, eating our treats and watching our Tuesday must be viewed, before getting tucked up for the night.

 

Wednesday the 3rd, today we are on the move again to one of our favourite spots on the Oxford Canal and that is All Oaks Wood, where we met John and Joan and who have become rest of life friends. We left Hawkesbury after topping the water tank and doing our chores at around 11.15, on what was an ice free canal, and making our turn off the Coventry onto the Oxford and navigating the 6" lock before heading out into the countryside.

 A flooded field by the side of the canal

Sheep and lambs in the icy wind

 

The tow paths down this section were nothing but muddy trails and we saw an older couple out for a walk struggling to make way and being held ankle deep (I would have gone back home but they pressed on). Next came Ansty a nice village which sits below the height of the canal and a place which we fine quite special, but just before the village we passed a farm with several Donkey's gathered in the corner of a field.

Out of the village we had a steady run down to Old Oaks Wood passing by the railway and through Sutton Stop, the home of Rose Narrowboats, but we kept our heads down and passed through without any confrontation due to last years claim on them. We did however see Concerto and it would appear that it had been out of the water and repaired over winter and now showing no signs of damage.

 

Now on under the M6 motorway and out into a good strong cross wind before finally mooring up at our beauty spot for two days.

 

Friday 5th April, A cold and windy day leaving with a smattering of ice we made for Rugby, where we plan to meet Karl and Kim, my son and daughter in law for the weekend. Karl is taking me to a show, so we must be there for them (my son taking me out, that's a first). It was only a short run taking about 2 hours, and the wind was still biting cold, but we got moored up in a good spot and Sally wasn't long before was off and running for the shops.