Wednesday the 17th of February! Dripping spires in Oxford

Despite a weather forecast which said it would be dry until mid-afternoon, we woke to drizzle which gradually developed into persistent rain. The few miles into Oxford were slow going as well as wet, with a stop for water and a lot of moored boats to creep past, plus 2 locks and 2 tricky swing bridges. The highlight was being able to have a good old nose at the back gardens of some seriously gentrified houses.

Our clothing was tested to the limit and by the time we arrived we were both of us were cold and wet. We spoke to two local boaters and got some tips for turning the boat around at Isis lock despite the strong steam on the Thames, and feel much reassured. We decided to stop for now though and turn round another day when we are less cold. We moored near the lock which is also very near the town centre but decided that any sight seeing will have to wait till tomorrow when the famous spires may have dried out a little.
Hot showers, tea and the fire blazing and we are already feeling a lot better!

Our soggy view of Oxford today!

We plan a couple of days in Oxford seeing the sights and then we'll turn round and head north again, ready for mid-march when the closures will be completed and we can explore the rest of the network.