Hudds Lad

Got this earlier today; Navigation Closure Navigation Closure - Oxford Canal, LK 39 Pidgeon's Lock , Kirtlington Details Type: Navigation Closure Waterway(s): Oxford Canal From: 22 July 2025 8:00 am To: 23 July 2025 4:00 pm inclusive Region: London and South East Reason: Underwater Obstruction Location Closest waterway: Oxford Canal Starts at: Lock 39, Pigeons Lock Ends at: Lock 39, Pigeons Lock Description Original 7 July 2025 11:44 am A full lock dewatering is required for our specialist contractors to access and if possible clear an obstruction from the Off Side Ground paddle culvert, we will also take this opportunity to survey the Tow path ground paddle culvert with CCTV, inspect and refurbish all lock and ground paddle furniture and connections, replacing or repairing as required. The lock will be closed to navigation with top and bottom stop planks installed, site will be secured from public access. Tow path will remain open. Information You can view this notice and its map online here: https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/0197e477-fdde-7cf8-b394-c041fc6588f7

There's the rub, it's the "as things stand" bit that's giving us anxiety as leisure boaters as we need to get back to the marina and car. Maybe heading up towards the Shroppie might be safer with less lock flights in danger of full closure. 🤷‍♂️

Had that happen once on the Shroppie approaching Norbury Wharf, bloke and his partner literally running around in a panic to get going in front of us as they thought we were headed to the water point and wanted to get there first. We just laughed at them and carried on.

Had planned to spend most of August doing the Warwickshire ring anti-clockwise with the addition of popping down to Stratford. We've done a chunk of it clockwise before but previously avoided the bit through the middle of Brum by carrying on up the Grand Union at Kingswood Jnctn and turning at Bordesley and doing the Garrison locks before the fun turn onto the B&F. J's juggled holidays from work i think are now set in stone so no idea what we'll do instead. How many times can you back and forth between Hillmorton/Napton/Braunston in three weeks if all the locks end up shut?

Otters are easy to spot, they have much wetter pockets than either a Stoat or Weasel

Only if Sharon lets him If they were bluey-green with black bits on the wings, they'd be Demoiselles (which are, i think, damselflies).

Lined with OSB? Ok if you're into the industrial aesthetic, not my cup of tea. I'd be wondering where else they've cut corners and budget.

Up for sale again with it's new name, yours for £94,950 https://www.apolloduck.com/boat/steve-hudson-70-traditional-for-sale/802983

The only "pushy" boat we ever experienced there was also a private boat, a trader in fact. Bullied his way past us as we were about to approach the Ponty, then basically pushed a hire boat over the aqueduct and then shouted and swore at several hire boats in Trevor basin until he got his own way. Sad and embarassing as quite a few of the boats he was berating were visitors to our country.

But as a bonus, their tomatoes are coming on a treat

Have seen similar, but sadly no pics as usually the occupant of the boat is leaning out having a smoke, which i assume is why they made the roof thing in the first place

Found an interview with the chap, not automatic i'm afraid, does it by hand

I've seen a vid where someone was miffed at people constantly parking on their drive so rigged a timed hose to a PIR or similar, could be useful for deterring towpath pirates when not cooling your roof

Beer/cider/wine/spirits?

We've planned a leisurely pootle round the Warwickshire ring with a diversion down to Stratford for most of August, hoping things improve before then 😬

Just had a new battery for the battle bus from Tayna, ordered Sat teatime online. Arrived a couple of hours ago via DPD, which came as a surprise as other than order receipt i've had no comms from them whatsoever. As it said next working day delivery i wasn't really expecting it until tommorrow.

I find that hard to believe. I'm always letting folk overtake us as we tend to pootle along, in fact twice on our last cruise it cost me dearly as i got beached letting boats pass, no good deed goes unpunished as they say

Been meaning to ask if anyone knew if Badsey had finally sold? Last time we passed Hillmorton it'd gone and the sign saying "Badsey's Wharf" was gone too. Just curious, can't afford two boats

I watched it all, do i win a prize? Their first lock was painful, paddles open both ends wondering why it wasn't filling 🤦‍♂️

Sounds concerning Did you have shellfish?

I'd imagine it will be doable but expect a wait to make the turn, there'll be plenty of boats hitting the junction who won't even have a clue it's on. Embrace the chaos!