September 6, 2016. And we're off!

LOCATION:  On a canal boat near Oxford

WEATHER:  Partly cloudy, but nice. Highs about 70

We packed up from the youth hostel and went to the supermarket to stock up for our trip.  Then to the canal boat dock to start this adventure.

We went through a lengthy orientation.  Our boat is called a narrow boat, 67 feet long and quite narrow. 

It all seems a bit overwhelming...the motor, steering, locks, bridges, mooring.  We an do it!  

George did most of the steering; Graham and Alexis handled the 5 locks  we went through today.  Graham is in charge of the raising the low bridges.

The scenery is beautiful and the ride is serene.  We go about 3 miles per hour.  This jogger passed us by.

The ducks watched us from the towpath.

We cruised about 4 hours, then moored in front of The Boat Inn.  

We had a pint in their garden, then I prepared dinner.  In the spirit of teamwork, I do all the cooking and cleaning, and beg off from the steering and lock negotiation.  

DINNER:  Chicken curry over rice.