myText = new Array("Janice operating the foot swing bridge at Stretton", "One feature on the northern (from Hawkesbury Junction near Coventry to Braunston near Daventry) section is that in the 1820's when the Oxford Canal faced stiff competition from the Grand Junction Canal the canal was straightened saving 14 out of 36 miles leaving old branches leading nowhere. This elegant iron bridge marks one of these locations.", "Hillmorton Bottom Lock. As part of the same work these locks were doubled.", "The Rugby radio masts as seen from the canal.", "The southern section goes from the City of Oxford to Napton Junction. This is the terminus in Oxford. 'Two Jays' could not come here as the winding hole is only large enough for a 30' boat.", "Entering Isis Lock, where 'Two Jays' journey starts.", "On the southern section there are many manually operated lift bridges. Some, like this one, St. Edwards Lift Bridge, are left permanently open.\nGo to ''Along the cut, Bridges' to see how those that require opening are done.", "A very unusual lock is Shipton Wirer Lock. The change in level is only 2' 6\" but, as can be seen here, quite wide.", "The canal follows the River Cherwell very closely and for a small stretch above Shipton Weir lock, as here, occupies the river.", "At Somerton there are four sculptured posts. This is one.", "The rather unusual pub sign for the Great Western Arms at Aynho Wharf. There no longer is a station here, the down side building is a residence.", "There are more lift bridges, all of them left open. Two close together can be seen here.", "Much work has been done here in Banbury to refurbish the waterfront.", "There are 5 locks in the Claydon Flight, a rise of over 30' to take the canal to the summit level.", "Through this bridge the feeder from Boddington Reservoir enters the canal.", "This was Fenny Compton Tunnel. It has been opened out!", "From here to Napton there are many twists as the canal follows the contours around the hills. If you look to the left of the tree line you can also see one of the many accommodation bridges spanning the canal.", "Napton Top Lock. This is where, in the 1980's, we had our first practical experience of taking a boat through a lock.", "Going down the Napton Lock Flight. Napton Hill can be seen, above the bridge. The hill can be identified by the windmill at the top. This can be seen here. Look on the sky line above where the hedge meets the bridge.", "'Two Jays' moored at Napton Narrowboats. We were hoping to have some parts fitted here. They failed to arrive at Aynho before we left. Unfortunately they had not arrived and on enquiry had not been posted.", "Approaching Napton Junction. The Grand Union Canal towards Birmingham is under the bridge. Braunston, the northern section of the Oxford Canal and the Grand Union Canal to London is straight ahead.", "Leaving Hawkesbury Junction. The canal first heads north before turning 180 degrees to go south.", "Passing the Waken Colliery Arm. This is the 'new' one that was constructed as the old one was demolished when the M6 motorway was constructed.", "The canal passes below Fosse Way at Stretton under Fosse.", "There is another arm here. It is called Stretton Wharf. Along the arm is a boatyard.", "It ends after about ˝ mile with a winding hole.", "The 1820's modernisation also included constructing embankments such as this one at Stretton.", "Hillmorton Top Lock.", "The canal bends round the northern outskirts of Rugby passing quite close to the site of the radio masts.", "The approach to Braunston is dominated by the church.", "Another view of the Rugby radio masts. It's a BT sign!", "This time going down through Hillmorton Locks.", "Across the River Avon again on the outskirts of Rugby.", "We stopped for water in Ansty. The ducks also got fed.", "Approaching Hawkesbury Junction, the alternative view ...", "... and the real view", "Negotiating Hawkesbury Stop Lock.", "It's the day of the General Election. Ansty Social Club is alongside the canal and is a Polling Station. As we pass by there is absolutely no activity to be seen!", "Approaching Rugby these booms are protecting an underground obstruction.", "Newbold Tunnel is just 250 yds. long.", "Two of the bridges in Rugby have been decorated with murals. The top picture shows the one at Bridge 58.", "The towpath signpost at Hillmorton Bottom Lock. The left posts point to Banbury and Oxfords, the right one points to Coventry.", "Approaching Braunston Turn.", "Having completed the 'U' turn at Hawkesbury Junction the crew from an approaching boat have set up the stop lock for us to enter.", "Passing through the swing bridge at Stretton Stop.", "Piling in progress in the Hungerfield area.", "The interior of Newbold tunnel has coloured lighting.", "The 3 Hillmorton narrow locks are paired. However, one of the pair of the middle locks is out of use causing a queue.", "Taking on water at Braunston Turn.", "Rising in the stop lock at Hawkesbury Junction.", "The usual busy scene at Stretton Stop.", "A boat follows us through Newbold Tunnel", "Moored beside Elliots Field in Rugby.", "At one of the Hillmorton bottom locks.", "Passing Braunston Turn.", "Napton Junction where, on the left, the Grand Union Canal continues its separate course to Birmingham.", "Making our way up Napton Locks. It was extremely busy with boats returning from the IWA National Rally in Beale Park on the Thames. We meet boats at the bottom and top of every one of the 9 locks.", "Cruising the summit level.", "Also at the summit level is Fenny Compton Tunnel, now opened out ...", "... and two reservoirs. Through this bridge the feeder from the Boddington Reservoir 2˝ miles away flows in.", "The descent starts at Claydon Top Lock.", "Moored at Cropredy.", "Also in Cropredy next to the canal flows the River Cherwell with this bridge crossing. In June 1644 it was the centre piece of the Battle of Cropredy Bridge between the Royalists commanded by Charles I and the Parliamentarians lead by William Waller. When neither side could gain control of the crossing and the battle ended in stalemate.", "Manoeuvring past Tooley's Boatyard in Banbury and ...", "... on to Banbury Lock.", "Haynes Lift Bridge, one of many on this part of the canal, which is left permanently open.", "The Cherwell crosses the canal above Aynho Weir Lock. The lock is through the bridge. The river crosses from left to right. The weir is on the right.", "The lock has a drop of only 1'. So as to allow a 'normal' lock's worth of water through the lock is wide.", "Somerton Deep Lock has a rise/fall of 12' 0\".", "Just north of Shipton-on-Cherwell the canal and river are joined.", "This ends at Shipton Weir Lock. The river flows past the lock on the right hand side.", "There are 22 lift bridges between Napton Junction and Isis Lock. We had to move just 5 of them including this one, Percy's. 2 were moved for us, the remainder were up.", "Duke's Lock below which is ...", "... the entrance to Duke's Cut, one of the access routes to the River Thames.", "Waterside development in Oxford.", "Isis Lock is effectively the end of the cruiseable canal. Below this is a back water of the River Thames.", "Joining the canal from Duke's Cut.", "Starting the journey to Napton Junction by entering Duke's Cut Lock.", "Aubreys Lift Bridge at Thrupp displaying an anti DEFRA cuts banner.", "The water level indicator board above Shipton Weir Lock where the canal joins the River Cherwell is only just on green.", "Somerton Deep Lock, its rise is 12' 0\".", "Rising up to Banbury Town Centre.", "Clattercote Wharf. There's a collection of scare crows propped up beside the building.", "The approach to Claydon Bottom Lock. The board states that there are 5 locks ascending 30' 6\". There are pictures of our ascent under 'Along the cut, Locks' or select 'Clatyton Locks' from the '2007' drop down box.", "Cruising through the opened out Fenny Comnpton Tunnel.", "Descending Napton Locks with the windmill on top of Napton Hill in the background. There are pictures of our descent under 'Along the cut, Locks' or select 'Napton Locks' from the '2007' drop down box.", "It's an energetic walk up the hill to get a closer, but no closer, view of the windmill.", "The canal meets the Grand Union Canal at Napton Junction. ", "The canal at Norton Junction.", "Passing around Napton Hill with its windmill.", "The start of our final ascent at Napton Bottom Lock. It's a picturesque scene of boats, lock, bridge and buildings.", "An hour and ž later we are at the top lock.", "Morning mist greets us as we set off just before 8 am to the south of Fenny Compton Tunnel.", "The descent to the Thames starts here at Claydon top Lock.", "I get a rare opportunity to be at the helm in Cropredy Lock as the crew from the boat waiting below are doing the work.", "A couple of passersby are assisting with the bottom gates as Banbury Lock.", "The canal has a great many lift bridges. None of those north of Banbury now need to be operated. However, a few of those south of Banbury are still in place. The first of these is Chisnell Lift Bridge. It's opened by pulling on the chain that can be seen here hanging from the right hand balance arm.", "The water level board at Shipton Weir Lock just about has some of the green showing.", "To get to the River Thames we turn right on to Duke's Cut.", "The signpost at Napton Junction where the Oxford and Grand Union Canals join. In the back ground is Wighams Turn Marina.", "At Braunston Turn we go left to continue north on the Oxford Canal.", "Bridge 80, in the Barby area, has been damaged, presumably by a passing boat.", "We have met up with our friend David and nb Jennoria at Hillmorton Bottom Lock.", "Negotiating the swing bridge at Stretton.", "The rather striking Trisses Bridge.", "The stop locks at Hawkesbury.", "Beyond this is the junction with the Coventry Canal. To continue means doing a \'U\' turn through the bridge.", "We've just turned out of the Grand Union Canal at Napton Junction to head south on the canal.", "When we get to Napton Bottom Lock it's quite busy. I have got off to 'do' the Elsan and rubbish while Janice is being assisted by the crew of the boat coming down. all this after a BW work boat came down as we arrived.", "At Lock 11 new bollards are being installed.", "Passing through Fenny Compton's opened out tunnel.", "Claydon Top Lock.", "It\'s the week end of the annual Fairport Convention, the folk/rock group, festival when we pass through Cropredy. We have to pass about 2 miles of moored boats.", "Queuing at Banbury Lock.", "In the Adderbury area we have to negotiate our way round this fallen tree.", "Somerton Deep Lock.", "Heyford Wharf.", "At Dashwood Lock there's plenty of time for a chat due to several boats waiting at both top and bottom. One of the people is a botanist who manages to catch this crayfish.", "At Bakers Lock the canal enters the River Cherwell. The level marker at the tail of the lock has just a fraction of green left. It\'s been raining for some days and also today.", "Below Duke\'s Cut Lock is one of the entrances to the River Thames, on the right. We are carrying on along the canal, straight ahead to ...", "... Isis Lock, the other entrance.", "Duke's Cut Lock at the end of Duke's Cut is where we join the canal.", "There's quite a congestion here. One boat has had to reverse to allow us out of the lock while another waits to enter Duke's Lock on the main canal.", "We get some welcome help at bridge 219 when the children of some passing walkers are commissioned to work the lift bridge for us.", "Passing out of Shipton Weir Lock we note that there is no green showing on the water level gauge.", "Just after we had cleared Mill Lift Bridge we met NB Clonard. They went askew coming round a sharp bend. There was a bit of friendly banter before we were soon on our way again.", "The gauge at Aynho Weir Lock. The colour of the part below the yellow band should be green. As at Shipton Weir Lock its purpose is to show the water level on the River Cherwell.", "At the end of only a very short river section is Nells Bridge Lock. On the right can be seen the navigation advice board.", "Approaching Cropredy we had to slow down when we met this group of canoeists who were all over the canal and then ...", "... had to follow even slower behind nb My Fair Lady which was being towed by nb Toads Haul to the water point. They let us pass when they found there was a queue of two boats waiting there.", "Cruising between locks at Claydon.", "On the summit level and approaching the start of the opened out Fenny Compton Tunnel", "We arrive at Napton Top Lock.", "10 locks and 1 hour and 42 minutes later we approach the bottom lock.", "The signpost at Napton Junction.", "At Braunston Turn we take the left bridge to continue north. The other bridge is the route south on the Grand Union Canal.", "Hillmorton Locks are paired and we take advantage with a second boat also descending the locks.", "Inside Newbold Tunnel there are boats going in both directions when we arrive.", "We encounter another busy scene at Stretton Stop where there is a small swing bridge. A pair of hotel boats are following us.", "The canal ends at Hawkesbury Junction where it is a 'U' turn under this classic iron bridge to join the Coventry Canal.", "Joining the northern section at Braunston Turn.", "The church remains in view for a while as we leave Braunston behind.", "There is lots of activity at Hillmorton Locks. Here at the middle pair we are following a boat out of the locks while another waits to enter.", "A towpath mural near Clifton Wharf, Rugby.", "This time in Newbold Tunnel the lights are not working.", "This gentleman went jogging past us and then stopped to do some exercises including press-ups.", "Stretton Stop (swing bridge) has been operated for us.", "As we exit the stop lock at Hawkesbury Junction we will join the Coventry Canal under the bridge.", "Having come under the bridge we have joined the canal at Hawkesbury Junction from the Coventry Canal.", "We narrowly avoid a colision with nb Edina at bridge 26 as the steerer only reluctanctly gives way and then, see inset, comes forward again so that we barely miss each other on the far side. Note the rule of the road is that the boat further from the bridge should give way to an approaching vessal.", "As we approach Streeton Stop, a swing bridge, there is again a boat approaching and we are giving way. The other boat's crew get off and having swung the bridge wave as through.", "Finding a mooring place at Old Oaks Wood in Brinlow. We have an appointment in the morning at ...", "... Lime Farm Marina where we discuss our requirements to replace the well worn bedroom furnishings.", "Passing through Newbold Tunnel.", "We have to get our trolly unlocked at Tesco's in Rugby somewhat to our surprise as this hasn't been the case on our previous trips from the store to the towpath.", "The bottom gate of Hillmorton Lock 2 is made of cast iron dating from the 1840 duplication of the locks. It is a rare example of this and one of the oldest sets of lock gates. When these recently needed repair rathen than being replaced with wooden ones the original gates were sent to specialist metalwork firm Dorothea restorations of Bristol and then re-installed.", "As its a sunny afternon I have a coat of paint to our new pole. We are moored in a seemingly remote spot but amazingly a BW grass cutting team come by!", "At Braunston Turn we pass under the northern bridge to enter a secton of the canal shared with the Grand Union Canal.", "A little further on we pass a moored boat and accidentally detatch the hazard warning netting surrounding it. Unknown to us we then drag it along until we have to stop and reverse for a boat coming under a bridge and the netting gets wrapped around our prop. It takes 5 hours of cutting and a sore hand to clear it.", "We go straight on at Naton Junction where, under the bridge on the righjt, the Grand Union Canal carries on towards Birmingham.", "We stop for water at Napton Bottom Lock. Here we also dispose of the great pile of netting we took off the prop yesterday. It has been taking up most of the front deck.", "This seat at Napton Top Lock is dedicated to Esme Dowling. The inscription reads, \"who served the south Oxford Canal fir 31 years.\"", "Turnover Bridge situated part way along the opened out Fenny Compton Tunnel.", "Boundary Lift Bridge. This is the ifrst of many lift bridges on the southern section of the canal. This one like quite a few others is left permanently open.", "Strating the descent to the River Thames at Claydon Top Lock.", "At Braodmoor Lock we visit the fender makert to but some fender ropes.", "Mored in Banbury.", "Unusually we have to operate bridge 182. Like all the bridges betwee Banbury and Aynho it's normally left open. From what we find it appears that the chain that should hold the bridge open has been broken.", "Cruising on the short river (Cherwell) section between Nells Bridge and Aynho Warf.", "Today is my 64th birthday. We have found an idyllic mooring spot near Upper Heyford beside the River Cherwell. A passer fisherman took this photo of us enjoying the sunshine and afternoon tea and coffee and chocolate birthday cake.", "At the windong hole in Lower Heyford a Napton Narrowboat hire boat is winding tp return to Napton and we wait behind an Oxfordshire Cruisers day boat which has started out. A nmoored boat is making things somewhat tricky.", "Us and the day boat get to Dashwood Lock together. It's their forst lock and I explain to them the procedure. The lady crew has gone across the bottom gate and is opening the paddle.", "Shipton Weir Lock is a bit unusual. It's shape is due to the small rise and fall, 2' 5\", and so allows the same amount of water to flow through as a 'normal' lock.", "Aubreys Lift Bridge at Thrupp is now electrically operated with a BW key. By the time we have let another boat through and then Two Jays through the post man is waiting.", "Passing Dukes Cut. One of the 2 places to access the River Thames. We carry on along the canal.", "The last lift bridge before reaching the end in Oford. Like the majority of the otherts this is left permanently open.\nDid you notice that we have anew item on the roof (in front of the trye. It's a model house made from wood which we rescued floating in a lock today. It has a sign that says, 'No girls allowed'!", "Below Isis Lock is Sheepcote Channel and the route on to the River Thames.", "Joining the canal at Braunston Turn.", "It is exceptionally busy as we pass down Hillmorton Locks. Here we descend in lock 7 as a Alvechurch hire boat ascends lock 6.", "After going through Newbold Tunnel we are going into Lime Farm Marina to collect our new bedroom curtains etc.", "Having been to Lime Farm to collect our curtains etc., we are to call again on Tuesday as the window puffs need adjusting, we are heading back through Newbold Tunnel to Braunston to have our Webasto heater looked at.", "Once again, this time going up, Hillmorton Locks are busy.", "At Braunston Turn for a short cruise along the Grand Union Canal to Braunston Boats.", "Having completed our visit to JG Marine we have gone right at Braunston Turn to head north once more. Behind us 2 baots head towards Braunston and one boat towards Napton Junction", "Descending lock 4 at Hillmporton. It's much quieter today.", "We stop in Rugby for a shopping trip to Tesco's.", "This time when we get to Newbold Tunnel there's a boat coming through which we wait for.", "The swing bridge at Stretton known as Stretton Stop. Inset bottom right Two Jays going through.", "This bend marks the approach to Hawkesbury. The engine house, on the Coventry Canal, can be seen in the centre above the tree line.", "The canal ends below this stop lock at the bridge.") myPix = new Array("_01","_02","_03","_04","_05","_06","_07","_08","_09","_10","_11","_12","_13","_14","_15","_16","_17","_18","_19","_20","_21","_22","_23","_26","_24","_25","_27","_28","_29","_30","_31","_32","_33","_34","_35","_36","_37","_38","_39","_40","_41","_42","_43","_44","_45","_46","_47","_48","_49","_50","_51","_52","_53","_54","_55","_56","_57","_58","_59","_60","_61","_62","_63","_64","_65","_66","_67","_68","_69","_70","_71","_72","_73","_74","_75","_76","_77","_78","_79","_80","_81","_82","_83","_84","_85","_86","_87","_88","_89","_90","_91","_92","_93","_94","_95","_96","_97","_98","_99","_100","_101","_102","_103","_104","_105","_106","_107","_108","_109","_110","_111","_112","_113","_114","_115","_116","_117","_118","_119","_120","_121","_122","_123","_124","_125","_126","_127","_128","_129","_130","_131","_132","_133","_134","_135","_136","_137","_138","_139","_140","_141","_142","_143","_144","_145","_146","_147","_148","_149","_150","_151","_152","_153","_154","_155","_156","_157","_158","_159","_160","_161","_162","_163","_164","_165","_166","_167","_168","_169","_170","_171","_172","_173","_174","_175","_176","_177","_178","_179","_180","_181","_182","_183","_184","_185","_186","_187","_188","_189","_190")