From tonyb99@earthlink.net Thu May 6 21:03:08 1999 Date: Wed, 24 Jun 1998 13:58:29 -0400 From: Tony Blunt Reply-To: canals@blacksheep.org To: canals@blacksheep.org Subject: Re: canals-digest V1 #4208 Well we are back in warm (95F) Florida after a couple of weeks on the Oxford canal and the Thames. Many thanks to all who sent comments and suggestions, I would like to make some observations while the trip is fresh in my mind:- Our first narrowboat trip, with a Black Prince 60' rental. The boat was well equipped, the central heating worked especially well, so we were able to keep warm and dry even though it rained every day for two weeks, except the day we gave the boat back! We found the Osney lock keeper to be the most friendly and helpful of all the Thames lock keepers, contrary to some postings I had read here. The Trout at Godstow was great, and in contrast the Perch, just downstream, was a definate no-no. Prices were almost double the Trout, entrees came with chips and no peas (isn't that illegal in England?), and the food was not up to par. Plus the Trout has better ambiance and location, location, location. The locks on the Oxford were not easy to operate, even though it appears that many of the gates were fairly new. One lift bridge was dangerously unbalanced. Definately some maintenance work needed there. Abingdon was a fascinating town to visit and wander around. Also, from the Oxford, we visited Steeple Aston (the Red Lion had a great publican), and Tackley (The Gardiners Arms did a great Sunday roast, with no less than 8 accompanying side dishes!). We displayed the cutweb symbol, but it was not recognised by anyone. The topic of private development has been aired on this board, and in my opinion it could only help, the Oxford canal was badly in need of clean-up. We were appalled that the grey water is just pumped into the canal - I would expect that should be banned, at least for all newly built boats, basic ecology. Regulations and action to get rid of the hippy and squatter type boats, and proper canalside development, could greatly improve the ambiance, and consequently the public usage, of the canal. All in all a good trip, now to relax for a while.... Tony Blunt