Many Meeting's Tenth Birthday!

 Sunday 10th and Monday 11th October in Aynho.

Today is MM's tenth birthday! HOORAY!!!!

Ten utterly wonderful years since that happy day she was launched at Enslow. Our thanks to her builders, Jim, Darren, Jon and Simon.

So how very fitting that her tenth birthday gift from us is a repaint to be carried out by Simon (above), who was the one who so meticulously did all the engineering, including the engine, electrics and plumbing, when she was built.

The sun continued to shine today as we approached Aynho Weir Lock, the final lock before the wharf.

The lock is shallow but quite a challenge, as it is diamond shaped. It forms the boundary between the River Cherwell and the Oxford Canal and is wider than normal so that more water goes into the canal each time it is used. Despite being shallow, the paddle gear is very stiff and the gates leak, which makes them difficult to open. Still, R seems to be taking it all in his stride.

We arrived at Aynho Wharf, moored opposite, and paid the usual visits to the Brew Box (for a bacon butty), Simon and Matt. As is traditional, we had brought biscuits for the lads, as we used to do while MM was being built.

Monday was a poignant day. We handed MM's keys to Simon, who will move her into the workshop later today. But we were very happy, knowing that MM could not be in better hands.

We left Guy in charge, watching progress out of the window and drove the Touran home.

All being well, we will be back to pick MM up in two weeks time.

 Two days: 3 miles, 3 locks and 2.8 hours.

Trip: 487 miles, 269 locks and 247.5 hours.