Evening cruise

There is about 2 miles of tidal waters where the New Bedford River comes in from King's Lynn. Many of the major rivers in this area no longer follow their natural path. In order to drain the land and maintain river levels many locks, weirs and 'drains' have been created over the centuries. We did not see the seals which are known to live this far from the sea. We passed through St. Ives to stop at the moorings and did some shopping in the town. After a refreshing drink at the local pub by the waterside we continued our journey up river. It had been hot again during the day so a cool evening trip was in order. Heading west towards the setting sun made for tricky navigation. Several people and small boats in the water were difficult to see. Passed through several locks wide enough for both boats and once joined by another small boat. Finally arriving at Godmanchester as the sun went down. A lovely mooring by a park with trees.

Apologies to our readers for the lack of 'postings'.  We have reached Great Barford.

Really is too HOT

Over 30 inside and out most of the day, often nearer 40 ! While moving we use an umbrella for shade. Apparently it had been this hot back in 1911 ! "I suppose these hot summers are due to become more frequent". The biggest problem has been keeping the inside cool. The best we can do is to hang white cloth outside the windows. Occasionally using a fan to keep the fridge cool. The mains inverter has been getting hot so have not been using the TV much or the computer. Much cooler in the evening so we are sitting outside. Tables, chairs, parasols, candles in buckets, an alcoholic beverage and an occasional BBQ make for enjoyable evenings.

Wicken Sedge Fen

To get there we travelled up the Great Ouse from Ely and turned left on to the River Cam. A few miles further, left again and through a lock at Upware. Another left turn and we were on the Wicken Lode. (Lode is a medieval word for waterway or canal).

 This Lode is very narrow and just navigable. A deep narrow cutting lined with reed and lily pads with flowers in full bloom.

The National Trust look after these wetlands and trying to expand them.

The last surviving drainage wind mill is now used in reverse to maintain the wetlands here.

ELY (Eel Island)

Moved on to the Great Ouse to the next EA moorings where picnic tables and facilities were available for the travellers on the A10 road as well as for us boaters. As we approached the city we saw the cathedral on the hill. Wow what an impressive building. Luckily found a mooring near the Maltings. Boats were rather spread out by the park preventing us from stopping there on the way in. The mooring is very public but was quiet at night. Many ducks and geese sleep on the grass near by were chased off by a dog late one night creating a lot of noise.

Ely is a historic city with many old and beautiful buildings. At one time an island surrounded by sea and marsh lands. The main shopping centre is up the hill past the cathedral. Many useful shops are here but more like a town than a city.

The cathedral was founded as a monastery and suffered much damage by Henry VIII during the Dissolution and by the hand of Oliver Cromwell who lived in Ely for 10 years. Most of the statues had their heads chiselled off and much of the ornate stone decoration has been severely damaged. The huge Lady Chapel had all the stain glass windows broken so it is now very bright with the plain glass. A modern statue of Mary dressed in bright blue stands above the alter.

Great Ouse & Little Ouse

After that long day we opted for a short trip to Hilgay Bridge on the Great Ouse where we found an excellent mooring provided by EA. Complete with water tap and a bench seat. After getting water we moved back and tied the bow to the end bollard with the stern in the bushes. This enabled No Problem to move away from the water point. That evening a 'plastic' cruiser arrived and stayed the night. Next day another Narrowboat turned up for water so NP came along side us to make room.

We both set off 2 miles up stream to turn off on to the Little Ouse by the 'Ship Inn'. Heading for Brandon up 'Brandon Creek' as the L. O. is otherwise known. Passed a few assorted boats along this waterway lined with trees. Became aware of the high flood banks either side which protect the low lying farm lands. Eventually found the GOBA mooring about half way along at 7 miles in. Another patch of mowed grass but not so deep at the edge so we used our long plank this time. Saw a single black swan on our way down.

Went on up stream weaving past the weed to the moorings by the short lock at Brandon. Seems only little boats will be able to venture further. We went on foot to the busy town with plenty of useful shops. That evening a gathering of youngsters with plenty of drink made us think twice about staying the night. The cruise back to the quiet GOBA mooring was quite enjoyable as the sun went down. Next day we continued down stream to the 'Ship Inn' for a marvellous meal.

The tidal trip

On a very hot Sunday we watched the tide come up and the locks were opened. No Problem went in first then us. But NP stopped on a sand bank and slid back into the lock. So we waited, with the lock gates closed behind, for the tide to rise some more, then we were off.

 Out into the rising tide flow getting swung round up stream passing two boats coming down from the Denver Sluce. We travelled up on the right then cut across the tide to the lock on the left. Full power to avoid the sand bank as we slid sideways. Then suddenly we were in calm waters as we entered the lock alongside No Problem. The gate closed behind us and we rose up to the river level. The top gate opened and we moved out onto the River Great Ouse found moorings and relaxed over a sandwich lunch.

Great Ouse & Wissey

The Great River Ouse goes all the way to Bedford. There are four rivers which join the Ouse from the east. Like the Thames the rivers pass through private land so we have joined the Great Ouse Boating Association which rent land and mow it to provide moorings. The first of these is down the River Wissey. Turn left at the next junction pass under the rail bridge and soon found the first mooring. Long enough for both our boats and the two 'plastic' cruisers that were there. The owner of one of them came over and introduced himself as the mooring officer who had just mowed the grass. It was a very hot day and one small willow tree provided some welcome shade. We set up our table and chairs on top of the flood bank and enjoyed Ann's meal together with Sue n Vic.

Next day we travelled down to the facilities at Hilgay. Several boats were there and we were able to stop at the meadow. Used the facilities but were unable to get water. Many different varieties of water birds have been seen on the rivers so far like cormorants, grebe, swans and geese. At one time we even spotted a family of Pink Footed Geese. But then we passed through a swarm of 'orible flies which bit as we passed the smelly sugar beet factory. The river opened up into a lake before narrowing down to wards Whittington where we found a 'free for an hour' mooring'. As the GOBA mooring no longer existed we decided to return hoping to stop at Hilgay but even more boats were there and people were jumping off the bridge and swimming in the river. We slowed down and carefully passed them. After what seemed a long day we were pleased to stop again at the GOBA moorings near Wissey Bridge.

Crossing the tide

Salters Lode

We have got to the end of the Middle Level Route and stopped at the tide lock. It is here that we join the Great River Ouse but we have to wait for the tide to rise. Within a square mile there are four locks or sluces to control flooding from the river which goes out to sea at King's Lynn. A number of manmade relief channels make the area looks like 'spaghetti junction'. Denver Sluce is part of the finest flood defence and land drainage systems in the country.

Navigation?

While we waited a historic event occurred. A small boat was permitted to navigate down the Old Bedford River. The owners of the boat had been requesting permission for many years. The previous attempt was back in 2004. The Inland Waterways Association was there to witness the attempt. We had arrived just in time to see it ourselves. The boat was seen on the tidal river outside the access lock. When the tide level was right the lock was opened and the boat went through. But the Old Bedford River was so badly silted up the boat could go no further. In fact two little girls were seen walking ankle deep across the river! Luckily the boat was able to turn round and escape back into the Middle Level before the tide went back out. The Environment Agency will surely be asked to dredge that river.

The tidal trip

On a very hot Sunday we watched the tide come up and the locks were opened. No Problem went in first then us. But NP stopped on a sand bank and slid back into the lock. So we waited, with the lock gates closed behind, for the tide to rise some more, then we were off. Out into the rising tide flow getting swung round up stream passing two boats coming down from the Denver Sluce. We travelled up on the right then cut across the tide to the lock on the left. Full power to avoid the sand bank as we slid sideways. Then suddenly we were in calm waters as we entered the lock alongside No Problem. The gate closed behind us and we rose up to the river level. The top gate opened and we moved out onto the River Great Ouse found moorings and relaxed over a sandwich lunch.

Four red roses

We were at March on our 40^th wedding anniversary. Travelling through the Fenlands near Peterborough with our friends Sue & Vic. Found four red roses for Ann to represent 40 years of happiness together.  Presented them to her in the town and gave her a public kiss!

We then moved the boats on to Upwell along the Middle Level Route during a hot sunny day. Then in the evening our friends joined us for a celebration meal in the restaurant at the 'Five Bells'.