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'.

Alien wildlife

Ann watched as a Moorhen raised her 3 chicks. They ran on the lily pads and splashed around for a few days looking for food. Then Ann saw a Mink prowling in the reeds. Soon the chicks were no more. Could do nothing to prevent it. The natural balance of wild life will change with the environment and climate. But man's interference has changed the balance unnaturally. Many 'introduced' animals will take over like the Grey Squirrel, Mink and even rabbits have done. Exotic pets are finding their way into the countryside. Rules and regulation will not stop the 'invasion'. Many of our familiar animals and birds are disappearing.

Well this swan seems to be very angry about something!

Ratty Island

Moved on to Elton after filling up with water. Desperately low this time after using the washing machine and several showers during that hot weekend. Only one lock and two miles so Sue & Vic can take Lucy to the vet at Peterborough on the bus. During the afternoon we all walked round the lovely village of Elton. Almost all thatched cottages with gardens to match. An unspoilt English village at its best.

Kenneth Graham (Wind in the Willows) stayed here during the summer months. One of the islands in the river is called Ratty Island.

Fotheringhay

We arrived here and moored at the castle mound. A local farmer owns the site and charged us to stay. The castle is no more than a hill with the remains of a moat round it. It was originally built in 1100 by the first Earl of Northampton. Richard 3^rd. was born here in 1451, made himself king in 1483 but was killed in battle at Bosworth in 1485. When the Queen of Scots abdicated she was incarcerated here in 1567 and had planted Scottish Thistles which are still here! She was seen as the figurehead of the for English Catholics and executed here by Queen Elizabeth 1^st in 1587.

Keep Britain Tidy ?

We had enjoyed a very hot weekend when many boaters were out and about. There were BBQ's, children in small boats, and swimming in the river. The countryside and nature provide a place to relax and usually keeps itself clean. BUT after the 'invasion' we were upset to find so much left behind. Bags of rubbish and BBQ trays thrown into the bushes. A black burnt patch where the BBQ lay on the grass and uneaten crusts of bread left for the dogs to find. The Environment Agency don’t seem to provide any means of proper disposal.

Having picked up the rubbish we took it into town to 'loose' it in the street bins. Only to be told that the bins were not for 'household' rubbish!!

Back to Oundle

Another sunny day to enjoy a picnic on the tables provided before moving on. Our boats were tied together back to front as we manoeuvred out round into the river Nene. Then separated to go through the narrow arch of the '9 arch bridge' and on to Islip Lock. "Enjoy the global warming while you can" I called to Skipper and Crew of a boat just exiting the lock. Many Damsel flies about looking for a mate.

Passed under those low bridges again and Titchmarsh Lock stopping short of Wadenhoe at a grassy edge as other boats were seen occupying moorings at Wadenhoe. Not much shade here so moved through another 4 locks to Ashton the next day. A wonderful mooring just round the corner from the lock on a byway where the river passes the lock and falls down a weir. Many different trees providing shade during several days of a heat wave. A light fresh breeze keeping us all cool inside and out of the boat. Very popular with seven or eight boats coming and going each day. Got our post at Oundle and stayed to enjoy the weekend with football and F1 racing to watch.

Sweltering heat

Another day of wall to wall sunshine. Temperatures in the 30's. The willow trees have been producing a lot of seed which float down like fluffy snow and the boats are getting covered. A lot of spiders have been making their webs which have captured the seed as well as flies. Tables, chairs and sun brollies have been out on the grass for several days. Sitting out for an hour or so, especially in the afternoon or evening when the sun has gone behind the trees.

Return to Thrapston

For two reasons: Lucy needs a check up by the vet and we like the town and its mooring with water tap.

Lucy is doing well but her leg needs some exercise now. Short walks but not swimming yet. For ten days it has not been used much because Lucy has been confined to 'cage rest'. The hip joint should be ok now much to the relief of Sue & Vic who have both been very anxious. A pin and the stitches will stay in for now.

The trip up stream took about 5 hours going through several locks. A different procedure as they are always left open. So go into the safety of the lock first, lower the guillotine behind and wait for the overflowing river to fill the lock, move out and lift the guillotine. We passed at least eight boats going down stream. The Tesco order duly arrived on time this time by the friendly helpful lady Sue n Vic met last year. All this during a dry sunny day which turned cool in the evening.

Summer time

A Marina !

Left Wadenhoe continuing downstream through the lock. This one is hand operated but like several others is being electrified. A few boats seen on this trip to Oundle. On the way we called in to Oundle Marina, the first major marina seen since getting on this river. Both our boats need diesel and were charged 59p a litre for it. We also got a new starter battery as ours had failed a few days ago. Managed to start the engine using the domestic battery bank and Vic's jump lead. Then moved on to Ashton Lock where several other boats were already at the moorings, including Moore To Life. A Spotted Woodpecker, several Grebe, Greylag Geese with chicks, a few Heron and some Swans were seen while moving on this river Nene.

Oundle

Walked into Oundel with Ann n Sue across the river along a path through fields and past well kept gardens. Most buildings are of the local Jurassic limestone which stretches from Dorset through the Cotswolds to Yorkshire. "They did remind me of Dorset which my parents loved".

Oundle is an old market town and now holds a 'farmers market' once a month. We found a café called 'Beans' and sat outside in the shade consuming tea and toasted tea cakes while watching the world go by. Then visited the butcher and Co-Op before returning to the boat.

It's officially summer with a 'high' and calm sunny hot days. Next day Ann Vic and I walked into Ashton. Across a field past the mill and into the village with its old thatched cottages built of stone. Looking for the Peacocks, originally introduced by the Rothschild's who owned the estate.

Flood water has gone down

While at Thrapston a man from Anglia Water came to check the river level. It had been going up and down about 6 inches the previous day as the Environment Agency let flood water down river to the sea.

We have moved on from Thrapston, down stream through Islip Lock and under several low bridges with just over 2M clearance. We had of course removed items from the roof and hoped that the water level had gone down enough.

Past Titchmarsh nature reserve and promised ourselves to stop there on the way back. Through the lock and past the old mill heading for Wadenhoe during a lovely sunny but windy day. Found a good mooring just off the river in the mill race. There are several picnic tables, Ash and Willow trees and the grass has been cut! Just a short walk up to the end of the village street with thatched cottages either side.

A little irony

Lucy is getting better and needs to be collected from the vet at Peterborough. A bus from Thrapston is quickest. It is raining and the river is rising but 'needs must' and we prepare to move down. Just then a boat passes and takes the lock! We only see one boat a day, normally! Got into the lock eventually and raised the guillotine. The river is so high that we have to remove items off the roof to get out. The river seems calm enough but the boats are moving fast down stream. Slipping sideways round the bends and past a few bridges. One is a bit narrow and we just made it, with a glancing blow. Got round to the left off the main stream into a safe Visitor Mooring by Thrapston Bridge. The girls rush off to catch the bus. Then we see the notice. Strong stream, do not move! Elsewhere in the country several counties are issuing drought restrictions due to lack of rain!

Lucy has been returned to her boat and family and is recovering quietly.

We are back

Yes, been away, five days off the boat. Got back to a great welcome on board No Problem with food n wine after our journey. We went to look after our two grand children while their parents were on holiday. Several days of rain has caused the river to rise and flow fast. Our two boats are safe in the approach to the lock with the river passing round behind over a weir and bypassing the lock. While we were away the Environment Agency lock keepers came to advise Sue n Vic not to move the boats. We were happy to stay a while to recover from our trip! A Tesco order placed on the net duly arrived a few days later. Just got to be careful with the use of our water and diesel while we wait. Several boats have made it going up river.

LUCY

Sadly our friends lovely dog Lucy has been taken to the vet in Peterborough for an operation. She had hurt her leg badly while on a walk and we are all missing her.

Sorry, no pictures

My pictures are stored on another 'server'. Unfortunately it crashed and lost them.  There was no back up.  I will have to upload them at some point. 'Normal service will resume as soon as possible'.

Thrapston history

On the west wall of the 13^th century St. James' church is a tablet depicting the crest of Sir John Washington (Stars and Stripes). He was a former lord of the manor of Thrapston and died in 1668 and was the ancestor of the more famous George Washington. The family crest formed the basis for the flag of the United States of America a century later. When we arrived here we walked to the church but there was no tablet outside and sadly the church was locked so could not get inside to see.

District of Columbia flag.  Is this similar to the family Crest?

It is here at Thrapston that the pronunciation of the river changes. From it's source it is 'NEN'. Then from here to it's outfall it is the 'NENE'.

Little Irchester

We left our mooring early with a long trip planned. Heading first to Little Irchester to shop at Tesco. This time a real place full of people pushing trolleys just like we were. The river passes through parkland with rows of trees for the public to enjoy.

Then through more locks to Rushden & Diamonds Football Ground where facilities are available. Chris on Moore To Life stayed here on the visitor moorings but we continued on to moor before Upper Ringstead Lock. Five locks and ten miles done in five hours today. Stayed here for the weekend against a grassy bank to climb out on. A lake nearby is full of fish and many fishermen are camping out.

To Great Deddington

Vic walked on to 'set up the lock' at Cogenhoe. He called on the walky talky "Lock in use". So M2L and NP were allowed to drift with the wind towards the bank. EA have a crew painting the bollards and their boat, with engine problems, is being pushed into the lock. Some time later we were able to enter the lock and filled our tanks with water. EA had installed a stand pipe close to the lock.

Continued on down stream through open countryside following the river along its bending route. After two miles and through Whiston Lock we passed through White Mills Lock with help from the EA crew. They had arrived from Cogenhoe and kindly opened the lock as we approached. Now most of these Guillotine locks have electric motors to raise and lower them. But the next at Earls Barton is one that is not. A large wheel is turned by hand. "Tis hard work and takes time". Another mile and another lock and we found a grassy bank to stay a few days.

Next day we all walked up to the very pretty village of Great Deddington and yes there is still a Post Office but it has moved next door. A small shop will be handy for bread n milk when we need them. Then on back down the hill and across the river to the Summerleys Nature Reserve. Originally old gravel pits. The Nene Way is a foot path partly using an old railway route following the river. Vic and I returned to the boats while the girls continued their longer walk. It was another of those fine sunny hot days with temperatures in the high 20's.

Error !!

These pictures were for the previous post.

No Problem leaving Weston Favell Lock

This much water before it rained!

 

On the Nene

Cobblers

Northamptun and Southamptun existed in the 11^th. Century and 'Hamptun' means homestead. The towns were linked by an old route way. In 1213 the footwear industry made a pair of boots for King John then a hundred years later boots were made for Cromwell's army. Another 150 years passed and they made more boots for the British Army during the Napoleonic Wars.

The local football team are known as 'the cobblers' !

Moving east

Moved about 3 miles and through 3 locks on Sunday after morning rain and watching F1 racing. A sunny afternoon trip to Cogenhoe. Moored against a grass bank and put the plank out at the bow. The fields are common ground so we wont be charged for staying unlike on the Thames! Seen the boat called Moore To Life here but nobody is aboard. Yes, that is our previous boat.

A few days of rain is causing the river to run a bit faster over the locks. Seems normal on the river to allow the river to flow through the locks. The top gates are left shut and the bottom guillotine gate is raised. Our ropes are deliberately long and loose to allow the boat to rise and fall with the water level. But often the boat settles on the mud!

A different environment

Well we have got down the Rotherthorp flight of 13 locks and a further 4 to the River Nene. Our grateful thanks to John and Paul who read our blogs and came a long way to help both boats down in about 5 hours.

Stopped to shop at Morrisons at moorings in Northampton before continuing on through a further 3 locks to find moorings at Western Favell. A total of 20 locks but only 6 miles. The sun shone all day which helped make the trip a 'picnic'.

The river is very wide here in the flood plane. There are huge lakes created to prevent flooding. Have already seen some different wildlife. Brent Geese, Grebe, Tern, Sandpipers and a Heron. As well as the usual ducks and swans. The swans are nesting at this time as many other birds are. The locks are neat and tidy having been freshly painted for the season.

The Grand Union and the canal system seem a world away already. That is a major road in comparison to this country lane. The lack of boat movement is very noticeable.