We left Ely to do the lock combination of Denver/ Salter’s Lode locks, which allows crossing of the tidal section of the river, and puts us back on the Middle Levels. I misheard the time to be there as 1230h, (should have been 1330h), and we left early to get there by 1200h. Arrived to find the lock deserted. Waited until 1400 when the keeper arrived, and stated that the ‘tide was delayed’ ??). The lock was finally available for use at 1500h, and we were second through. Across the flooding tide to Salters’s Lode, and sharp corner into the lock. Then, through the lock into the drains of the levels. These aren’t inspiring, but you do get a sense of the vast marshes that were drained, and are now some of the best farmland. Looks like the flat areas of Manitoba, but with more trees. Crops of beans, sugar beets, peas, grains and potatoes. We overnighted near where I had stopped with mom and dad at Upwell. Then on towards Whittlesey, where we spent another night in a great mooring beside the park. We had to make the Stanground lock at 1145h, so on we went with lots of time, but the wind was up, it was raining off and on, and we helped a rookie boater, weeds around the prop and stuck on the lee shore. I towed him off, but he had little experience of the wind, and was marooned again several times.
We moored in Peterborough and had time to tour the Cathedral with a friend of Pat and Kerry, and attend evensong there. This was a special service to install the architect and surveyor as part of the foundation of the cathedral. Sounds like cementing him in, but that was the terminology used for his official appointment.
Yesterday, up the Nene river and mooring near Oundle. Gorgeous spot and nice and warm. Maybe summer is finally to Britain!
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