And now for something a bit different

Tourists at play

View from QISMA

QISMA and others from lunch

Cathedral close up

Preparation for floral weekend

Mixed day weather wise but LJ had us up early this morning and we got the best of the day outside. Lunch was at The Boathouse, complete with view of QISMA. It had really good reviews but we've both got upset tummies - oh dear. Sighs of relief all round because I'm not saying any more.

It costs £6.50 to wander round the Cathedral but I was allowed in for a quick look gratis, though I did make a contribution, because they were prepping for the floral weekend. It is going to look stunning, the bottom photo shows the mirrored river.  Flower Guild Ladies everywhere. 

I was about to say that we had only seen two cruisers all day but, at 1730, two narrowboats arrived. 

Put to shame, as always, by reading the Derwent 6 blog. It HAS to be the cleanest boat in existence. Made us realise how badly our fire needed attention and the Chandlery in Ely is particularly good so ..... Job done! 

Also realised as I was putting LJ's Father's Day card away that it says 'Oddles of Doodles' on the back. Neither of us has noticed in the three years that the card has been coming out. In fact, Alistair hasn't noticed that it's the same card. #frugalpensioner

The boating equivalent of a pub with no beer

We are always amused by the almost military precision the geese achieve

I wonder if there is an alternative Muckhill for folk that aren't common?

Our lovely mooring in Ely

The view as we came towards the city

By the time we were on our way this morning - even  though it was early for us - we knew that three boats were ahead of us. Still we were hopeful we'd be lucky with a mooring in Ely, where everyone tells us moorings can be hard to find. Stopped for water and disposals and then tried to get fuel.  The marina had run out but we have a plan!!! We got the last mooring on the main section of moorings at 1145 so luck WAS with us. Traffic has been pretty steady all day and we've seen more boats today than we have since we left the Grand Union. 

What a lovely spot this is and such a nice city to wander in. The Cathedral is impressive from any angle and good walks for LJ. What more could you ask for?  

A Frankie goes to Hollywood day

Relax, relax, relax. That has been the name of the game today. The weather has been a mixed bag, even a smattering of rain but, finally, in the early evening we had sunshine and no wind.  Call me old fashioned, but I have a vague suspicion that it's not going to last.

Alistair took advantage of the opening of the river fishing season (and his annual licence) to do a spot of fishing. Zilch on the biting front.  Maybe the sweet corn isn't the right bait after all.

On to Ely tomorrow. We hope that the weekend boaters will have moved on and we'll not have too much trouble finding a mooring. All of 3 miles from our current spot. I'm loving this pace of life.

Back to Tranquility - but disturbed by CRT

Two and a half hours from Orpington to QISMA and a 1.6 mile cruise to an isolated 48 hr mooring just on the right of this pic which we've got to ourselves. Grand. 

Joan much improved today and planning to rest up over the weekend. There was almost a relapse after we got back last night when she saw the size of the piece of Comte cheese I served up to me and Andy but I had brought extra supplies from Borough Market!

Alistair spotted on the revised winter mooring plan on the Canal and Rivers Trust winter mooring website. I do feel cynical that they are Tweeting ever half hour with news of volunteers and projects and insect boxes and I'd think this deserved some publicity. You can find it on the web on Boaters Update but hey, if you haven't got the web or find Boater's Updates pretty boring - well it is possible - then how would you know! The main fault as far as I can see, is that if you haven't registered as a Continuous Cruiser with the Trust by 15 June - yes today, you won't be eligible to 'enjoy' the revised winter mooring package. No moorings at Visitor Moorings, reduced fees and can elect yourself where you're going to stay for five, three or one month. I can see how a house owner with property on the tow path is going to love having  a boat pitch up and stay for five months running engine and generator.  And what happens if you want to leave your boat somewhere fairly secure for a month? That option seems to have gone. What about the boater retiring next week and looking forward to life as a CC - keep moving guys or get back in the marina. Mmmmmm

The Trust MUST do better at how information is published. Information on what they know is an issue that will raise hackles HAS to be handled in a professional way. Where is the Q and A? Where is the explanation of the 15 June point? Are they trying to stop new Continuous Cruisers coming onto the system by the back door - as many of us suspect and resent. And at least those mooring won't face 50% of Visitor's moorings empty but only available to non existent permit holders. Oooo a bit of rant!

The biggest question of all is are they going to enforce it. What is going to happen to boats that position themselves, say at Woolhampton on K and A, then say it's not safe to move and just sit the winter out?

Sorry. Couldn't help it. I just got started and .......

Ain't the NHS marvellous?

In London for a Curtis Stigers event for Radio 2 this evening. My friend Joan and I had lovely day planned. All went well on Serials 1-4 but just as we were finishing lunch Joan felt unwell and went outside onto veranda overlooking Covent Garden to get some air. Seconds later, looked round to find a small crowd had gathered and Joan had fainted. I rushed out and within a minute she'd gone again. She  looked dreadful. The staff at Brasserie Blanc were fantastic. Could not have been kinder. The paramedic was not only efficient but a really nice chap. Let her lay down until she was feeling a bit more in control. Got some fluids into her and called an ambulance. Off to St Thomas' Hospital. The second time I've made that trip in similar circumstances. Am I a jinx? Mind you several years in between. Fortunately, she is fine. Has a mild viral infection. Home to rest.

Most impressive things in all of this, the people looking after her all of them so professional - though this is not a surprise. The second, that her blood test results were back in 10 minutes - just like on telly. Who'd have believed it.

As for Mr Stigers. Next time.

Can't go past Borough Market

I travelled down to Kent today. Crossing London by what I still call Thameslink. Had to change trains at London Bridge so just yards from Borough Market so.... Very busy even on a Thursday. Foodie heaven. Seems unfair to be there on a fast day! Yet another boater on 5:2. Still got some goodies for the weekend.

No ghosts to disturb our sleep - only the RAF

Moored last night at The Ship at the junction. With Brandon Creek. In his guide to the river, Andrew Hunter Blair tells us that the neighbourhood is rich in folklore and legend. Tales are told of violent, macabre killings: soldiers, partly buried in the river banks and left to drown at the mercy of the rising tide; murderers slowly strangled as the falling tide left them hanging from a noose. Some say  their  ghosts can be seen on a misty evening..............

We slept well until the RAF interrupted our dreams at 0720!!

And now for the Southern Hempisphere

Not really, but want to say thanks to our readers from Auckland who have made contact. They are planning an extended UK cruise in  2015. I'm already hoping for better weather for them!  It is nice to hear from people who are following us. I'm sure other bloggers would agree.

Inbound

And the short hop down to Denver Sluice

     

This boy just could not wait to get going and managed to cut us up!

and a boat we've read a lot about gave us a wave then off we go with a bit more room to play with and no weeds! 

Outbound

So, the lock keeper at Salter's Lode asked if we'd mind a hire boat that arrived this morning going through before us as he was a bit worried about their clearance. Nice that he out it that way but absolutely his decision. Any road up, there they are, water in and waiting to go when the phone rings, a problem at Denver and the Sluice wasn't working.

Quickly sorted and off they went. One boat came through and then it was us. 

Swings and Roundabouts

QISMAis making her maiden  Eastern Hemisphere voyage. It's a slow passage because we are deep in the water and the water is shallow BUT and there is  a BUT, it means we can manage the very low bridges better than some. Swings and roundabouts.  We put QISMA into low bridge rig and,off we go. Still with everything crossed of course!!  Here are the photos to back it up.

Phew!

Not us 

End of the day - and the Middle Levels

The River at low tide looking South

And the Northern view

and now for something completely different

Boating on the Middle Levels is certainly that. I know the flat scenery isn't for everyone but

there is something about the bleakness that I find appealing, 

We were booked at Marmont Priory Lock at 1200 and arrived at 1157. Good timing though .... we were distracted for a few minutes because LJ went off the back. He was being teased by swans and got over excited. Of course, we'd broken the house rule and he wasn't wearing his life jacket. The jacket is to help us hoik him back over the side! Sadly, I didn't dare run for the camera -  though I really  wanted to!  question: what sort of Mum am I?  It is fortunate he's such a strong swimmer and he  didn't want to come back on. His landing was less than dignified. Three of us soaked and he sulked for an hour or so. 

We complied - impossible not to the going is slow and we've had enough excitement for one day.

On through Upwell and Outwell spread along the banks giving a continental feel, to the journey. We stopped on moorings at Outwell Church just for a break. 

And then the last stretch, couple of traffic free hours, up to Salters Lode Lock, where we are booked to go down tomorrow morning at 1035. If we'd stayed in Outwell we'd have had to have been on our way at 0800 tomorrow and we know our limits!!

Some company from the RAF 

And onto the Middle Levels

All very smooth at the lock and onto the Middle Levels

Not much sunshine. I hope y'all did better. Though I hear there was a shower on the Macce!

So, on we went. Three hours plus all much the same. One lock, a couple of tight bends and then, just when we got to this stretch we hit traffic. Six boats, one after t'other heading towards us. It's just the way it is.

Peterborough is a dangerous place!

I've no idea about the crime rate but I can tell you Pererborough is a dangerous place I spent a fortune!!!  I did get some bargains though including a free pair of shoes for Alistair. How generous was it of me to donate the free pair in the 3 for 2 offer at Hotter to him!

We had a second quiet night on our mooring and our timing was perfik - we left just as the fair arrived to set up next to us.

There are so many moorings at Peterborough that we could easily have got away from the noise on long stretch down to the Dog and Doublet,

We think the moorings are all 48 hours. Didn't tell that to the chap and dog living on this combination

The boat behind us had a bit of hastle. They were due at the lock at 1030 but, despite the amount of space available, a boat had moored on the water point/pump out last night and by 0945 this morning there was still no sign of movement. The poor chap couldn't get The pumpmout hose on. Neither boater was best pleased. The boat behind us justifiably so but the chap who was roused from his slumbers was none too happy either. 

31 years today

To those I left behind...........

In the southern ocean
White crests flow,
Upon the sea, no crosses show.
On a distant shore
Row upon Row,
Marks the graves many colleagues lay.
But, beneath the sea are many the same,
In their watery grave "Sir Galahad" they still remain,
Being from differing Services,
They lay together, as one, and at peace,
Remembered, united together, but never forgotten.
SIR GALAHAD  - 8 June 1982.
R.I.P shipmates.

RFA SIR GALAHAD Bombed and Destroyed 8 June 1982
Alistair Swatridge 7 Jun 2013

The Cathederal City of Peterborough

One feature of the Nene scenery has been the variety of Churches we've seen in the distance and in the villages we've passed through. Today we arrived I Peterborough. A Cathederal city. But very modern.

I went into the Cathedral at lunchtime. I love the atmosphere in a Cathedral and always take a chance to go in and have a bit of reflection. Today, my main task was to light a candle in memory of Mike as this is the first opportunity I've had.  To me, this is totally amazing. modern sculpture at it's best.

Just breathtaking. I could moan about pews being replaced by an assortment of wooden and fold up chairs. I know the argument is that it allows other 'events' to happen in that space. Call me old fashioned but I wonder how often that happens? It seems I am moaning.

Moving on.

Oh dear, another moan ahead! We had a group of  six young men on the grass near us this afternoon. Enjoying the sun and a beer - or 36. how do I know it was 36? Because I went across and picked up the empties and put them in the bin after they left!

Is the Nene chillex influence already deserting me? I don't think so. Not really. #justsaying

Trains and boats and planes .. but not in that order

Up early, for us, and off very quickly as a boat was coming up through the lock. LJ had the briefest of walks and was back onboard for the short cruise to Ferry Meadows.

Like others before us, we're saying nowt about Ferry Meadows, except that it's probably good to arrive before lunchtime as it is very very popular. Mooring is only for 24 hours.

We wanted to be here early to catch the 1135 Nene Valley Railway train into Peterborough. A 'proper' holiday outing for us. £28 for a rover ticket for us and LJ, so very appropriate. His share was £1.

This allowed us about two hours to have our first look at Peterborough. We've both had very short visits here before, tied to other things, so not really familiar with the city, The sun came out and we had a lovely Carluccio's lunch, sitting outside in a traffic free area. How continental.

Back to the station for the 1345 to Yarwood Junction, the end of the line. With the Nene and fields as scenery. We had to waitm15 minutes at Yarwood and were entertained by watching parachutists throwingmthemselves out of a small plane, with the landing zone well within view. Happy coincidence. I love steam trains and parachutists so all in all a bit of a triumph.

Back to Ferry Meadow and a bit of off lead walking for LJ who had excelled himself on the behaviour front on his first train journey. 

NHS Mystery Shopper

Last year, as made our way down the Rivern Severn towards Worcester I had some problems with my left eye. It turned out to be a tear in my retina, resulting from 'an age thing,, where part of the eye detaches. In itself not a problem and once the eye had settled down, the tear was repaired by lasar in 10 minutes. The treatment all round was amazing.

As we came down the Nene, about 10 days ago, similar problem with my right eye. I knew enough not to be too worried but also knew I'd be best to get it checked out as I had some 'flashes' to go with the 'floaters'.  We are close enough at Alwalton to get into Peterborough so off I went.

I am pleased to saymthatmthe result of my Myster Shopping comparison is favourable. I had learnt to cut out the middle men. No messing with NHS Walk In Centre or the Opthalmic Optician. Straight to A&E reception where they sensibly arranged for me to bypass them and head straight to Opthamology. I left the village at 1300 and by 1610 was back and walking LJ. Two exams by a Dr and one by the Consultant. It could not have been better. And, although there is a small slit it is not in the retina and ere fire no treatment. All most acceptable. In fact the,only negative, as Twitter followers might know, is that I had the doubtful pleasure of watching one Dr sitting at his desk picking his nose! Truly! At the time I thought I was seeing him and thought I'll have to say something before he touches my face! Fortunately, the names on the doors hadn't been updated and I was destined to see someone else, who I hoped had better personal habits.

When I commented last year on the Marvelous service the consultant told me they gave it a priority as the alternative was a detached retina and major eye surgery. Glad it was the same here.

So, back at QISMA and,out with LJ. We spotted the Nene Valley Railway in action

We hope to be on it tomorrow.

Some lovely walks. I wonder how many people walk past this and think 'Grand Designs'

Of course, the existing tenants would have to be evicted!