24th May 2012

Yet more sunshine as we set off from March, first stopping at the water point to top up the tank, for those boaters who may plan to come this way, the pump out and sluice are no longer operational and are not being replaced. You will have to use Fox, who will charge or wait until either Peterborough or Denver.
After watering the tank we pulled over on the town mooring for Sally to get some perishables for the larder, then we were off, making our way through the east side of the town. Both Sally and I felt that the west side was much prettier, but soon we were back on open water ticking along nicely.

As we progressed we could see a wind farm ahead of us, and it took quiet a while to reach them, also once there it took forever to pass them. At close quarters they are an awesome sight, leaping from the ground to the large covered generators and then the gigantic blades rotating in the breeze.

Now making our way to Marmont Priory lock, the river narrowed some what and with it being shallower it slowed our progress down even more, and it was here that we first encountered weed. At the lock we entered as the gates were open and once in read the sign to ring the bell for the lock keeper (what bell), oh there it is on the bridge over the lock. A quick ring brought our two lady's who suggested that we should have rang them first (oooops), but they were ok and let us through. A tin sat at the side of the lock with a sigh which read "tips for the lock keeper", so we dropped a pound in it.

From here the water level was even lower and matted in weed, so care was taken not to pick to much up on the prop. Soon we were entering Upwell with the river lined with small bungalows and houses, most of which had moorings and some with boats. It was here that we got a shock, seeing a turtle balancing on a timber prop, we had to look more than twice to believe what we were seeing. It must have been a discarded pet that had grown to big for its tank, but it seemed to be surviving quite well and had made itself at home on the Middle Level.

Wolves as well !!!!!! Are we sure that we are in the UK, Upwell seemed to be holding a few surprises for us as we travelled through. Next we the town bridge and in sight of our mooring for the night, a good landing stage with flower boxes in front of the church. A great day, hot and sunny, and taken at a slow pace, we settled down for the night.