29th June 2012

Having spent two days in St Neots we are now ready to move on toward Bedford, as far as we go on the Great Ouse. Now as my new Bro and Sis are planning to visit us with Sally’s cousin from Canada, in July, we do not want to be too far away from the A1 so that they can drop in on their way to Scotland.

Being here in St Neots has brought back a few memories for me, for when I lived in Rushden in Northants, my two sons and I used to come here for a ride out. This is when we all had motorbikes and the road from Higham Ferrers to here had no speed cameras, so it used to be a very fast ride out (bad boys). We would stop at riverside park, have a coffee and chips, then race back home at some silly speeds (memories hey), I don’t think I would be so fast now though.

Whilst here we have yet again met up with Jeff on NB Van Diemen and yesterday our friends Peter and Philipa eventually caught up with us on NB Santosa.11, the last time we saw them was at Northampton on our way down the Nene, two months ago.

Philipa

Of course we have had a good walk around the town sightseeing, with a little shopping for necessaries like food, and a good mooch. The mid-week market was here although not a great deal to offer and Sally is hoping for a quick visit today before we leave. Some of the buildings have a great deal of character however modern shop fronts have taken over, with the need to sell, sell, sell, so with the odd exception its now the same as any small town. Where we are moored at the Old Priory there is an old oast house, which is now a drinking house of some kind, but the old chimney still stands proud, being restored by English Heritage.

 Before and after

Water, which is drinking water, is in short supply along the Great Ouse with very little in the way of taps, so for you guys who plan to come this way bear this in mind. The Imray guide shows taps at various places, but most do not exist, like here at St Neots, with a dispute between St Neots council and EA the tap has been disconnected (due to be re-installed soon). However after we spoke to the manager he allowed us to connect to his tap on the balcony and fill up from there, (ask for Steve and be very polite).

Who can help, what is this bird, I have a clue but do not know?