Sunday; today was the turn of Sally’s cousin Ray to visit us in Ely with his wife Janice and they arrived while Sally was doing some shopping at Tesco. I was busy helping a guy on a narrow boat in front of us who had run his batteries down and could not start his boat, and when I turned there was Ray stood next to me. On board for a cup of tea and coffee while we waited for Sally to get back, and who should turn up, non-other than Andy Hobble the EA river inspector, so it was coffee’s all round. At this point I have to say that EA have done a great job and look after boaters very well (Thanks Andy).

There was a brass band in the park, so we had lunch to the sound of music and after lunch Sally and Ray went for a walk around Ely, leaving Janice and I to do a bit of people watching and chatting as she was not well enough to walk for far. We did have a good laugh at some guys who had rented a peddlo and kept capsizing and finding it hard to get back on board, to the amusement of the passers-by. Later in the day my new fishing rod was delivered by Steve and Carol of Carping-On as promised, so thank you guys.

Like all things though the day soon came to an end with our visitors having to leave to make their journey home. Thanks guys for coming to see us, it was a great day and we hope to see you again soon. The rest of the day was spent watching the closing ceremony for the 2012 London Olympics, and a good job they did too.

Monday; today we left Ely making for the River Lark and our journey down to Judes Ferry. We didn’t get too far but moored up just after we left the Great Ouse, on an EA mooring where I decided to try out my new fishing rod. Not a great deal of success, however I did catch a nice sized Rudd weighing in at around 1lb (must try harder).

Tuesday; after the night’s rain and early morning drizzle we set off at 10.30 in glorious sunshine for Judes Ferry and the end of navigation for the River Lark.

 Running up to the village of Prickwillow the Lark has ample width with twists and turns making the journey interesting, and is very clean, being able to see right to the bottom. However after the village it becomes quite boring with miles of straights and high banks, offering little in the way of scenery and views but we pressed on. The only alleviation from the boredom was the USAF aircraft and refuelling jets circling for touch and go’s at Mildenhall.

On reaching Isleham Lock we considered turning around and ending the journey there but we are so pleased that we didn’t, for the last couple of miles into Judes Ferry are the most picturesque we have encountered on this who years cruise so far. The river is a little shallower and offers many tight twists and turns but is so beautiful and clear. It is abundant with fish and with the water so crystal clear you can see them all, it was magical and we are so pleased we carried on.

On reaching Judes Ferry PH and the end of the navigable section of the Lark, we slowed right down in search of the turning point, as we had been informed that there was an arm by the pub enabling larger boats to turn. The Imray map book says that there is turning for boats up to 13.7mtrs; however using the arm, boats up to 70 feet could easily make the turn. After making our turn, we moored up and visited the pub for a well-earned pint of Cider and Shandy, and you can guess who had which.

Although my fishing was without much success I did manage to catch two Crayfish and after a call to Nick of NB Thomas Ryan 2 for cooking instructions, Sally and I sampled their delightful taste.