Friday 13 June 2008

What happened to Summer?

1 Lock, 11 miles now moored at Manor Leisure Centre, Whittlesey

When we pulled out of March the weather was fine but cooler than it has been for the last few days. Once out of town we could see the forecasted rain clouds amassing on the horizon which became more threatening as the day wore on. We pushed on hoping that we would be moored up before the rain arrived but that was not to be. We managed about 8 miles before the first light rain arrived but on its tail was a real filthy dirty black cloud that we could see was giving the land in its path a good drenching. We were unable to outrun this cloud so by the time we reached the 20 foot drain we were getting a good down pour. Luckily this didn't last too long and we made Whittlesey in the dry.

The Butter Cross formerly the Market Cross in Whittlesey

The moorings at the leisure centre are only big enough for 2 boats and there was already 1 boat in residence so we have had to breast up. It has narrowed the channel but there is still room for a wide beam to pass.



The old fire station with the council offices between the two doors

All along the way over the last 2 days we have seen where fisherman have been down to the river clearing their favourite fishing holes in readiness for Monday's opening of the new fishing season. Some have even put up sign's stating "No Mooring, site for fishing only 16th June". I was very tempted to stop and amend the signs or even hide them but I was told to behave myself.

Tomorrow is market day here so the girls will wander across the leisure centre grounds before we leave for our booking through Stanground Lock at 2pm.

1172 locks, 1705½ miles, 41 Tunnels, 41 swing bridges and 19 lift bridges since Nov 2006

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