The Land of Eels - Sat 2nd - Sun 3rd June

Denver Sluice to Ely 
15.5 miles, 0 locks

Before we set off in the morning, Monty and I went exploring across the other side of the sluice.  The lock was busy with four cruisers having just gone down the lock and waiting on the landing stage, with one more waiting in the lock and two narrowboats waiting on the lock landing above the lock.  It was going to be a busy morning for the lock at Salter's Lode once the tide was right.

I thought along the river bank towards Salter's Lode would be in order until we came across these cows and calves - not a good mix with a dog in tow.

So I headed for the sluice gates for the relief channel - a large construction indeed

A view down the relief channel

I guess this gauge is to show water levels

which presumably goes up to over 6 metres

I had assumed the relief channel was to take excess water to the sea, however, I now know that some is pumped uphill and taken to Essex where there have been water shortages.

Soon after we pulled pins we passed this boat plus man and a horse looming out of yet more mist - not the most common sight on the waterways these days.

As we approached Ely a small flotilla of cruisers (can 2 be a flotilla?)

and some rather lovely sailing boats came past.

This was my first view of Ely Cathedral that was not spoiled by telegraph lines.  Maybe it will be a bit less murky when we next come this way?

Past a Cambridge University rowing club house

Then to a railway bridge and we are welcomed to Ely

Under we went

Sue and I were off loaded to walk ahead to see if there was any chance of two moorings on a busy Saturday which was by this time warm and sunny

No hope anywhere apart from near the water point just past the bridge where we had left the boats. 

We filled up and managed to move the boats almost off the water point.  Staying close to water was an imperative for us as we discovered a rather nasty side effect of crossing the Wash in rough conditions - sea water had entered our water tank through the overflow hole.  We had to empty the tank a and refill a couple of times - salty tea is not good!

After lunch Sue and I headed off to Sainsburys and on the way came across a bride and groom

being 'set up' for a

pose from the bridge.  I did love the sunflowers in her bouquet with his matching tie.

As we returned it started to rain.  We expected two sleeping husbands and wet washing.  How wrong can you be - they were on the case and taking it in.

There were a few walks along the river bank which afforded a better view of the Cathedral and

some intrepid swimmers

  On Sunday morning the doors were open on the rowing club

and the rowers were out.

 Boats moved Sunday mid morning and we were able to move up and were no longer breasted up

Then Sunday afternoon we were lucky enough to have more visitors - Jilly and Bobby - more ex-RAF friends who we met in the 1980's.  A stroll along the river

was followed by tea and cake and then an evening barbecue.  All very successful and brings our total of friends seen this trip to 30. What I failed to do was take any photos - too busy having fun.