Yet more friends - Tuesday 5th June

Pike & Eel to Godmanchester
10.5 miles, 4 locks

We did not have quite so far to go today and I for one was very glad that we had broken the back of the long haul from Ely yesterday.

A couple of miles from the Pike and Eel we went past the village of Holywell with what looks to be a rather lovely mooring.  Will we make it that far in one go on the way back from Ely later this month?  We shall see - it does look inviting.

I think this is the underside of the bridge is called 'Guided Bus Bridge' which carries the guided bus way that connects St Ives with Huntingdon and Cambridge.  I wonder if it is as successful as the Disney films portrayed underneath it?

The journey was unremarkable until we reached St Ives lock - there right bang slap in the middle of the lock landing was a cruiser!  Ken did manage to off load Sue from the bow, but there was no chance of getting me off,

especially when coming up behind us was this small boat towing a cruiser

'I'll just go past you and move that other cruiser out of the way' was the message from the man on the little boat.  They did pass and then promptly hauled both cruisers into the lock and went through before us!

They both made it out the other end and were hauled round to Jones' boatyard - just off the photo on the left.

Our turn and we were soon on our way again.  We have had to remind ourselves that the terminology round locks is different on this river - a lock chamber is a 'pen' and a paddle is a 'slacker'.

Just one thing you have to remember at this lock - remove the chain before you try to open the gate!

Soon St Ives hove into view

We managed to moor up on the town moorings below

Chapel Bridge for a very brief stop to get the papers.  It is a wonderful setting, but beware swan and duck poo!  The 'Captains' were left in charge whilst we were away!

Next came Hemingford Lock

and past Hemingford Grey with some interesting properties

a lovely looking church

I am not sure about the inhabitants though

Somewhere to explore another time I hope.

Then the third lock of the day - Houghton where there were around half a dozen volunteer lock keepers under training, so nothing for us to do

 other than look after our own ropes.

Once we had gone through the last lock of the day at Godmanchester we moved round the other side - just enough room for two narrowboats.

So where did the friends come in?  We have mutual friends who live in Godmanchester and we were invited for dinner.  A great evening was enjoyed with Nan and Dick and their friend Lizzie.  Good food and great company - a perfect end to a good day.