St Ives to Hemingford Grey
1.5 miles, 1 lock
Yes! we were on our way back again leaving the moorings at The Waits completely empty. We have never seen so few boats there and were beginning to wonder where they had all gone.
As we turned out of The Waits we came across a party of sea scouts having a whale of a time. It always makes me very happy to see children having good old fashioned fun and not attached to something electronic. It was all very well supervised and they all kept well out of our way with many a cheery wave.
A short journey in yet more wonderful weather and this time we managed to get a mooring on the meadow with a tree! We staked our claim very quickly and I spent most of the afternoon out there with my book - Perfick!
A Spitfire was flying around for quite a bit of the afternoon, but I missed it!
There was a brief Border Collie convention later in the afternoon. The one nearest Monty was on a boat near us, the other was just out for a walk and a swim much to Monty's displeasure - he really does get upset if humans and/or dogs are in the water. He got so concerned that he went in up to his chest to try and persuade the dog to come out. His blandishments failed.
Back at the boat we got the barbecue out
and ate al fresco.
A very leisurely day - just perfick.
Saturday 4th July 2018
Hemingford Grey to Brampton Mill via Godmanchester and return to Hemingford Grey
12 miles, 4 locks
Today we were expecting visitors - friends we have made through Sue and Ken on nb Cleddau. We moved from the meadow moorings to the town ones to pick them up around 10:45. Once settled we headed for Houghton Lock. Having wondered the other day where all the boats had gone - we found out today that they were all out again.
Our first hurdle was trying to get off the boat at the first lock landing - there was a day boat moored almost in the middle whilst they had a picnic lunch! We were polite, but they were advised to move the boat to the end with the bow just on the landing and the stern held against the bank with a rope and mooring pin.
The lock was busy - five cruisers coming down - the last one in was a day hire boat with a crew wanting to learn all there was to know as it was their first ever lock.
It was whilst at Houghton we discovered the secret of how to slow cyclists down - just import a couple of cows who had no intention of moving for anyone anytime soon. He had to dismount and walk round them.
We seemed to be going against the crowd as we had the lock to ourselves going up whilst even more were queuing to go down
Coffee and pastries were next on the schedule - all the food today was supplied by our guests which we both enjoyed to the full - thank you both. There is quite a good distance between Houghton lock and Godmanchester lock, so plenty of time for chat. Although we have met both Nidia and Undala a few times before, it was usually at a social event or when they were visiting Sue and Ken on Cleddau. This was our first chance to really start getting to know them.
At Godmanchester we were once again on our own going up in the lock and Nidia and Undala were put to work. Sue and Ken had told us that if we pointed them in the right direction with instructions they would get stuck in - they did! As you can see the cruisers in the photo are queuing to go down the lock - we were obviously going the right way.
Turn left at the lock down the backwater at Godmanchester in the hope of finding a mooring so we could stop for lunch. We were in luck.
and it was near enough to a tree for us to set up a base to enjoy an al fresco meal
of quiche (smoked salmon & asparagus - made by Undala and really tasty), salad and bread.
Lunch was a leisurely affair with a lot more chat and a glass of wine to wash things down before we pulled pins and headed off to Brampton Mill where we found more boats than we have seen all trip - 12 cruisers several of them rafted up. It was a good job we decided to lunch at Godmanchester.
So was Korky Kat still there? Yes, but they have moved a few yards to the pub mooring.
A quick wind and we headed back to Godmanchester lock, so we were now going down and traffic was still going against us. There were a couple of boats coming up with more waiting down below and we were once again on our own.
Nidia got stuck in with a windlass
Whilst Undala was in charge of the bow rope.
Once out of the lock this little boat was bobbing around in the middle of the river weaving to and from with no apparent course in mind. A gentle peep on the horn and she moved across - we think she was 'face timing' someone and had no idea we were behind us!
It was kettle time again for tea to wash down chocolate and pear cake with raspberries and creme fraiche - just to stop us from starving you understand!
On back to Houghton Lock and once again we came across youngsters jumping into the river from the bridge as you empty the lock - terrifying. Most of the locks have big signs stating 'no swimming within 36 metres of the lock', but for some reason they are not present at Houghton. Say anything and you just get a look that tells you in no uncertain terms that you are an 'old fogey who knows nothing!'.
Nidia and Undala did the work this time whilst I just stayed on board with the bow rope - I could get used to that!
So onward back to Hemingford Grey and the big question 'would we get a mooring'? Well yes we did, but only just and not ideal, however any port in a storm.
We won't be getting off at the stern tonight!
and the neighbours - well they were not backwards in coming forwards to pay us a visit
Monty and I walked back to the village with Undala and Nidia to say our farewells at the end of a really good day. Thank you both for the food, wine and great company. You were our 49th and 50th visitors of this boating season.
We were very lucky to find a mooring as the town moorings were completely full
as was the rest of the meadow
Our view from the side hatch this evening is pretty good
It is a tough life, but someone has to do it.
3 comments:
Great times Jennie and you certainly put your visitors to work! As you said, I'm sure you could get used to that. :)
Super photos although I did wonder how Monty reacted to your four-legged neighbours?
How lovely to see Nidia and Undala enjoying a visit to Tentatrice. My those bulls were close!! I see in the picture of your BBQ that Chris was out standing the field! And you had it to yourselves which seems very unusual. Lovely pictures as always and great to catch up with your journey.
Love Jaq xxx
Yes Lynn, great times indeed. Monty was pretty relaxed with the neighbours and ignored them, not that we let him out when they were that close, but he is quite good with cows. I think he knows they would win any battles!
Yes the bull was very close, Jaq, but thankfully they were not there the night we ate al fresco. We did have neighbours either side of us Jaq - just sufficiently far away not to get in the shot. It is a big meadow and rarely empty.
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