Was it Bill or was it Ben?

We had the honour, on two occasions, of having visiting dignitaries aboard 'MR'. Dot and Derek of the well known Gypsy Rover. They were both getting stir crazy and needed a Narrowboat fix. Just look at the smiles.

Here's Dot taking 'MR' into Whittlesey lock, it wasn't until after she creamed it into the lock that she told me how worried she was, she did have to contend with strong winds and a strong side stream. Bravo Dot.

I can't remember, but I think Little Weed lost this pair somewhere in Whittlesey.

Still huge smiles, but it was a very strange feeling watching 'MR' depart the Lock upstream without either Jill or myself aboard!

Jill and George

and Tina (the Lockie at Standgound) with HER cat George.

Thank you Dot and Derek, it was nice to sit back and be driven (not mad!) for a couple of days.

Denver to Salters Lode Collywobbles

I have never been a great fan, as many people know, of taking Narrowboats onto tidal waters. I had been stressing for a couple of days about our trip from Denver sluice to Salters Lode, a trip of all of 500 yards. Paul, the Lockie at Salters, had asked that we be in his lock by 10am at the latest, as the incoming tide was due at 3 minutes past.

Departing Denver sluice

On the way to the Great Ouse in June, we had had to wait for level water and, as such, I thought we would have to do the same the other way. So we positioned ourselves at Denver at 0820am, the Lockie there told us that Paul was ready to receive us, Jill hadn't walked the dogs and didn't want to be stuck in the lock at Salters with the dogs unable to get out. Sorry dogs, the gates were opened and in we went.

Salters Lode

Out we went and a totally uneventful 10 minutes was had on the tidal Great Ouse. We entered Salters lode lock and Paul shut the gates behind us. Big thinks bubble here? We're too long for this lock, hence having to wait for level water. No problems this way, says Paul and he fills the lock and then out we go. Huh.? I still had a couple of wind down pints at the 5 Bells in Upwell.

Arriving at Salters Lode

I had stressed, unnecessarily, for 2 days. If only I had known. Now do any of you clever clogs out there know how we can be too long to fit in on the way out, but short enough to fit in on the way back????? 'cause we don't.

Looking out into Well Creek

Pot of Earl Grey, cucumber sandwiches and a plate of fancies please..

By the time we reached Godmanchester lock the wind was horrendous. Several cruisers were sensibly bow hauling (if you can bow haul a cruiser) each other one by one into the lock. We wanted to moor parallel to the lock alongside. 2 of the guys came across to take our ropes, but twice we were blown off again before we were anywhere near them. G then tried to reverse on and they were just able to get our stern rope, wrap it round a bollard and hang on for grim death before our throttle jammed open and G had to cut the engine. We were now nicely lined up for the afore mentioned afternoon tea on the lawn of the posh Georgian house opposite us, please let us come to a halt before we hit their French windows!!!