Exciting start to Middle Levels but oh it does go on a bit..

Stanground to March, Middle Levels, 13 or so miles, 2 locks

I thought it was going to be a leisurely start this morning, but it was not to be.. “Hurry, I might have to close the lock.. I might just be able to get you both through” Cheery Tina the Stanground Lock keeper had her work cut out to get both No Problem and Moore2Life through before the river Nene rose even more.

There is a very low footbridge over the lock you see, at the front end.. Moore2Life first, and their cratch cover was JUST underneath.. “Don’t rock the boat” shouted Tina, and she quickly closed the gates and lowered them onto the Middle Levels..

Our turn next, except we had to go in backwards so our stern was under the bridge .. I doubt if the bow would have fitted.. might have done though.. still better safe than sorry.

Trouble is there is nowhere to turn in the vicinity of the lock, the only place is about one mile ahead.. So we hitched a lift with Moore2Life to take us backwards to where we could wind (turn the boat)..

Vic and Annie saw the funny side of something as we set off backwards down the Middle Levels..

You will notice that it is short sleeve attire for Vic and no movement of water.. a very calm morning, but once we had winded and started under our own power, the wind came back and it was very blustery for the rest of the trip to March…

These ‘drains’ do go on and on, and it takes a bit to keep awake… Auto pilot almost across the vast fenland area..

At Whittlesey we easily got round the very narrow and tight 90 degree turn, I was lucky and got No Problem positioned just right for the turn, and it just took one reverse back to clear the corner and the stone walls that accompany it.. So then, across the Meridian Line at Floods Ferry…

 

And on into March passing the lovely gardens and various types of boat owned by the lucky townsfolk who live by the water…

Wish they would cut the overhanging trees though, it’s a bit like a slalom cruising through the town trying to keep the chimney from being swept off!

Off for a pint now at the pub right by the mooring… handy!!