River Nene goes up then down as we cruise to Peterborough

Today – Alwalton to Stanground, River Nene, 6.5 miles 2 locks
Weekend – Moored Alwalton

Oh what a wet weekend, and the River Nene did what it loves to do, rise and fall so quickly you dare not blink!  After the heavy rain it rose 8 inches, then this morning it had dropped 6 inches, but certainly not enough rain to bother us going downstream this morning. The higher water level meant the water was piling over the back gate of the lock we were moored near causing a huge amount of foam..

This foam was flying up in the air and all over the place during our time there, amazing!

So a fairly quiet weekend for us, but the girls managed to get their ‘walkies’ quite often, so they were happy, and with the weather having calmed down somewhat, we pulled the pins this morning to make our way toward the Middle Levels and off the lovely River Nene..

 On through the very ornate Milton Bridge near Ferry Meadows, then quite a surprise just round the corner where, in the ‘grounds’ of the Nene Park Trust, some boats moored up without a visible licence between them..

 

Not normally one to complain, but not only was I surprised but I was sad and sorry to see these moored where they were right alongside Bluebell Wood and its unique boardwalks close to the Nene..

Onward then, and not stopping at Ferry Meadows this time, we continued on through Orton Lock the last one for us on the Nene..

We stopped on Peterborough embankment to pick up some fresh fruit and veg from Asda which is very close by, but as ever, this area is almost desolute and populated by the local drunks and drug users, as well as tons of ducks and geese making it a ‘wellie boot duck and dodge the beggers’ visit. Not even the weeds along the embankment river edge have been pulled.. no wonder no families can be seen.. a far cry indeed from the waterfront at Ely.. shame..

Also, while I am having a toot, I know that the fishing season starts in a couple of weeks time, June 17^th isn’t it?  Well I was not overly happy with the way that the fishing ‘pegs’ have been made in readiness..

For sure that weedkiller must have soaked into the river, and this has been done along a huge stretch of river running into Peterborough at intervals of around 30 yards.. Ummmmm not good..

Certainly not wanting to stay the night on the embankment we moved on to Stanground, leaving the Nene to continue to the sea…

Right turn here then under the railway bridge…

And past the interesting mooring for the pub!….

I will try one year!! Teehee!!

Moored now on the lock moorings at Stanground ready to enter the Middle Levels when the lock opens in the morning when we will cruise to March which will take about 4 hours.. should have fun round the 90 degree turn at Whittlesey.. steadily does it with Vic on standby with barge pole on front I guess!…