Mabel and Tikka settle in

After a night spent in my shed (the birds, not me - the only solution as they continued to seek the outside world), Mabel and Tikka emerged wide legged and eyeless.

I left them to bumble about the garden exploring their new range but before long they seemed at ease and even had a drink at the pond so I left them to their own devices.

Mabel is the smaller one on the left with the light brown feathers and Tikka is the darker one with the big arse. Both should be good layers.

I'm now going to spend the day stock-proofing their pen a bit more.

Good news and bad news

First the bad news. 

While we were away, I heard my older cousin John had died. That was bad enough but when I got home and learnt more, it turned out that, having lost his mum and dad and never having had children himself, the next of kin is my father. On top of that, as he didn't leave a will or any executors, we are left to sort out his funeral and estate. To make matters even more challenging, when someone threw out the question, ''Who has the time to organise the funeral?' I was the one standing in the corner trying to put a busy look on my face, but I failed miserably to convince anyone that I should be excused this family duty.

So, I have spent the last few days ringing around family and friends, meeting Registrars and Funeral Directors and lots of other stuff like that. I shan't be seeing the boat for a while me thinks.

Anyway, there is some good news. We picked up two 18 week old chickens this evening and settled them down in their new run. Ah, they are so cute! However, while Mabel and Tikka liked their new run at first, they soon decided to launch numerous and very successful escape bids into the garden. We made a few running additions to the pen to try and keep them in but that just seemed to encourage them to try harder so they have been locked in the shed with a perch, a nest box and enough food and drink to see them through the night. 

I now feel a bit like the Commandant of Colditz; quietly pleased with myself at foiling the latest cunning escape but still anxious knowing they are already plotting another one. 

At least they should still be there in the morning, unless they can burrow through solid flooring in seven hours or knock up an improvised glider with my spare bits of wood and rolls of gaffer tape.

Needham Market Summer Street Faye

If you like exploring historic villages, having a drink, a meal or a snack, buying good quality local goods and generally having a good time...

A date for your diary...

SUNDAY, 13 JULY 2014

The place...

NEEDHAM MARKET, SUFFOLK

The times...

10.00am - 4.00pm.

There will be lots going on from local shops, stalls, pubs, entertainment, open mic, and lots, lots more.

It's nice to be home

Having two weeks away is good but it's also nice to get home.

Our trip up the Nene was cut short because of strong stream advice from the EA. We made it through Denver Sluice without any problems or warning from the EA staff but when we reached March a fellow boater mentioned that Stanground Lock in Peterborough was closed due to flooding. The Lock Keeper confirmed this and could not guess when the lock would be opened. It meant the whole of the upstream section was closed too. So, thinking hats on - stay put, turn around and go back, or go on in the hope the advice would change and risk being trapped in the Nene.

We decided to go on but take a short detour to Ramsey. The mooring at Ramsey is not well advertised in the Middle Levels Commisioner's leaflet but we managed to get in alongside another boat owned by a friendly Yorkshireman. Ramsey was a bit damp when we arrived!

We found Ramsey attractive in parts, especially around the Church and College (the old Abbey) but in other parts it looked tired and in need of some re-invigoration - a bit like me really. We only stayed one night and moved on. The Yorkshireman was going back to March for some music festival in the park the following weekend. It's all happening in the Fens.

A word of warning, if you're thinking of going to Ramsey and you have a boat longer than 60 feet (including fenders), don't. You won't be able to turn and you'll have the very doubtful pleasure of having to reverse out of the narrow channel for nearly a mile. I only just managed to turn by putting the bow into the corner of the jetty (bottom left) and powering the stern around to the right. As the rear fender pushed its way through the overhanging brambles, I wondered if I would achieve it and (phew) I only just made it. So, be warned!

As we got back on to the main channel, we opted to head back as the strong stream advice was still on. This was a shame but the sensible option.

Our return journey was uneventful. After a pleasant night in March, we got to Salters Lode the following day, after the locking time. I will make sure next when they are open. Anyway bedded down next to the landing stage. No facilities here (or pub) so be prepared.

A short walk to the lock shows one of the problems associated with this lock; a small but hazardous mud bank on the River Ouse approach.

This is submerged at high tide and gives no indication of its location or depth so it requires you to take a wide turn whether you're entering or leaving the lock. If you also have a high wind and/or a strong current to contend with, this can be a challenge to any narrowboater. See the wall of tyres with the colourful highlights!! So, listen very carefully to the Lock Keepers and do as they say!!!

During the afternoon, we walked the couple of miles down the west side of the River Ouse to Downham Market. This was a nice little jaunt in pleasant weather. Downham is nothing to shout home about but is worth a look. I had visited once before from the floating pontoon on the Relief Channel. Both approaches are fine.

We headed back to Ely and spent the rest of our holiday there basking in unseasonable sunshine.

We learnt that East Cams attempt to regularise the moorings situation has come unstuck. Apparently when they sought confirmation from the Home Office for their new Byelaws some problem with land ownership emerged.

Extract taken from The Ten Commandants of How to Avoid Egg on Face: Complete your homework before going public.

ECDC appear to have gone back to their office to regroup. Watch this space!

We had a day out in Kings Lynn by train. I think this only cost about four quid return so was very good value for money and as easy as it could be. It was fast, quiet and comfortable - a world away from how it used to be. 

The older part of Lynn, by the river is quaint, retaining much of its traditional character and has many places of interest. We spoke to the Harbour Master about going across the Wash and he was very helpful. We went into the Lynn Museum in the Old Police Station and a few other historic places. All the Lynnites we spoke were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend a visit.

By the way, the local District Council has improved the public moorings on the river. It's now a very nice floating pontoon with space for 4/5 boats depending on their size. Booking is essential. However, you should be aware that, for a boat the size of Skylark (60') it will cost you £27 for 24 hours. This seems a bit expensive to us especially when you can moor in Ely for free and get a train for £4. I suppose the moorings are useful if you are intending to go across the Wash and have to wait for the tide but I wouldn't bother otherwise. Go by train.

A day trip by train to Cambridge proved again how lucky we are to live so close to this fantastic historic city...

Another recommendation - if you are in the Ouse, you should visit the Ship Inn on the junction of the Little Ouse/Brandon Creek. Good beer, good music, good food and a good welcome. Need I say more?