Voyages of Gabriel: Wicken Fen to Ely

Thu 18^th July Wicken Fen to Upware

We had a walk to the visitor centre yesterday and passed the old windmill, which used to pump water up from the ditches into the rivers to drain the fenland. We followed the boardwalk trail, which was well laid out, with information boards describing plants and dragonflies. We learnt a few plant names such as Yellow Loosestrife.

Windmill

Yellow Loosestrife

Purple Loosestrife

Looking at Wicken Lode from the bank, it is hard to imagine boats being able to navigate such a small and weedy channel.

Wicken Lode

Water Lily

Today we decided to leave before the trip boat was due to start, so we departed half an hour before the first scheduled trip. Our boat engine was really struggling in the narrow channel once again.

Looking forward

About ten minutes before the end, the trip boat caught us up. They must get used to this happening, and they probably just pointed out a few more interesting plants to pass the time. We kept going as there was nowhere wide enough to pass. There is a visitor mooring in Reach Lode, just outside Wicken Lode, and we pulled in there. We had taken 55 minutes this time.

Looking back with the trip boat following us

The trip boat emerged into Reach Lode, and they turned around and went back again. James waited for the engine to cool, and then opened up the weed hatch and found long lengths of weed wrapped tightly round the propshaft. It needed a bread knife to get it off. No wonder we had been going slowly.

Weed from the propshaft.

We decided to stay there, and visit the pub called “Five Miles from Anywhere – No Hurry”. We had a pleasant meal, and found the people from Sharomel there. We had shared locks with them a week ago.

Back on the boat, we were treated to a beautiful sunset.

Sunset at Upware

0 locks, 1 mile. Dep 1145, arr 1240

Fri 19^th July Upware to Ely

We moved along to the lock bollards, where we had noticed a water tap. We filled the tank while James operated the lock. It was interesting that, this time, we found the boat dropping down by a few inched instead of the expected rise.

Upware water point

Into Upware Lock

We passed Sharomel, moored outside the pub where we had seen them last night.

Five Miles From Anywhere – No Hurry, with Sharomel.

On the way to Ely we saw a Little Egret (black beak) just before Pope’s Corner, and then we saw a Great White Egret (yellow beak), which took off as we passed.