Jane and John go through the Middle Levels, Part 1

Well, as usual things didn't work out as we hoped, so we didn't leave Friday night for our big adventure, but ate at the Club and stayed the night there.

So ... on Saturday morning we set off, having packed supplies for the journey

The weather was very good and we had an uneventful journey up to Denver (near Kings Lynn, not in Colorado - although that would be an interesting boat journey), ready for our big adventure across the tidal waters.  We had a bit of a rest, and went for a reccy to see the entrance to Salter's Lode, ready for the next morning

Meanwhile, back at the boat, the air ambulance used up yet more of my donations:

Sunday morning, and we moved over to the moorings ready to go through the lock and took down the canopy and lowered the screens ready.  Two narrow boats went through ahead of us and then it was our turn

and then at last we were safely through!  Actually, the tide was so placid, it was a bit of a doddle, but we won't admit to that!

And off we went, along the Middle Levels, under low bridges (very low) to Outwell and Upwell

Mullicort Aqueduct, crossing a fenland drain

The scenery was very different from our own dear Ouse, very narrow and in places very shallow, but certainly interesting.  Without the canopy to offer a little bit of shade, it was a very hot journey.

Blue Dragon at Marmont Priory Lock

part of the peacock's tail at Marmont Priory Lock

 And so, on we pressed to March, which was very fascinating, with gardens sloping steeply down to the river:

We had to book into the Lock at Peterborough at least 24 hours in advance, so we kept going without stopping

Crossing the Greenwich Meridian

Entering Ashline Lock, at Whittlesey

Our first overnight stop, at Ashline Lock