We made it.
After 3 months, 270 hours of chugging and 300 + locks ( can't be bothered to count), Moondaisy is at her new home . Bill Fen Marina has been built from scratch and is managed by Lyn and John Shotbolt - extremely nice people - and it is a real pleasure to be there . Lots of good tree planting, screened parking, good facilities and (so far) very friendly neighbours. So different from some of the big new "car park" marinas which look like Tesco with boats. there is also a delightful camping site set aroud a small lake and a golf course just on the other side of the water (not part of the operation).
After stories that we would not get under the low bridges - because of all the rain - half an hour was spent stripping everything off the deck - plants, chimneys ( one would not shift until it was soused in WD40 overnight) hooter - the lot. We locked out of the River Nene at Stanground Lock at about 10 am on Sunday and having bought yet another windlass (different pattern) for the Middle Level locks, we set off for Ramsey. An unremarkable trip (yes, we did get under the bridges with about 6" to spare) and meeting one of the few other boats we saw under a bridge on a right-angle turn, we drifted into Bill Fen Marina at around 4pm Sunday.
The other boat and the right-angle bend...
For USA readers, I should add that The Fens are drained land and extremely flat. The Middle Levels are in fact navigable drains, whose main purpose is to drain the farm-land which would otherwise be swamp.
The marina.This has been a really fascinating trip. I would like to thank all the crew, whose numbers I always mix up, for making it possible and for their great company, beer, cider, videos, lock-winding and tolerance. It takes pretty special people to be stuck with an old grump like me for a week in a tin box and all the crew have been, indeed, special.
Thanks also to the friends who turned up to visit - it was terrific to see you !
Whether Moondaisy rides again next year or whether she is sold, do let me know whether you want to do it again - just in case ! Who knows, it might be a boat with sails on......or.....
Thanks everybody - I had a lovely time - and I hope you did, too. I can't believe it's finished........
Howard
