Monday 14th July

Catching up with Jennie

Lifting Bridge

Weed on the Burwell lode slowed progress

Turn following the boat for a turned up fish?

We had a surprise visitor this morning. Jennie (our Great Ormond Street nurse) came for morning coffee. She lives in Histon, near Cambridge and caught a train as we were so near. We hadn't seen her for 8 years and it was wonderful to catch up again. Needless to say we had to mark the occasion with cream cakes.
We have arranged to meet again with her boys and Lottie and Lee in 3 weeks time to spend the day together - we are really looking forward to it.
We set off about 1pm to go down Burwell Lode which is off the River Cam. Although this river is wider than Wicken Fen, it is obviously not used much and was covered in thick green weed. At times it was quite hard going but the river wasn't wide enough to turn round, so we just kept going.
The turn in the picture kept us amused for nearly the whole journey. he followed the boat swooping down to catch his dinner. We only saw him catch one fish, which he managed to drop back into the river. It looked like a lot of effort for very little reward.
Luckily the lift bridge in the picture was in the up position as we have never encountered one before.
We arrived at Burwell at 4.30pm and were relieved to find that we could turn the boat. The EA had provided just one mooring space but luck was with us again as it was free.
There was a local fisherman at the landing stage who managed to catch an 8lb pike and filled us in on some of the local history.
We decided to explore the village and surrounding area tomorrow, as it looks interesting enough to spend some time here.