Prickwillow, River Lark to Ely, River Great Ouse
Not a very inspiring start to the day, overcast and cold again, but dry, so we were grateful! we left Prickwillow and continued upstream along the River lark. Several hardy fishermen were out, looking fairly nithered in the conditions. Dotted along the way, there are many defunct engine pump houses, including one that has a plaque to the memory of aptly named Joseph Flatt who worked here in the low lying fens from 1844 until he died in 1900. We also passed the remains of a fenland wind pump, known locally as the Pepper Pot.
As we were passing through the only lock on this river, at Isleham, a huge lumbering aircraft darkened the sky as it took off from nearby Lakenheath. RAF Lakenheath and Mildenhall wartime airfields are nearby and are the reason why so many pill boxes were erected, which are still very visible across the fenland landscape.
At the end of the navigable stretch we turned, and headed back down the river, a little quicker this way, as we were going with the flow. Back onto to the River Great Ouse, and headed for Ely.
From quite a way off we could easily pick out the Norman spires of Ely Cathedral, and as we arrived in the city, the place was buzzing with boats and people. Lucky for us another narrow boat moved off and we used their mooring, otherwise it would have been tricky. A first reccy into the city gives us the feel that it is a place worth exploring and spending time in tomorrow........
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