Great Barford to Bedford,River Great Ouse
Another blue sky day on the drier side of Britain, a gentle breeze, boating along was just so easy. As we carefully moved under the bridge at Great Barford , we realised it had 16 arches, - see picture, and then further upstream to Bedford, including passing through the repaired Castle Mills lock, which was reopened only 4 days ago. The workmen were still around, who politely made sure we were safe by working the smart, new lock gear for us.
As we approached Bedford town we came across this huge pyramid set in the middle of grass and heathland, apparently it is the Oasis swimming pool, more a hideous structure in the countyside. The river runs through Bedford in much the same way as York, wide stretches, with old buildings like the courthouse, lining the water. This is a rowing town, so moorings for boats of any other kind, are not in abundance. As it was our intention to continue beyond Bedford, to the head of navigation at Kempston Mill, we took on water and moved off again. Now we were almost into uncharted waters - people looking at us, very low road and rail bridges, so low that we even removed the tiller pin for fear that it would be ripped off! Good job the Great River Ouse is about a foot below normal at the moment! Overhanging trees nearly make it impossible for us to continue, and it gets progressively narrower. Suddenly we are faced with a choice of route - no direction sign - we make the right choice, but alas, it has all been in vain - a huge tree has fallen across the river, blocking our path, so this is our limit. We then had about a 29 point turn to get the boat turned!
So it was back to Bedford and to the town guillotine lock, which requires a 45 degree turn into, with due account taken for the now, downstream flow. Made it alright! and this evening we are taking advantage of a free nights mooring, within Priory Marina, arranged by GOBA.
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