|
Deano
United Kingdom
1843 Posts |
 Posted - 23 Aug 2012 : 17:36:55
|
As some of you know, not every one here still (or even ever) own Normans, I though this may make interesting reading for some.
We planned to go out to sea and Wells was the likely destination, here are few of the better photos and an account of how we went out for some chips one day.
To get from the Bedford Ouse to the Ely Ouse requires the transiting of "The Old West" or as some call it, "The Wild West" We had been warned about the weed this year, but nothing could prepare us for this..
We didn't suffer too badly, but some had over heating engines and all sorts of problems.
We cruised for a few days to get to Ely from out base at St Neots. Where the daughter, number 2 crew, had a go at human powered cruising. Hard work apparently.....
We bought a new boathook at Ely to replace the one snapped in two last time we went to sea. Hopefully it would not be as rough this time.
We got to Denver to find a narrowboat stuck on the large bank of silt at the tidal lock entrance. Efforts are being made to clear this, but skippers are not understanding the importance of turning left. This was the second one this week. Both hireboats.
Next morning we entered the lock and made our way down the treacherous tidal part of the Ouse to Kings Lynn and straight out to sea. This is one of the most difficult coastal entrances on the UK's shores..... made simple by DF's casual approach of WTF!
Exiting the Lock! Gulp! The point of no return.
Running down to Kings Lynn.
Once at sea, the navigation was a piece of cake and we followed the buoys round the North Norfolk coast.
Due to the tides we had to wait 2 hours before we could get into Wells, so what better way to spend it on the hottest day of the year, but on the beach. So we anchored just off the beach and went ashore by dinghy to make some sandcastles, swim in the sea and top up the tan. I bet we made quite a sight arriving and departing by boat!
We made it into Wells in time for Fish and Chip tea and also enjoyed the anual Lifeboat dedication service on the quay. A perfect end to a perfect day.
The run back a few days later was even calmer. With almost no movement in the sea at all... we tied up to a buoy outside Kings Lynn to wait for the tide and cooked tea and made hot drinks!!!???? At sea??? Most unreal. Last time we were struggling to hold on to our breakfasts!!
I hope you enjoyed the pics and the write up...... if not, tough!!
Dean - Boating on the Great Ouse.
Freeman 30 "Silver Gem"
See the photos http://www.flickr.com/photos/54758027@N00/ |
|
Going out for some chips!!!!
