Once it had stopped snowing and the 'Beast from the East' had gone into abeyance briefly, there was a quick flurry of activity to get the boats ship shape for the first hire of the season over Easter. Painting, fixing, cleaning, hanging of curtains, checking inventories was all well underway.
 |
Boat Preparations Well Underway
|
The only problem was the river was still closed to navigation due to the recent high flow. We had everything crossed in the hope that the Environment Agency would remove the Strong Stream Advice before our boats were due to go on holiday on the Easter Monday. Crossing everything and having a chat with the weather gods worked and on Sunday morning the Strong Stream Advice was cancelled and not a moment too soon!
On Monday it was all stations go and our customers arrived and loaded their belongings onto the boats. Once the handover had been completed it was time to set off down to the lock with Dan for the demonstration of how a River Nene lock works.
 |
| Off on Holiday |
After passage through Upper Barnwell Lock, it was decided that Oundle Mill would be a nice place to stop for an evening meal and out popped the sun for the remainder of the evening.
 |
| Sammy & Sumo moored at Oundle Mill |
As the sun was out for a couple of days we thought we would take the opportunity for a trip out and have a look at what was happening out and about on the river. So we popped in our day boat and headed off towards Lilford. Jack, our furry friend decided to come along for the ride as well!
 |
| Jack & Dan on Board |
Once out on the river the wind was whipping up the water and it was decidely choppy with a wind chill of about -20 (or that 's what it felt like) and the dog looked a bit sea sick. It was nice to be out on the river even though it was rather chilly. Here's a short video of us bumping along on the waves. To get the full experience, stand in a cold room with a fan on maximum! Excuse the shaky camera, it was difficult keeping upright at times!
We carried on up the river, past Lilford Hall, a stately home in the Jacobean style built around 1635 for the Elmes Family before passing onto the Powys Family who were granted the title of Baron (Lord) Lilford. by William Pitt the Younger.
 |
| Lilford Hall |
The geese were very busy along the river bank, although it might be a bit cold to start sitting on a nest yet! This Canada Goose didn't mind having its photo taken, although the Greylag Geese in the background were more reserved. You can see the Church at Pilton up on the hill overlooking the river.
 |
We passed under the bridge towards Lilford Lock and decided it was time to turn around and head back as Dan's hand was frozen to the tiller by now.
 |
| Pilton Bridge with Lilford Lock in the Background |
Despite the cold there are definitely signs of Spring appearing along the river bank, the green shoots of the reeds are starting to reappear and I spotted some pussy willows whilst investigating a tree.
 |
| Pussy Willows |
And finally .......
One of the local swans who likes to knock on the boat hatch for a bit of breakfast, dinner and tea. Mind your fingers!
No comments:
Post a Comment