The Boys’ Trip

The Boys’ Trip, November 2021

Towards the backend of each year, three of us aim to have our annual trip. This Boys’ Trip, as my wife calls it (even though the youngest is in his forties!), tries to aim for a specific goal for the cruise, and dates that will fit work and family commitments. For 2021 we saw that Stephen Foote was to give a talk on the history of the Fenland waters, on Thursday 25th November, a topic of interest to us all. So, we decided that we’d attend the meeting – but travel there – quite correctly – by boat!

Having an unused Anglian Pass for our Wilderness Beaver Trailboat NAVI, we thought that we’d continue onto Cambridge after the talk, to cruise up the Backs, as it was a few years since we had ventured that way.

NAVI is based at Grange Farm, at the top of the Wissey. Having prepped the boat, during the day, on Monday 22nd, it was ready for Darren’s arrival from work that evening, allowing an early start on the Tuesday. Blue skies and still water enhanced the trip down the Wissey – with the steam issuing from Wissington Sugar Beet factory never failing to impress, especially reflected in the lakes. Moored at Ely, we collected hot pizzas from Sainsburys, followed by a gorgeous night walk around that magnificent city.

Wednesday saw us travelling to Burwell, with the luxury of having Upware Lock operated by the contractors cleaning the brickwork. (We think they didn’t want us to walk on their new white lines!). Superb meal at the Five Bells, followed by a quiz, where our team of two thought we did extremely well.

Thursday, the third “boy”, Kevin, arrived, as always loaded with that night’s dinner, already prepared, in his arms. Upware lock was again operated by the contractors, whereas Bottisham was in its usual awkward state of having lots of weed in the chamber – and no way of kebbing or washing it out. A large floating tree trunk added to the debris (why can’t the EA provide a keb here?). Mooring by the bank, below Baits Bite Lock, we indulged in the bolognaise, then walked, along a very icy road, to Milton.

We were made very welcome at the G.O. IWA Branch meeting, and it was good to catch up with so many fellow cruisers that we’d not seen for so long. (Although I still can’t remember that one chap’s name). Stephen’s talk was first class and gave us much to think on as we walked back and then consulting the OS maps and Google over the night caps. For example – why is the Cam the Cam and not the Granta, and why is the Ely Ouse not the Cam? Our main goal of the trip had not let us down – and we’d gone by boat. (Thanks for the member’s offers of a lift back – but it was too good an evening not to walk).

At the meeting Ivan was formally presented with his medal to commemorate his 60 years of IWA membership from our chairman, Keith Alderton. He is now an Honorary Life Member.

For Friday, the forecast was not promising, but the weather was fine and we reached Jesus Lock by lunchtime, with hardly a skiff in sight. Being only 23 ft long – it was easy to find a spot by the Fort St George. After sustenance, we set off through Jesus Lock. This is a fabulous stretch of river, but a Wilderness Beaver, having around six-inch draught, is very susceptible to wind, and its high cabin to low arches. However, on this trip, the wind was kind. An extra temporary bridge added to the adventure, and only seven punts to negotiate. If we had a pound for every photo taken, we’d have paid for our Anglian Pass. As usual, we needed to moor in the millpond to check the engine and prop. I had been tempted to try and travel a little further upstream, but moored punts prevented. The return journey was again a delight – seeing all the Colleges and their gardens and bridges from a different aspect. It was also punt free – until the last bridge – where four punts were dawdling, whilst their professional punters were giving their spiel. With the increasing wind and current, it took a little care to hold our position whilst they took their time. What many do not appreciate is that the large punts are larger than our small craft – and our 1978 glass fibre hull would be little match against their metal reinforced corners. We re-gained our moorings, and tucked in with local fish and chips, with warnings, over the radio, of pending storms for the next day.

So, Saturday started early, with dire warnings of the approaching storm Arwen, we were off by 7:30 a.m. with only two skiffs out at that time of the still-dark morning. My concern was having to enter Bottisham Lock/landing stage in winds, we’ve been there before. Egg and bacon sarnies as we descended Bates Bite Lock.

Although timetabled – there was no sign of racing at the Sailing Club, nor strong winds as we approached Bottisham. The lock, however, was in its usual difficult weed filled state (why don’t the EA provide a keb here?), and although we hoped that the weed would wash out of the chamber, it and the tree trunk still resided. We tried to push out as far as we could, and then start the engine – but the weed won the day and the engine stalled. How we love Bottisham Lock. As we travelled towards Upware, a full rainbow, doubling at times, appeared, followed by snow flurries. The wind started to rise, but we had beaten storm Arwen, and came (or were blown in) to the Five Miles moorings, our planned evening stop – and it wasn’t yet coffee time! As well as the usual ropes, springs were also set out, and we made sure that we were not too far under the swaying trees. An afternoon of games, more research following up on Stephen’s talk – and maybe even a doze. The wind and rain were so strong the pub lights took on a disco effect on the trees, but we were snug in NAVI – until the gas ran out. Another good meal in the Five Miles that night, followed by a mardle, sitting in armchairs in front of their roaring wood-stove. That Sunday night it really blew, but calmer by morning, and with the gas replenished – bowls of porridge set us up for the day. Stopping at the friendly Fish & Duck, we bought their last of that rare breed – a 3.9kg Propane cylinder. Ely for a comfort stop, then to Littleport to drop Kevin off to rejoin to his family. He was lucky, returning to his warm house, for that night; at the Ship EA, it was so cold the condensation on the windows turned to ice. But it also meant that the final Monday’s trip back up the Wissey was accompanied by sun and blue skies – the calm after the storm.

Another great annual boys’ trip, with thanks to the IWA Great Ouse Branch for giving us a “carrot” to aim for, and Stephen’s talk for making it worthwhile. Ivan Cane

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