The River Nene (pronounced nen from Northampton until Isplip (from the Saxon meaning slippery slope- hence I slip…) then neen downstream from Islip).
We had an interesting (?) mooring in Islip, where to access, one needed to turn sharply in front of a 9 arch bridge, upstream of the arches, avoiding getting swept into the bridge broadside. We managed, and the mooring was pleasant. We proceeded yesterday downstream, and heavy thundershowers made life interesting. The rear canopy has proven to be very helpful, though raising and lowering it often is needed to get under lock gates and low bridges. The locks are also quite different: most have a ‘guillotine’ lower gate which needs to be lifted and lowered to operate. This is electric (mostly) but some more isolated ones are operated with a large wheel that needs about 100 turns up or down (and both are needed for each lock operation.) Dad will have strong arms when done!
chuck and Lois operating the guillotine gate locks on the Nene River
The scenery is certainly not as I was told by some. The river has very low banks so viewing the broad valley vistas gives each corner (and there are many!) a new perspective. The River does meander a great deal, so we often see church spires from many angles as we circle around the village. No ‘tunnel’ effects yet! We are having a great time, though finding suitable moorings is proving much more challenging than on the canals. The flowers, new-leafed trees and the birds have provided much interest. Lots of baby goslings are evident, and nesting swans.
broad vistas make the river Nene interesting at each turn
