Rose of Arden: The Big One (6-5)

Thursday 10 May 2012

The Big One (6-5)

Thursday 10th May 2012

Wigford Way Bridge (Lincoln) to Fiskerton Fen Moorings

As yesterday evening wore on, I was beginning to think that we had not chosen a good place to stay for the night. We were moored outside the halls of residence alongside the canal. We of all boaters should have known better. It started at about 7pm with a healthy rendition of "Happy Birthday to you" It was then continued with loud music that we could clearly hear inside the boat. As the music was not to my taste, I did not feel the urge for cake or to dance along.

Later we put the TV on to watch a couple of programs. However the reception was poor, so we struggled through. I took the dogs out for a short walk in the rain and they only wanted to return to the boat. So we all hurried back and crashed out for the night. At midnight I was awakened by the less than tuneful noise of songs being shouted by a couple of late leaving revellers. Who bless their little cotton socks, were singing in the rain. Britain certainly has talent - I hope their studies are an improvement on their music skills.

This morning as the the rain continues to fall and all is very quiet. Revenge is a dish best served cold, so I am sorely tempted to learn to play the bagpipes for a little marching blast around the halls of residence. Maybe it could be like the walls of Jericho. One way or another I am sure to bring the house down!

To move on or not to move on that is the question. The answer took about one nano second to make. It will be a pram top down move through the Glory Hole or as it is known of an evening the Gory Hole. So we will wait for a break in the rain.

I have just discovered how to move along over-stayers on a public mooring. Get the grass cutting team round. I watched in amazement as the moorings above us cleared as the strimmer man did his best to turn each boat green. Like everyone else, we set off at the last moment. However, we did get a bit of grass on the sides. Later we also discovered a couple of snails had also jumped ship, but this time aboard and were leaving a trail down the freshly polished paintwork.

Fiskerton Fen
Sunset

The cruise along the River Witham was accompanied by wonderful warm sunshine. I was in a short sleeved tee shirt. We only passed a couple of boats going the other way and one or two boats that were moored up. We came to Fiskerton Fen moorings and decided to stop for lunch. But we never moved again.

Wildlife: We had a visit from a couple of last years swan chicks. Almost in their adult plumage with just a lingering last few streaks of grey. The female was quite stand offish. However, her mate was full on. Contrary to all the old wife's tales of irate Swans being able to break your arms or to drag you down in the water. Swans are quite weak its all just bluster and bravado and like hens in a coop the pecking order is established in the same way. He is top bird round here and you should recognise that. My thoughts went back to poor old Asbo and the raw deal he got, for just being a Swan. Later, we came upon the corpse of a dead swan in the river.

Reed Bunting

Not that dealing with Swans can be easy or good for your health. Read about an interesting episode from a few years ago. - Click Here -

Other birds included Reed Bunting sat on the top of a bush and a group of Skiskin fluttering through the bankside vegetation. At Fiskerton we also had a Great Crested Grebe and several Yellowhammer.