Making our way to March and the Museum.

With the tide times being either quite early or quite late we knew that there was a possibility that boats would start arriving early ready to use the lock, through to Denver. The first boat arrived at about 0645. We had moored leaving as much room on the rest of the landing as possible, and they fitted on the other end. I was up and tea brewing by the time the next one arrived. So we got under way at about 0730 and headed down Well Creek towards Upwell.

This was the lowest bridge we have passed under on the Middle Levels, and the water levels are higher than when we have been this way previously. Nordelph seems a sleepy hollow but in 18 in 32 nearly 10% of the population died of cholera and then again 1849 another 19 were lost.

In the large fields around the Creek there are splashes of colour dotted around the fields as poppies show their heads.

I reckon that the farmers are going to be very busy over the weekend as it will be dry and warm, and it looks like the cereal is just about ready for harvesting when the weather is right.

It is always a special thrill when the water way passes over another on an aqueduct. we now cross the Mullicourt aqueduct with the Middle Level Main Drain beneath us. There were no fishermen today. They were able to fish two waters from the same spot from here.

We stooped briefly in Upwell as Helen had to go to the post office, and we used the short pontoon out side the grocerers/cum PO, and then she walked down to the butchers for some bits and pieces for us. By the time she was back I had showered, shaved etc etc., and we were off again.

EA health and safety must have visited Marmont Priory Lock as this was the first time I had seen Maureen in a life jacket. There was a boat coming up as we approached. She was having none of only partly opening a paddle slowly and we were soon up and away.

We were surprised to find there was plenty of room on the March Town moorings so pulled over. It rained from then on so we didn't move far from the boat, just to pop up to the chip shop on Nene Parade to have with our tea.. They were lovely too. The next day the Museum in March was open so we decided to have a look before moving away. It is in an old school that was built after knocking down some alms houses. The plaque above the door says 'Erected by the trustees of March Consolidated Charities'. It was built in 1851 as the South District Girls Grammar School.In 1934 the town had expanded and a new school was built and this building housed the junior school. In 1976 it became redundant and by 1988 it was bought by the council and the museum properly housed.

In 1982 the building was Listed as Grade II. It is stacked out with items. We could not spare more than a short walk around as we had to be on our way. It is free and is only open on Wednesday's and Saturday's and is well worth a look. And it is free, but donations are obviously welcome.