Peterborough

First thing in the morning I had a set of jobs to do on the boat. Both times I started the engine since we began our journey yesterday there was a screeching noise for a minute or so.  I guessed a fanbelt was slipping and so it proved. To tighten it was a simple job of loosening the already slightly loose single bolt attaching the primary alternator to the engine, adjusting the alternator and retightening the bolt.  Problem solved.

Next I thought it prudent to open the weed hatch to check the propellor.  Despite the waterway being somewhat weedy the propellor was clean.  Then a final check of the engine - there was plenty of oil and cooling water and finally a small amount of silicon grease was put in on the rubber bearing holding the propellor shaft.  Amazingly the engine is running very smoothly despite having only being run for about 90 minutes in the past 10 months.

The weather forecast was OK for the morning so we left our mooring just before 9am heading towards Peterborough.  Sadly the forecast was wrong and we spent most of the journey in our waterproof jackets and trousers.  Much as yesterday, the scenary was uninteresting and flat.  We arrived at Stanground Lock on the outskirts of Peterborough just before our booked passage at 11am.  The lock-keeper was ready for us and let us straight in.  I have been concerned that the waterways would be busy following the end of lock-down.  However this does not seem to be the case, the lock keeper said only 2 or 3 boats were passing through each day.

Densie moored at Peterborough

Stanground lock took us up from the Middle Levels which are below sea level to the River Nene and 30 minutes later we were mooring up in Peterborough where we will spend the night.

5.3 miles, 2 hours 25mins cruising