Denver - June 2012

The first time I did the tidal stretch from Salters Lode to Denver Lock it was straightforward.  I made a slight error when I started to turn left instead of right but the lock-keeper shouted from the bank ‘Are you planning on going to Sweden? So I did a handbrake turn and glided effortlessly down to Denver Lock on an incoming tide.  Six months later from Denver to Salters Lode I glided effortlessly from Denver Lock to Salters Lode Lock on an outgoing tide.

 This time the sandbanks have arrived. Going from Salters Lode I have to wait for the tide to fall sufficiently to allow the boat to get under the bridge and then I have instructions to keep to the right and await signals from the lock-keeper at Denver to tell me when to turn and avoid the sandbank.

‘That current looks strong’ I said to Salters Lode lock-keeper.

 ‘Yes’ he said non-committedly.

 As I leave the lock he says ‘when your stern clears, gun it.’  That sounds a bit ominous. Then  my stern clears and despite gunning it the strong tide and the stiff wind get hold of me and I’m traveling faster on my boat then I’ve ever done before but unfortunately  I’m going side-ways in the wrong direction.  I envisage giving Kings Lynn a cheery wave as I pass by heading crabwise towards the North Sea. Gradually the bow turns and I come back pass Salters Lode and acknowledge, with my best Queen-style smile and wave, the cheering spectators standing on the bridge. Nearing Denver I couldn’t make out which of the figures on that bridge was the lock-keeper.  When I eventually identified him he was waving furiously because I’d gone too far down the Hundred Foot.  I turned, bounced into the channel and then bounced into Denver Lock.  I got into trouble from the grump on duty for taking too long ‘there’s other people waiting you know’ he said.  When I got through I moored up and went straight into the Jennyns Arms for a stiff drink.