Sunday 22nd July 2018

We set off in good time for Denver Sluice as we wanted to have a look around the complex. There were already a few boats moored and waiting for the correct tide conditions. We were one of four abreast and by locking time we had been joined by others.

It was obvious, even to us, that we would not be leaving at 2.30 which was the time we had been told. The tide was still going out and at its lowest the sandbanks were clearly visible. The lock exit is on the extreme right of the photo.

A colourful mosaic had been constructed to show the sluice but there was no information as to who had made it.

We finally entered the lock at 4pm and these photos show the guillotine gate in the down position and then up as we entered the lock.

We were going against the tide as we travelled the half mile downstream to Salter’s Lode lock and then had to make a left turn to enter the lock again missing below water sandbanks.

The concrete bars going above the lock can be clearly seen in this photo and we were right up to them when we left last Monday lunchtime.

Safely through we moored at Outwell for the night and in the garden opposite we had an illuminated statue for company!