Middle levels and Ely

We returned to Peterborough by train on Tuesday 18th May 2010 to find our two mobile mechanics hard at work changing the engine. They had a new block but needed to strip all the other parts off the old engine and put them on the new one. They did this in about 6 hrs and we were ready to go with the new engine installed. The next day we set off through what is called the middle levels which are the drainage channels built by a Dutch engineer in the 17th Century. They connect the river Nene to the River Ouse which saves us the journey back out into the Wash. There is a bit of tidal water as we joined the River Ouse from the Middle level channels. The Middle levels were quiet with two major conurbations on them 'March' and the villages of Outwell and Upwell. The journey is quick about 8.5 hrs and we took two days over it. The middle levels are controlled by the Middle Level commissioners and there is no charge for boats except they have different lock keys from the rest of the system. It really would be a good idea for there to be one body in charge of British Waters......life would be a great deal easier.