We were keen to get into Ely and spend quality time. It was a just a few k on the bike, and falt all the way. Ely Cathedral is just a stand-out, but so is this beautiful of beautiful villages. Origianally known as the the 'Isle of Eels', it was an island in the marshy swampland before the fens were drained and banked and now beautiful flat farming land for hundreds of square miles. It was and still is famous for its eels. And this is another story. Eels are a delicacy apparently. Look this up on the net. Its fascinating.
It is also the birthplace of Oliver Cromwell, who lived here and worked here as a Collector of Tithes before his political ambitions were realised. We visited his home, which now houses the Tourist InformationCentre.
We also took Julie's bike to the Ely bike shop for repairs to the brakes, which happens to be owned by Mark Zonski(please forgive spelling of surname) who is the World Champion indoor sprint cyclist from last years Masters Games. He sends his regards to our local champ at Parramatta Bike Barn, Geoff Stoker with whom I ride each Saturday. We explored the beautiful town. The village markets were happening in the square, we strolled down to the water of the great river Ouse with its ducks and canal boats, and then up the hill to town again and explored and admired the great Cathedral of Ely. To leave this beautiful village after many hours of exploration was difficult. We are not tourists, but pilgrims. We are on a journey of discovery and also spiritual fulfillment. To stand back and try to take in the majesty of this massive and inspiring piece of medievil architecture was very challenging due to its immense beauty and sheer size. We wonder today how men without technology could build such magnificent buildings of lasting quality.
The bike shop fixed Julie's brakes, and refused payment. We meet these gracious people all the time. We left town, to follow the River Ouse to Littleport to the north, then literally alongside the river bank (built like a dyke in Holland - we didn't see the river much) to the village of Ten Mile Bank. We had lunch on top of the 'dyke' with view of the river, milk coffee included, then hit the main road after Ten Mile Band into King's Lynn. We were headed actually for North Runcton, a village just short of Kings Lynn, where we camped for the night, another nice camping ground. The weather was still overcast if not wet, and it rained again overnight. North Runcton is mentioned in the Domesday Book just after the Battle of Hastings, so has great history. It was granted freedom under King John in 1204, so we were camping in a place of great history.
It is a rich farming area. Again today, all flat all the way, with a kind breeze. Just wish the weather was better. We have hardly seen sun in England. But we are safe, warm, happy and keen to see and do more each day. Having a great time together.
Love to you all.
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