Thursday 16th October 2014

What a fantastic day after all that rain this week, there is a 'but' however. For the day trip to Ely it was as warm and sunny as you could get. On arriving at Reading Station at 10.30pm it was raining like I have never seen rain before. Crazy weather.
                A day in Ely today travelling by the Oliver Cromwell Steam Train Pullman Style. Enjoyed a champers breakfast as we travelled on through London to the open countryside the Fens have to offer. On such a beautiful day it was just stunning. Farmers gathering in the vegetables of the season, Gulls on freshly ploughed fields, oh my. My kind of day.
Arriving at Ely at 2pm this gave us three hours to explore. First on the agenda was the Cathedral. This building is the most impressive of any building I have ever seen when you consider it was built in the 11th century. While Lorna wandered around on ground floor I was lucky to find a guide to take me to the top of the Octagon Tower. Explained  the construction even taking me outside the tower to see the lead covering at a weight of 200 tons. This was scary. Was so grateful to him.
This took over an hour so not much time left. Opted for a coffee then a walk along the canal before arriving at the station for the trip back to Reading on the Oliver Cromwell. Arrived in Reading at 10.30pm after an enjoyable 5 course meal on board ending a fabulous day out.
Picture 1 - Arriving at Reading Station.
     "      2 - The Oliver Cromwell waiting to welcome us.
     "      3 - Waiting for breakfast.
   "  4 - 8 - Ely Cathedral.
    "      9 - Canal Side, Ely.