enigmatic

Fuel does cost twice as much as when I bought my boat Then again, boat's worth 20% more so if I'm still quids in if I sell it

Think if I wanted to explore the flashes I'd take a tender or standup paddleboard. The "marina" entrance is fine because they've dredged it although even that bit's shallow, but the rest was never intended to be navigable, the bottom is soft and you're not getting any help from the bank or a passing boat if you go too far

Pilots might be good people to ask about state of play with the locks even if not using their services. As might people who actually operate the Wisbech or Denver Sluice end (Denver lockies were pretty helpful last time I spoke to them, though i was making the much shorter journey from Salters Lode) In my experience, the EA lockies with direct contact are very good, the people manning the helplines don't necessarily know the river system never mind the details.

I do like the idea of long range mortar disposal. Solves the problem of waste and anglers in one.