A Cambridge to Norwich train climbing towards the crossing of the River Lark. Unlike in other parts of the Uk river banks in the Fens often offer a decent view over the surrounding countryside, usually much lower than the level of the river.

No sooner had the Norwich bound train passed than a170 bound for Cambridge crossed the Mile End Road level crossing...

...and climbed towards the bridge over the river.

A few miles west at Little Downham, 66571 was on a diverted 4L90 (the WCML being closed to facilitate the finishing touches to the remodelling of Rugby). The train was almost empty, just three single TEU containers mid-way. Very disappointing.

East Midlands are still running 158s in a kaleidoscope of colours. In one of several ex-Central Trains varieties, a Norwich to Liverpool Lime Street service between Second and Main Drove, near Little Downham

The ex-Northern Spirit, Northern, TPE and Central 158s are looking pretty careworn, the evidence of their previous carers clearly visible. Passing Main Drove Crossing a Norwich bound train.

Another variety of 170s in transition. A NEEA Liverpool Street to Peterborough train at Main Drove. These units look rather plainer than in their One days.

66151 was speeding east with an engineering train, seen here descending from the bridge over the 100' Drain and the causeway over the Ouse Washes.

A XC 170 on a Stansted bound train crossing the Ouse Washes. The washes are now flooded, and will remain so for the rest of the winter. The A1101 which crosses the Washes is still passable, but any more rain and it will surely be closed, limiting a railfan's ability to 'do' both this spot and Manea without a very significant detour.

Another NEEA unit crossing the 100' Drain

A XC 170 speeding towards the 100' Drain bridge, crossing the road which runs along the foot of the river's built up bank.

The Ouse Washes are a world famous wintering ground for water fowl from Scandanavia, Russia and Siberia and Iceland. A XC 170 offers its patrons a brief glimpse of the wildlife as it thunders along the causeway towards the 100' Drain.

According to the Network Rail sign this crossing is no longer in use, although it remains in situ. The sign directs walkers under the 100' Drain bridge a few yards to the left.

From the bank you can see, with binoculars, the signal box at Manea. So when the barriers of the level crossing next to the box descended at 15:10, after the XC and East Midlands trains had passed, it could only mean the imminent arrival of the 4L85. And here it is, 66517 on a well loaded train crossing the viaduct over the Washes and approaching the 100' Drain.

And finally, a XC train from Stansted framed by the setting sun as it makes its way over the Washes