July 27

Return to England and wandering in my boat. I met Pat and Kerry who have looked after the bot while I returned to Canada. They cruised from Rugby to Shardlow, a section the the waterways I have explored several times. There I rejoined them and set off on the River Trent, first to Nottingham. We explored that lovely city, including the caves that have been dug from the ridge of sandstone that bisects the city. These caves have been used for many things: dwellings, industry, air raid shelters, and most recently, tourist attractions.

Henry VIII and Queen Catherine meet the Mayor of Lincoln

Then, onwards down the Trent through Newark Upon Trent, where we paused for a day to go to London for a day in the ‘big city’. We saw a show, walked a ways to take in city sights, and met a friend of Pat and Kerry. Then back to Newark and the boat. Further downstream, we turned off the river at Torksey, onto the Fossdyke navigation, to Lincoln. Here we moored under a great willow tree in the center of the city, and explored the castle, where a re-enactment of the visit of Henry VIII and Queen Catherine followed extensive instructions on how to meet royalty. On the grounds of the castle, a prison and courtroom have been built. The prison was designed as a ‘separate system’ prison,

prison built in the grounds of the castle at Lincoln

‘separate system’ chapel with every prisoner is his own box stall

where every prisoner was isolated from all contact with other prisoners. There is a unique chapel (required daily attendance) where the prisoners were also separated from each other. The prison is now an attraction, but the court is still a working court, with thrice daily sittings.

We also went to the Cathedral, where a visiting US choir sang evensong. They had set up the nave of the cathedral as a theatre (reminded me of doing plays in the St. George’s Junior School gym) for an unfortunately sold out run of Jesus Christ Superstar.

‘Glory Hole’ bridge in Lincoln

mooring under the willow tree (look carefully) in a moment between raindrops

aptly named, Steephill Street begins at ‘The Straight’ and leads upwards to the Cathedral

Although cold and wet, we enjoyed Lincoln. However, this weather (and the continuing forecast of the same) dissuaded us from travelling further through the Fens to Boston, and we returned to Torksey and the Trent. Here the river is tidal, so the schedule of cruising is dictated by the tides and access to the locks. Hurry up and wait is the order of the day! We arrived at Keadby and had to wait for enough water to enter the lock onto the Stainforth and Keadby canal. We were to share swing bridge duties with another boat, but they developed bilge problems, and although we stayed with them to assist (and helped pump water out), they eventually chose to stop, so we carried on to Thorne. The weather is certainly living up to the reputation of cool and wet: we have had rain most days over the last 10, and the temperatures are certainly not ‘shorts and t-shirt’ friendly!