Monday 14th June 2021
Our overnight mooring was surrounded by a primeval swamp: great mats of slimy intertwined floating weed. First job was to get out from the mooring without completely clogging up the prop like when we arrived. We untied the back and Brenda held the front on the pontoon with the bow rope and then Graham poled the back end of the boat out until it was clear of the weed. Brenda jumped aboard and Jannock reversed out of the slime with just a small amount around the prop which cleared quickly using bursts of forward and reverse.
On to Boston, past Antons Gowt where the navigable drains join the Witham and down the straight towards the ‘Stump’ (Boston Church spire) We passed the visitor moorings, observing the only free space on them, winded just below and then returned and moored in said space. We then filled with water from the adjacent water point.
Talking of the ‘Stump’, the church builders certainly knew how to build a landmark. Coming down the river you cannot help but admire it, you know you have arrived. 2021 objective 1 achieved, hark I hear a seagull – objective 2 awaits.
We left the boat and walked along the river bank into central Boston, hoping to re-provision. We admired the ‘Stump, St Botolphs church from close up, and many lovely old buildings in the market area. There were many of the usual town centre shops there but not a supermarket that we could see. Rather than return to the boat, we caught a bus to Skegness instead, having grabbed a pasty to share from the butchers next the bus stop. Objective 2 of this trip in progress.
The journey took 75 mins on a circuitous route around many villages between Boston and Skeggy. It was quite the scenic tour. Skegness was just what we expected except …… the sun was warm and the sea was warm to paddle in. The beach was not crowded and it is glorious sand. We walked along the shallows enjoying just paddling while watching the sea swimmers.
Then up onto the pier for a cup of tea and to get the sand out of our toes. Back into town we found the civic gardens, a quiet shady haven with a childrens play park and toilets. By this time we were hungry so it had to be fish and chips. Once fed it was back through the town to the bust station and home via a supermarket in Boston (conveniently near the bus station) A busy day and what a treat!
The timelapse video of arriving at Boston can be watched at https://youtu.be/PYyDqqJJ22I
B&G
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