Sarah's Holiday

Sarah joined us at Thorne for a holiday on board.  As we sat chatting that evening a furry face suddenly appeared at the window on the canal side of the boat.  A cat had walked along the gunwhale but as it couldn't get passed the cratch cover it then had to reverse back to the stern.  Luckily Bess and Brinny didn't see it.  

We sailed over to Keadby and found the carpet of green weed we saw last year had encroached further up the canal.  For 5 miles our bow pushed through the weed forming thick mounds and we left a clear trail behind us. 

Leaving a trail through the green weed

We had an early start through Keadby Lock and a pleasant run up to Torksey where we moored overnight.  The next day we sailed on to Saxilby where Kev decided to replace the rubber seal on the skylight.  The window and it's frame were out in pieces when the heavens opened.  We erected a large umbrella through the skylight hole which kept us dry but probably looked bizarre from the outside.

There are moorings at Lincoln but for a day trip we took the train.  A steep walk from the station took us through Lincoln's interesting streets and up to the Cathedral where we admired the magnificent craftsmanship.  The intricate stain glass windows, illuminated by the sun, immediately caught our attention.  The fine stonework and old wood carvings were complimented by more recent additions, modern wood sculptures and intricate needlework on banners and altar cloths. We also spotted the famous Lincoln Imp perched high up above a pillar.

A banner depicting the Virgin Mary after whom the Cathedral is named.  The swan is associated with Saint Hugh who rebuilt the Cathedral after an earthquake in 1185 caused extensive damage.

The week passed quickly with plenty of time for sketching, walking and of course talking and soon it was time to return out onto the Trent.  High tide occurred late in the afternoon and as we went through Torksey Lock we asked the Lockie about the tea-pots we were surprised to see on the inner lock gate. These gates are not used and the Lockie put in the first tea-pot which prompted boaters to contribute to the collection.  On the opposite gate a display of kettles has started.  

Sarah's photo of the tea-pots on the lock gate.  When the lock is full the tea-pots are submerged so they are filled with gravel to keep them in place. 

Once through the lock we moored up on the pontoons where we were joined by Cath, John and the kids on the first day of their holiday.

Our journey from Thorne to Torksey and Saxilby