Boston to Woodhall Spa

 

In the wind and rain we left Boston on Saturday afternoon.

It came as no surprise that we were the only boat on the move but, passing Dogdyke, which is at the end of the Coningsby runway, we were treated to a full-on display not by Typhoons this time but by The Red Arrows.  It was absolutely fantastic – I did my best to get some shots on my humble little camera just to mark the event.  I’ve only ever seen them on the TV before.  What a shame the weather was so poor.

 

Woodhall Spa is a lovely, vibrant little town about a mile and a half from the moorings at Kirkstead Bridge.  We walked around and then went into the little Cottage Musuem (dogs allowed!!!!) where there are exhibitions about the history of the town and some others focusing on events in World War Two which are pertinent to the town.  The town’s most famous connection is with 617 Squadron – the ‘Dambusters’ – who were stationed nearby.  In the middle of the town there is a memorial to the Squadron and, of course, lots of souvenirs are available in the gift shops.

         

On Monday Glynis and Don came to pick us up and took us to Petworth House which is now a hotel but served as the Officers’ mess for 617 Squadron.  The bar is just as it was back in 1943, full of displayed memorabilia and open to the public.  It was quite a chilling feeling standing at the bar and knowing that young airmen had once ordered their pints, laughed and joked with each other and it might very well have been the last time they ever did so.  The collection of pictures and artefacts here is a real and poignant tribute to them.

We then drove to Snipes Dale Country Park on the edge of the Wolds and, as forecast by some, the sun came out at 1pm!!  What a beautiful place – dogs allowed and off leads too!!

In the evening we were treated to dinner at a lovely restaurant we found off the beaten track in Woodhall Spa.

Glyn and Don – thank you so much for a lovely couple of days.  It was really good to see you and hear all about your travels. Let’s make it again soon.  Remember that two little boys want a ride on a narrowboat!!

xxoo

 

Megan is on her way as I write – she is to join us for the next  few days. 

Graham has been having a bit of a holiday with a couple of mates at his caravan near Crowle and, talking to him on the phone, it sounds like it has done him a lot of good.  The idea was to fish in the lakes but I think most of the time has been spent watching football!