Worcester

We awoke to realise that there was a Waterways maintenance team at the lock just below us. Mike went down to find out what was happening and learnt that there was a very short stoppage whilst they looked at a possible problem with one of the top paddles. Mike was pleased to watch as they 'ashed' (with Severn Valley Steam Railway Ash) the stop planks - something he had read about but never seen before. It stops the flow of water between the stop planks incredibly quickly.

In fact the paddle seemed quite OK but they took the opportunity of cleaning out the top gate cill area so that it is less likely to create a problem for boaters. There was a wide range of rubbish - although they only recovered just one lock key! But there was a shoe, a tea strainer and several bottles! By nine o'clock their time was up and they removed the stop planks and a boat waiting below was soon on its way through.

Lock 7

Not long after we set off and continued down through the remaining eight locks into Worcester. We used the usual services at the basin before moving back a short distance to moor on the short term visitor moorings. At least at this time of day (around lunch time) there was plenty of space although we slotted ourselves in between a couple of other boats on the 'better' section.

Worcester Cathedral from College Green

Worcester Cathedral Main Entrance

After lunch we set off into the city centre. Our first destination was the cathedral. Christine showed Alice many of the historic features including the tomb of King John. Afterwards we went to the Chapter House so that Alice could do a brass rubbing.

Brass Rubbing at Worcester Cathedral

From there we looked around the shops and collected supplies for the next few days. Apart from a Co-Op store we found a specialist greengrocer and a good butcher.

Back to the boat and Alice was keen to try making toffee - this arose from a complicated discussion about caramelisation last night. In the end we were a bit timid and it ended up as a rather tasty fudge!

After reading a story from Horrid Henry, Alice helped to make the pizza for the evening meal.

3.7 miles - 8 locks