Day 2 - To Quadring (Spalding)

Up early we explored Great Ryburgh. A casual walk found the Crisp malt factory, the parish church with it's classic Saxon tower, and village housing complete with Manor House and servant quarters. We had planned to head for Nottingham before seeking out our next accommodation for the night. Upon realizing this would entail some major back tracking, we decided instead to explore Boston and Skegness. Boston was a clear full place, maybe a little tardy in places. After getting some U.K. cash for incidental expenses - parking meters etc - next stop lunch. Found a great cafe with staff speaking with Eastern European accents rather than the customary English lilts. The food and service was good. We explored The Stump (the city cathedral) and even climbed the tower. What an adventure that was. The ancient stone spiral staircase was amazing - challenging to master - but well worth the £5 and effort. The view from the top is amazing. Next the drive north to Skegness to get our first nostril-full of sea air and get sand between our toes. Well worth the trip. Even managed to pull up a deck chair on the pier to soak up some British sun. Yes the sun doth shine.

By now it was time to seek out a bed for the night. Traffic on the roads was a bit chaotic. Huge tractor after another towing long trailers using the road and holding up traffic. The GPS obviously needs a rest by now as it took us to the wrong location. There is more than one 'new road' in this neck of the woods. Mr Google was employed and came up with the goods getting up to our destination. Note to self - it pays to enter the postal code when asking for some directions. The limitations of the English language mean some places are duplicated in so many Counties.

On arrival we were pleasantly surprised to find the farm cottage had been extensively renovated and was a brilliant home away from home. Set amongst fields and old farming ruins it was a real gem.Read more