This time, we're venturing down The Backs!
Usually so chock-a-block with punts and the odd canoe that you can literally walk on water, this stretch of river is one of the most famous in the world. Beginning in the Mill Pond, it wends its way past Queen's, King's and Trinity college, to name but a few. Not to mention the numerous famous walkways such as the Mathematical bridge and Bridge of Sighs. Normally at this time of year, the river is a hub of constant activity - tourists hungrily consume historical facts from young punt chauffeurs, children perch perilously on the edge of rocking boats and couples sip champagne as they recline in their aqua-taxis, all the while marvelling in the beauty which is the route down The Backs.
But, as with everything in this most strange of strange years, nothing looks the same and so, last Tuesday, we capitalised on the empty waterways by digging out our long forgotten blow up rowing boat. Fortunately, it began to patter with rain as we were pumping it up so there were fewer people around to give us funny looks. But by the time we were on the water and the clouds had given way to evening sun, we were followed with jealous gazes from people confined to the bank as we glided past in our blue and yellow dinghy.
Luckily for me, my brother used to have a holiday as a punt chauffeur so I was treated to the full tour, complete with niche facts and insider information. It was truly a glorious evening and as we emerged alongside the canal boats in Jesus Green, I began to wonder whether I might, one day, reflect with nostalgia on these so "unprecedented times" !
