Another step on walking the coast of Kent. Today we got off the train at Rochester and walked around the coast to Rainham. In Rochester we explored the Cathedral and had a coffee in the Crypt. Inside the Cathedral we admired the huge organ and the many memorials to soldiers and seamen associated with Chatham Docks. We looked at the Textus Roffensis book in the museum the first part of which concerns Anglo-Saxon laws of Æthelberht of Kent, dating to c 600. Some of these were later incorporated into the first all English Laws. On the outside of the Cathedral we could obviously observe the Norman castle built in the 11th C to guard the river and the town and presented to Odo the brother of William the Conqueror. From there we walked to the bridges over the Medway and eventually found the Coastal Path which we were to follow all day. Not always easy. The high street of Rochester is charming with interesting architecture and small shops, including "Baggins Books". We then wandered around the bend in the river in Chatham before skirting the old Chatham Docks before arriving at the Mast Pools just before crossing over to St. Mary's Island. These pool were used to soak the masts of ships being built in the yards so that the resin inside was removed. The marina at this point is huge with plenty of fancy yachts. After that we looped around the island which these days has been devloped with luxury flats overlooking the river. Very smart too. Surprising we learnt that the island was built on the salt flats in the river here by 1000s of convicts in 1886. The prison was built to replace prison ships moored in the Thames. It was closed in 1892 and repurposed as a Naval Barracks. The area is now part of the Medway University Campus. Coming off the island we had a beer at the Ship & Trades pub before continuing on our way. We were forced onto the road for a bit but eventually we returned to the shore at Gillingham Pier and Strand. Here we saw the Medway Queen paddle steamer. Built in Scotland in 1924, involved in the evacuation of Dunkirk, attended the Queen's Coronation fleet review at Spithead and was retired in 1963. I sailed in this ship in the late 50s with my parents and grandparents on an excursion to Southend from the pier at Herne Bay. At the Strand we had our sandwiches at the cafe. The Lido is still here and the little railway still runs. From here we continued along the coast towards Lower Rainham. We had a couple of beers at the Three Mariners before taking a footpath to Rainham Station. Couple more beers in The Railway by the station. Birds: many of the usual waders we've seen before, but noticed the Bar-tailed Godwits were in the rufous (chestnut) breeding plumage. An unusual sight as they normally fly north to breed. We also saw our first Swallow of the season. Butterflies: not a lot about as it was a bit gusty and we had a sprinkle of drizzle. I glimpsed one Brimstone. Flowers: the usual spring flowers were seen including Bluebells and Cowslips. Some of the forageable garlic plants were out including Ramsons, Jack by the Hedge and Three-cornered Leek. Several blossoms were seen including cherry and early apples (both in the orchards and wild crab-apples) as well as May Blossom (Hawthorn).