Lincoln

We found these moorings when we arrived - the pier was already bent, honest guv!

Not the quietest of moorings, though, as they are building a new cinema just next door! Luckily they stopped at night.

We didn't explore on the way downstream, but we did take time to wander around on the way back up. These roads were even steeper than they look in the pictures, and reminded us of Monmartre.

We were thoroughly walked out by the end of the day. It was a good job there was a lovely traditional sweet shop to provide us with supplies for the way back.

Nick was our map reader and guide......

.....(checked up on by Alan)

You can see the cathedral from many miles away - a bit like and urban version of Ely.

Among the thousands of carvings were the ones pictured below.

Including the famous Lincoln Imp hidden way up high.

These candles were amazing - they are as tall as Nicholas and in pots thrown on a wheel!!

(This was also the most spiritual area as far as I was concerned - Susan)

Thence to the castle. Not terribly impressive at first sight, but we were lucky enough to have a guided tour by an enthusiast with a sense of humour who made it all come to life. Nick was especially impressed by the graphic descriptions of the public hangings in front of large crowds!!

Of course he also found a canon or two.

For many years the castle was used as a prison and this is the only remaining prison chapel set out as it was when the "separate system" was in force. Because prisoners were denied any contact with each other, they were put in these individual boxes during the preaching. They could each see and be seen by the preacher from the pulpit (whence the picture was taken) but could not see each other.

Here we are leaving Brayford Pool on the way downstream. The exit is where the lights are - rather tight after the expanse of the pool...

.....and this is where you go - not very prepossessing until......

.....you spot the "Glory Hole" for which Lincoln is famous in the waterways world.

it feels lower than it really is.

and out the other side among all the shoppers and visitors.

No prizes for guessing the origin of this pub name!

I don't know why we always take pictures of pubs!

This is NOT a pub.

This is - and it does very good food as we found out on our way back upstream.