Tuesday August 2 Lincoln

Decided to drive to Lincoln today as really wanted to see the display of Poppies at Lincoln Castle which is part of the 14 -18 war remembrance. 

“Jilly” worked well and we got to a parking area right in the centre of the city. Then we walked and walked. Right up through High Street checking out all the stores and a few stops for some retail therapy including checking out Marks and Spencer although Ian wasn’t overly impressed! The pedestrian only road with all its flag bunting was full of people, a great place to people watch.

We walked through the historic 500 year old gateway called the Stonebow with the Guildhall on top. Everywhere we go history is just oozing out!

The road continues on up to the castle and cathedral which is on a real high point, the final lane to the top is called Steep Hill for just that reason. After still trying to get rid of my chesty cough, needed a few stops on the way up and thankfully there were a few seats dotted around. 

So enjoyed the architecture of the buildings lining the narrow cobbled lane, The Jew’s House which is a survivor of the 12^th century, is one of the oldest domestic building still in use in Britain.

The poppy display was pretty spectacular flowing up through the long summer grass to the walls of the castle. Well worth going to see and there were certainly lots of people like us enjoying it.

Then it was back down Steep Hill and decided to stop at a pub for a late lunch, and a chance to rest!

The river Witham winds through town, but must say it is far from pristine, although the white swans gliding along gave it a lot of charm

Found our way back to the car park, but getting out wasn’t quite so simple as there are a number of road closures due to an 18-month transport centre development in the area and Jilly hadn’t picked up on them. Finally took the road towards Boston until Jilly recalculated enough to get us back on the right road. 

It’s been a very grey day, but pleasant temperatures and no rain.

And for my photography friends, I didn’t take the big Canon walking today, have shot all today’s photos with my little point and shoot Sony RX100 M4 in Raw. I am really enjoying it for this sort of photography, so light in my hand bag and does a great job. Only complaint I have is the location of the Movie mode button, which gets pushed by mistake and I wonder why I can’t take a photo!

High Street

The River Witham - a little murky.

Stonebow and Guildhall

The wonderful cobbled lanes leading up to the castle

The very old Jew's House on the left

It's not named Steep Hill for nothing!

The wine shop on Steep Hill was celebrating the poppy display at the castle. Reflection of the photographer!

Looking across the square to the Catherdral