Bamberg-Forchheim, 3 July

After two wonderful days in Bamberg time to move on to the Main-Donau-Kanal.

The Main-Donau- Kanal connects the Main river with the Danube. It is 171 km long. and has 16 locks. They tell us in the books that  here are some of the  highest locks in Europe. A small motorboat has always to wait to pass through the locks with a barge. This could mean long waiting times.

After 3 of the 16 locks travelling behind a barge, Ulm, we arrived at the Yachtclub Forchheim. The Yachtclub is in an idyllic spot next to a beautiful old bridge. Turns out Gustav II Adolf burnt down this wooden bridge, which was originally build about 1200. ( the Wehrmacht then destroyed it in 1945). We have another addition to our boat, that is a bicycle that the hafenmeister in Bamberg gave us as a geschenk!

In the 30 year war the Gustav Adolf II and his troupes tried to take the Forchheim fortress but never succeeded. but they must have liked the siege because it lasted for several years. Actually the Forchheim fortress was never taken by enemy forces throughout its history. 

But how fortress Marienberg in Würzburg could be conquered by the Swedes is still a mystery to Carl. Apparently without a fight while Forchheim was under siege for several years. Maybe we will get the answer when we get to Nürnberg.

Another view if Yachtclub with the canal in the background. Up to now the canal has been very pretty.

Even though it sounds repetitive, we have once again come to a completely unknown to us town which has totally surprised us with its charm and beauty. This is the Rathaus.

Carl remembered that we have running water in furrows in my hometown, Worcester. He thought this would make me homesick. (It not only got Leslie homesick. It got her jumping up and down of joy.)

A refreshment in one if the many, many eating and drinking places. For a town of 33 000 people it was amazing how many entertainment places and expensive sports cars we saw. We heard that Siemens have a plant for medical apparatus here. 

Could not stop taking photos of the town. Here Venice. Note the wooden sheds. That's where the Swedes held the non cooperative locals until they changed. Of this is not true, the sheds  were only constructed in 1680. The sheds have been used to keep carp fish for the festive seasons. Carp is the main dish for the Xmas table.

Yet another half timber house..

And one more. Judging by the posters around the town it seems to be very active on that front.

After so many reminders of Swedes doings and furrows with flowing water it is good to have a five star cook who prepares the dinner.