A Ride and a Wall

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Geo: 54.9709, -2.45723

The subject of this entry just about summarizes the last couple of days. Monday was a lazy morning. Sarah and Maureen off to work and Joe golfing, we headed around the corner for supplies at the supermarket. Pies, pizza, bacon and cereal. On the subject, its become a clear discovery that British bacon is far superior to Australian bacon. After pizza for lunch Joe returned, and we all decided to go for a bike ride. We started off at Bear Park, and rode through the countryside through to Lanchester. It took about 2 to 2.5 hours return to go the 15 miles. It was a fun ride!Today, Tuesday I whipped up some bacon sandwiches, and around 9 we were off to Hadrians Wall.Hadrians wall is old. The Romans invaded Britain around 55AD and took control of England. They headed north, and around 100 years later began construction of Hadrians wall, a stone wall, from coast to coast, to keep the pesky Scots at bay. They attempted to build a second more Northern wall, the Antonine wall thereafter, but were unable to hold it. They also sent an entire legion north to sort out the Scots, the 9th legion. They dissappeared without a trace. Hadrians wall was manned until approximately 410, as the Roman Empire began to crumble. Hadrians wall was the most heavily fortified border in the Roman Empire.The first stop was a walk to Vercovicium (Housesteads). Joe dropped us off and we walked a couple miles along the edge of the wall to the fort at Housesteads. We wandered the ruined fort here for a time. Walking through the remains of buildings some 2000 years old was inspiring.We stopped for a pub lunch down the road, before heading onwards to Vindolanda. This ruined fort was bigger, grander, and included a spectacular relic filled museum. There were two reconstructed complete towers here, one being made of wooden pallisade, as the most primative wall would have been, the other of stone. The site is also subject to ongoing archeological digging and work. Next time, it would be great to volunteer. The museum held several impressive Roman artifacts uncovered here; shoes, armour scraps, weapons, pottery, coins, rings, wigs, and writing on tablets (no photos in museum allowed). We took the scenic route home, stopping off in a really pretty place called Blanchland for a coffee and scones.Its been a great day. Im a bit frustrated as Im having serious problems with my left ankle. Tomorrow, off to York.

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Photos

Wall Spotted
We found Hadrians Wall

Milecastle 37
You guessed it, located every miie along the wall

Lamb Dancing on Roman Wall
Significant really

Comments

[Tom Davis]

Get that ankle seen to mate, the NHS will do you proud!

[Mum]

It's a good hike along the wall and I remember Vindolanda well!