Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Off to the UK w/o Howie pt 8

June 3..Tuesday..our walk along Hadrian's wall started in the rain...and with a little bit of company.
Hadrian's Wall was built by the Romans in about A.D. 122.  It was built across 73 miles, from coast to coast, and included forts, ditches, settlements and roads.  The wall was originally 15-20 feet tall, with a ditch on either side. After the Romans left, many stones were used by the local farmers for their homes and fences, so now it's only about 3 feet high.




The cow above was particularly interested in Judy before heading on its way.



After a bit, the rain went away. You can see Hadrian's wall stretching on over the hill into the distance.
Alan and Jess.






Alan helped Harris find a geocache along the walk.



This is called Sycamore Gap. The movie Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves shot some scenes here.


After our walk, Alan found us a great place for afternoon tea...inside Langley Castle. It is a 14th century castle that has been turned into a hotel and restaurant. We had great tea and lovely cakes.





One of 2 peacocks on the grounds.


Hexham Abbey in yet another town.



Hexham Abbey was originally built in 674. It was destroyed by the Vikings 200 years later and rebuilt in 1174. Scottish raiders attacked it in 1296, and the Nave (main part) was only rebuilt in 1908.




Wednesday morning, June 4th...wet and rainy. We took a walk from Alan's house into the town Morpeth. This is a view of the Telford Bridge over the River Wansbeck, with St. George's Church in the background.




A lovely garden view from our bedroom window showcasing the work taken in setting it up.



Alan has been an incredible host. He has housed us and fed us great meals, driven us to many, many places here in Northumbria and in Scotland, arranging for our B and B there. It has been a wonderful, relaxing, and exciting 9 days. We hope we can return the favor someday in Washington!
Tomorrow we're off to Ireland for a short visit.

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