But I'm glad I went. I'd shown willing.
The highlight of the night for me was driving back along the Military Road at Sunset. It shows that I have fallen 100% in love with this area of the world. If you'd told me that I would feel like this 20 years ago I would have looked at you as if you were an escaped lunatic. I thought (then) that if you went as far West as Hexham you fell off the edge of the world.
The countryside is extraordinarily green and luscious. Hawthorn trees, with their pretty white flowers, are flowering in abundance standing like guardians of each village, each outpost. As I sped past them the sun was setting against Hadrian's Wall showing it in relief on the right hand side of the road.
Half way along the road I wound down my window so I could hear the wind rushing in and around the car. I find that every time I drive along this road I discover new sights (and sites), fresh sounds varying with the time of day and season. Do those magnificent looking gates, lost and forlorn, lead to Aydon Castle I wonder? I remind myself to check the map when I get back. (They might be a reminder of the remains of Halton Castle. Need to do some more research.)
The famous Sycamore tree at Sycamore Gap (as stood under by Kevin Costner in 'Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves') seems even more beautiful in the crepuscular light.
It is a joy and a treasure to experience all of this and more. I try to sear these pinky blue views in my memory bank. I reach my destination. I park my car and the bats swoop overhead.
12 comments:
Lovely description. And glad it worked out for the hen night (have to say that you're a braver woman than I - haven't made it to one of those since Boy #2 was born...)
Can't wait!
G'day from Australia. I spent so many summers in the UK covering Wimbledon and the Test cricket - and never ventured to Hadrian's Wall.
Hi - PM. Glad you liked it! I am aiming to travel in/around the Wall and share those marvels here.
Could have done with your help yesterday. I won't go into details but we seem to be reversing into permanent pottydom here (including the dog!)
Hi expatmum - Definitely like reading the your experiences of USA. Are you coming to live in this neck of the woods?
Hi - David...you lucky, lucky, chap...I LOVE cricket and wanted to be a female cricket commentator when I was 14. Ian Botham & Co. have a lot to answer for. Love your photos!
"female" cricket commentator..I suppose I could have been a "Male" one but that would be another story! And yes - I'm a blonde....
Hadriana, the last time I was up your way I did actually meet a roman centurion. The trouble with the tourist chaps sending people out into the countryside dressed like that is that it gives men the idea that they can actually look good in sandals, sigh
ps thanks for the link and best of luck with the blog and everything
Hi there - will be staying at "me mam's" in Rowlands Gill, but always have to have several days out in Ingram Valley, Wooler, Alnwick etc. Also spending three days at a friends in Bowness-on-Windermere, where of course, it will rain pissistantly!
The wall looks lovely. Your post was most interesting.
Lovely post...my first sight of Hadrians's Wall took my breath away...the memory of it still does.
Sandi
Hi Rilly - I have photos of men in sandals so will produce them when I get the time. So watch this space! Thank you for your lovely comments.
Hi expatmum - I knew there was a link between you and this area! Weather has not been bad so far so you may be in for a treat.
Hi Abraham Lincoln - you do have such a special name! Glad you enjoyed it.
Hi Sandi - I must admit that the photo does it for me too. The view from "Birdoswald Fort over towards Gilsland Village" is almost beyond words. If you ever get the chance to see it again it is definitely worth it.
Post a Comment