Bus to Birdoswald

It really was about time I visited something very special that is literally on my doorstep, I mean of course Hadrian's Wall, declared by the United Nations to be of World Heritage status.
Hadrian's Wall marks the frontier as it was in AD122 and was used to control entry to the Roman Empire, to the North you were in the dark ages, to the South the civilised world.
The Wall runs from the North Sea in the East to the Irish Sea in the West and provides a belt around the waist of Britain. Although much plundered over the millennia for its stone, much of the foundations still remain, with forts, towers and towns within the 20 mile wide site that spans from sea to sea. 

As you approach it's all rather impressive, but don't be deceived, this is the farm built across the site






The ruins of the fort at Birdoswald








One place on the Wall I had never visited, was the fort of Banna or Birdoswald as it is now called. There is a super bus service along the Wall that provides welcome transport for walkers, cyclists, locals and visitors alike, the wonderfully designated AD122 service that runs from Hexham to Carlisle. What an enjoyable excursion. Soup, a roll, coffee and cake in the visitors centre, an audio visual introduction and museum, then a stroll through the ruins to a magnificent countryside vista. 

AD122 to Carlisle

What a wonderful way to spend a Saturday.

Reflections on Russia

It's over a month ago, but still the enjoyment lingers in the memories of my family reunion in St Petersburg. My first sight of the city with its stunning architecture was familiar from my last visit in 1982, but oh so much has changed. 

Entrance to the Apple Hostel, 130 Nevsky Prospect

Gone are the days of having a constant escort, gruff immigration officers, customs looking for anything Western that might corrupt the long gone Soviet Union, the black market and a restricted currency. In its place has emerged a very cosmopolitan European city of happy, smiling, free speaking people, who are only too delighted to share a city blessed with beautiful canals and glorious white nights. June is the time to go, with 24 hour daylight and beautiful weather, the temperature around the low twenties in glorious sunshine.

Clockwise from the top left;  the Golden Arches, midnight on Nevsky Prospect, Catherin's Summer Palace, Voskresenia Khristova Church

So much catching up to do and sadly not enough time. Thank you to my cousins, Lynne and Summer, and fellow adventurers, Robyn and Clare for a thoroughly enjoyable long weekend.

Summer, Lynne, Robyn and Clare

Oh ....... I do hope the thief who stole my credit card had a good time at someone else's expense.