Day 3 and 4 Continued

Somehow the iphone let me down and copped off some of the email. Here is the rest of it. 

Yesterday (Friday) we walked past Howsteads castle and settlement. We hopped over the fence for free (sorry English heritage) and wandered around. It was amazing to see the foundations of a settlement from so long ago.

We stumbled in to the pub called Twice Brewed in a village called Once brewed. We both had massive meals and chatted to two Open uni history students. They had been to most if the sites and were very knowledge on all things Roman. The two pints had addled my brain and it was a challenge to erect the tent in the dark. Finding the water point took ages as I walked arond the permeter of 4 fields before finding it.

We are camping in the ex-yha hostel tonight (Saturday) and are hiding in the pub from midgies. We met two groups of pennine way walkers one couple who were nearly finished and were complainign about the bogs and weather. I can only add that the weather has been great for us and the ground bone dry. The chap at the b&b and camping barn was very grumpy so we walked on. The barn looked like it might harbour bed bugs, but we could have camped in a tent there if we wanted.

Our packs feel lighter today which can only mean I have lost some stuff somewhere, or we have run out if food.

There are so many passing walkers that the sheep are very tame. We almost have to step over them. They like the depressions in the path and will not be bothered by mere walkers. Here is one of the cheaky chaps.

Laundery day

Last night we realised something must be done about the socks. This
was the site that awoke us. If only I could describe the smell,
something like Stilton + dead sheep + dish and chips. Disgusting yet
made my mouth water.

My beautiful hat

Because the weather was so hot and my neck and ear was burning I
fashioned a head scarf from a towel. I an delighted that I can share
this creative moment with the world. More creative wonders coming up
soon.

I am Very pleased with the lop-eared rabbit effect I have created. I
goes hand in hand with the shame I felt.

Day three and four

The last couple of days have been really nice. I have sun burn on one
half of my body. Because it is September I did not bring any sun cream
which was a big mistake.

Yesterday we encountered some proper parts of the wall which were very
impressive. I thought that we had been conned on the first day. Today
and yesterday have more than made up for the lack on the first day.

The wallforts and turrets are very interesting. All the flour plans
are the same standard design but the secenery they overlook is
stunning. At one point the wall runs alon a cliff ridge. There us a
milecastle wilhich has a gate that leads over the cliff. I can imagine
some roman planner in an office stating that all castles must have a
gate for passage through.

Gross hairy leg sun burn

It stings and I want to chew my leg off. Sorry for the pic, I think it
is just about work safe.

Day two, Harlow hill to Chollerford

Day one of our walk is actually day two of the route. We did not fancy a strole through Newcastles industrial sector, senic as it is reputed to be.

The wall was non existant for most of the day. The only hit we say was about 10 meters lon but could have been built 20 years ago. We are hopin for more wall tomorrow or we will complain to the management.

The walk was quite nice, following the ditches and the new main road. As the road follows the straight roman road it is ideal for time trials on motorbikes. Although there wall little wall remaining,much of the ditches were visable.

Tonight we are staying in the campsite in Chollerford. It is behind the garage/tea rooms and is sloping with terraced bits. The chaps from yesterday are here as well unsurprisingly.

Day one, getting there

We arranged to meet up in newcastle station, and alk was going to plan until we got on the trains. Girlfriend arrived 1.5 hours late which gave me plenty of time to check out the contemporary art gallery in Newcastle.

We then hopped on the bus (via the metro) to Heddon on the wall and walked to North farm. The guide tells you to ask in for camping there but there is none. The farmers wife (?) was very nice and offered hostel and breakfast for £25. We declined this and walked on to Harlow Hill where we stayed in a lovely small campsite. The shower was spotless and brand new and the owner friendly.

Girlfriend and I assumed our domestic roles and i put the tent up while she cooked a lovely dinner. The pot cozies i had made for the trip were great. Once the water was boiling i added the pasta and put the pan on the cozy. There was no need for any extra cooking. We finally sat down for dinner at 10 becuase of the extra walk, and train delays.

Here is a picture of one of the art installations, called 14 billion. It is a paracord kind of spiders web in a large empty room. Each knot was modeled and then tired in the correct location. All very OCD.