Haltwhistle, Northumberland (The Centre of Britain)

HADRIAN'S WALL

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Haltwhistle, The Centre of Britain
Arrived in Haltwhistle with a certain amount of trepidation having read an article in a National newspaper the week earlier stating the local constablary were having problems with noisy teenagers, specifically girls. One of the problems pubs was The Manor House Inn where we were booked to stay.  Which explains why the landlady, when we booked, was emphatic our rooms were quiet and away from the pub.

 Haltwhistle Main  Street

                    The Manor House, it turned out to be very quiet.  The Landlord told us what nice people we were and wonderful guests to have.  Not sure what that says for the others.

We found our local pub which we frequented every night. The Black Bull,  listed in the book of good pubs.

Everything had the title The Centre of Britain, the butchers, baker & candlestick maker.

Barry's first official walk with us.  New boots, backpack, lunch and map to walk Hadrian's Wall

They have several different types of turnstiles, this is the ladder type.

Here it is, Hadrian's Wall.  Started in AD122 to keep out the Picts, that would be the Scots.  I find it fascinating that parts of it are still standing.  The small square in this picture used to be a watch tower.  Eighty Roman miles of wall when it was built with some type of fort or tower every 1/3 of a mile.  There isn't much of it left now but what there is gives you a good idea of it's size.  I had goose bumps to think we were on a wall that had be guarded by Romans 2000 years ago.

Taking a break, sitting on the wall.  It almost fest disrepectfull, but I did it.

This is truly free range chickens, they were running all over the place.

Fort Vindolanda, Roman about 2000 years ago. Still excavating it. Letters home in Tablets have been found.  Roman soldiers writing home to Mom to send socks. Somethings never change.  It was very interesting, plus you were allowed to wander in the sections they have completed excavating.  Great day out.

This was great.  This little van was parked in the parking lot miles from anywhere, it made cappucino, latte, just like a mini Starbucks. No Tea tho.   

The scenery gorgeous, the walk exhilerating.

Note the cow patty at the bottom of the ladder, right where you step off.  Barry's comment, the cow must've been straining to get over the ladder!!!!!!

                                                          Nana the Explorer!

Note the marks in the top of the rock. This is stone the Roman's tried to use for the wall.  They tried to chissel apart this piece and gave up as it was too hard.  Still there from 2000 years ago, and I can touch it, blows my mind.

We met a couple from Darwin, Australia touring England.  The wife wanted her picture taken with me when she found out I live in Oklahoma.  Go figure!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scenes from Newquay

NEWQUAY 

Note: do not go down to Newquay on the train when the so called Spring Break begins, only English style.  Lots of 16 to 20year olds go away for the week ready to partee.  Some have got sooo drunk in the past several deaths have occurred due to drinking too much and falling off the cliffs.  So now the local constablary have a No Tolerance policy for drinking under age.  The enforcement begins at the train station when arriving.  All passengers are funnelled into an exit queue with the police screening underage kids for booze.  Even a trained police dog is sniffing for drugs and booze.  Missy and Ian did the smart thing and made a quick exit. I on the otherhand got caught up in the middle of all the kids.   Obviously not an underage person it took me a while to manouever where the police could see me and let me out of the queue. The amount of booze confiscated was unbelievable.  They had 4 cart loads already with still a lot of kids to screen.  

The sunset from our balcony.

Had an amazing week in Newquay.  Pru had the opportunity to meet another set of her English relatives.  Missy & Ian got to experience Newquay and the changing weather, dramatic coastline, and cream teas.  I got to enjoy the many walks, visiting my family and generally being happy I wasn't in Oklohama experiencing the 100+ weather.

Fistral Beach Newquay, great for surfing, making sand castles, playing in the pools.  Family fun.

Breakfast on the balcony. How marvelous to wake up to this every morning.

Picnic on the beach

There are 6 more beaches around Newquay like this one

Garden party with the family for my sisters birthday



My sisters birthday

My sis and I. I'm the youngest (she hates it when I say that). Everyone thinks we look like twins though.

  

Punch &Judy

Cornish coastline

Victorian Hotel

Pub overlooking the Harbour

Almost stepped ont his little fella on my walk

Quiet drink overlooking the Atlantic

One of my walks along the coastline

Village Fete. This was crabs cracking Walnuts

Missy got to see her first Punch & Judy. She declared it too violent for Prue. 

Cloggers.

Midnight Surfing with entertainment.



The twins were fascinathemted with Pru and she with them.

  

WRNS Reunion

You know the old saying, especially when you get older, where have the years gone.  How true that is, I met up with 3 friends from my Navy days and not a truer phrase was spoken.  We joined together in 1965 and shared many happy times and a few sad ones.  When you work, live and play together you become very close.  We gathered at around 3:00pm and talked for all of  that evening, the following day and the following morning. One of the girls I hadn't seen in 43years. I pray it's not another 43years before we meet up again.  Friendship is priceless.

Food is always a favourite with me. This is the best
fish pie I've ever tasted.

Taking a rest from a stroll along the bank of the Thames

This is The Mayflower Pub on the bank of the Thames.  The Mayflower was loaded here before the very start of it's journey.

We laughed til we cried.

Friends!

Prue meeting London relatives

Julian & Marie, Ian's brother & sister in law held a cookout for Prue to meet her relations.  They are a fun bunch.  Great food and good company.  Amazing house.

This guy looks and sounds just like Jason Stathom
(In the movie Transporter)

The water was cold

Great Grandma 86years young (I think).

• The proud parents