This fort and the adjacent town precedes the building of Hadrians Wall by forty years, thus constructed during AD 120s. We see an active archeological dig with folks scrapping bits of earth unearthing more artifacts.
Before we begin the next entry must apologize for being remis as no mention of a wonderful, and quite long, conversation with a couple of Scots eating at a table next to us in Keswick. They were retired folks hiking about the area who had luggage sent from one town to the next as traversed the area. And what an enjoyable pair. We actually solved the worlds problems, until one injected no one listens to us; yeah, forgot that part. They titled Boris Johnson a Perhaps, but a bit hard to believe. Spoke of the possible additional vote of Scotland exiting the UK (lunacy, they say), and what will of Northern Ireland. Repeatedly they wondered what is it about Americans and their guns. We couldnt offer a cogent response, can anyone else? They have been been to the U.S. more than once visiting several of our best sights. We love chatting with folks here, and so would you.
Drive from Keswick to Durham via Vindolanda and another Costco was rather pleasant. Only a few drops here and there not affecting our activities. Vindolanda was a Roman fort and adjacent town built 40 years before Hadrian ordered his wall
Hadrian was perhaps the first world traveler. He spent the better part of his reign inspecting areas of his empire and ordering alterations. In Britannia, his wall was one. He likely stayed at this spot several days inspecting the building progress. We may add, in marked contrast to his processor Trajan, he concluded the age of conquest is over and built static fortifications.
erected. After Hadrians Wall it seems the fort was largely abandoned by the military but civilian activity continued. The Wall and the Roman baths at Bath, we think, are the premier Roman remains in Britain. People spend many days just walking the wall.
in Durham and Keswick have both been B&Bs; Keswick was wonderful, the breakfast amazing, but the room a tad tight; at Durham, although a bit from the Cathedral, was almost twice as large. Well take the distance and larger room. BTW, Bird informs me our Durham B&B was constructed during Britains heydays circa 1840. The Cathedral, at least from the outside, was majestic. No entry was permitted as the University was graduating students there for two weeks. They would not allow us even close enough to the castle for a picture. Oh well.
Tomorrow we are on to York for a few days then a couple at Cambridge before winging over the Irish Sea to Dublin for our last eighteen days in Ireland before hopping back across the pond. We have a real treat in store for you in Dublin. Stay tuned for details.
