The Roman Way.

The Roman Way.

After yesterday's steel coloured though windless and dry skies, today was lovely, clear and sunny. So after a traditional English or Russian breakfast it was into the car and off to see more of Roman Britannia.

Charlotte was on her best behaviour and not only guided us to our proper destinations but also managed to direct us into the correct car parks.

The first stop was Housesteads fort, a largish fort built into Hadrian's Wall. It is also one of the best preserved forts of its type. The Entourage de-bussed and explored the site with Marcus and Tony heading off to a nearby mile fort. Upon their return, Tony explored further whilst the rest returned and enjoyed refreshments in the cafe.

From there it was on to Vindolanda, another Roman fort and town that predates the wall by some 40 years or more. The museum here was quite extensive and well laid out. As an added bonus this seasons archaeological excavations had just started and we were able to talk to one of the excavation team. Beth is already planning on how she might join next year's dig team.

In the car and a couple of miles up the road we reached the Roman Army Museum as Marcus had requested. On the site of yet another pre-wall Roman fort, Magna, this small but well thought out museum does an excellent job of portraying the life of a Roman soldier on the wall.

As we head into Scotland it is time to say something about the wildlife here. Yesterday saw us double the number of living pheasants and squirrels we had seen in the whole trip, including one pheasant who wanted to dive bomb his superb plumage into the car from a well hidden ambush in the trees as we sped by. We can now add a red squirrel to the numerous greys that we have seen running up trees. I also have to say that the British have taken to marking well what wildlife we are likely to met on the roads, just never where they actually occur. Signs for sheep and cattle are plentiful and there are a number for wandering tractors. There are many deer signs but the animals we have seen seem to be fully conversant in the safety rules for crossing a road. As usual the signs for squirrels are never near where we see the creatures and the pheasant signs need to be improved. Placing them in areas where near suicidal birds live would be a good start.

The final sign that we have seen increasingly on our travels, shows hoe enlightened the British are towards their native wildlife, allowing them to roam freely in their natural state forcing motorists and other road users to take care. Of course I refer to the free-range elderly. Like the other wildlife we have encountered, they fail to appear in the areas that have been signed posted as having them. Instead we encounter them almost randomly, invariably wandering along the middle of the road, reacting with shock and confusion, unable to respond appropriately, in our headlight even when it is the middle of the day. One can only hope that they will, eventually, see through their confusion and at a leisurely pace wander off the road.

Having reached our first Scottish stay, we dined on gourmet burgers at a nearby chain restaruant enjoyed dessert and retired for the night.

Quote of the Day.
"He looks a bit mossy!"; Sandra commenting on free ranging old person encountered on the road.

Housesteads.

The view from the commanders front door.

The forest is in Scotland.

The Wall.

Bravely guarding the frontier.

Roman loos. Near a bit of work.

Vindolanda.

"Go away before I taunt you a second time!"

I must get this book!