Daisy, Rosie and I set out with great enthusiasm, although we knew that the going would be tough as the ground was sodden. Our first port of call was the Roman fort of Chester, beautifully preserved by English Heritage, but for the first time on our tour we had to bypass a gift shop... when will they ever learn?
We were back on the trail and we passed through a small hamlet which had been constructed in previous centuries utilising the stone from the Wall. It is fascinating to see how the centuries have benefitted from the amazing Roman structure. We soon got into open moorland. At this point Daisy got restless and unfortunately decided to deviate from our path [more detail to follow]. Having walked several miles over rough terrain we stopped to take photographs of what remained of a Roman turret with the vallum to the north of the Wall. The vallum added to the defences of the Roman Army in Britain.
Daisy had not kept pace with us and in our anxiety we decided to retrace our steps. Fellow walkers were most helpful and one or two had even spotted Daisy in the mouth of a golden retriever heading in the opposite direction! I am delighted to tell you that half the population of Northumberland, including wonderful foreign visitors, are now searching for her. In our despair we contacted Aunty Daisy who has decided to join us later on in our expedition. We are very disappointed with Daisy's behaviour, but it has given Rosie and I the opportunity to discuss topics that were off limits in her hearing.
Back to the expedition: as we are now in open moorland there are no more tea rooms or country pubs in which to seek refreshment. The first picture we are sharing with you is of Rosie having lunch sitting on part of the Roman turret.
It is an amazing feeling to know that nearly two thousand years ago, Roman soldiers were marching on the very ground upon which we were walking and had left so much of their heritage for us to enjoy. If only modern day buildings were built to last like this. Another photograph we share with you is of a section of the excavated wall, and we could only marvel at the precision and uniformity of the stones which would be cut and carried by hand. We were fortunate to pass by part of the extended vallum where huge boulders were being prepared by the soldiers and cut, with such accuracy.
Today did not have the glorious sunshine which Rosie so loves, but we felt a cooling breeze and sensed the remoteness of the moorland. Our third photograph shows you the very point that was furthest north of the Roman Empire. Can you spot Scotland in the distance?
Historical note: One of the other delights on our journey today was visiting an excavated Roman temple, dedicated to the worship of Mithras. It was built by the soldiers stationed on the Wall. Temples were usually small [unless you are in Rome], confined spaces to represent the cave that was used for sacrificial rituals.
Supper tonight at an isolated B and B on the top of the moors brought us into an engaging conversation with fellow travellers who originated from California. We wish them well on their journey east. We were again enthralled to hear about American politics.
And finally... it is a sad evening to be without Daisy. We look forward to her speedy return and await the arrival of Aunty Daisy!
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