Hard Rock Cafe

We left aristocatic (cat country, they had 5, but I never met any of them) Thornley House, and yet more wonderful hospitality provided by Shirley, who we thank so much for her donation. We also waved goodbye to Sid and Gilbert, the rescue donkeys, both in rude health.

Surprise, surprise up a long hill, and when we reached the top at 10.10 we had our first glimpse of Hadrian's Wall 10 miles away. Our plan today is to walk just short of the wall to the visitor centre at Housesteads Fort.

After we reached the top we were downhill to Allen Banks, a National Trust Estate, where dad was able to clear his head with the pungent aroma of the wild garlic that was growing in abundance. He's had a bit of a cold since the weekend, but is much better now. It's a wonderful place, mainly woodland, that has really nice vibes. Sadly he was convinced that there would be somewhere for a coffee, but wasn't to be - stale bread and water again.

When we did Hadrians Wall last year, he was fascinated with the geology of the area, particularly the Whin Sill a hard dark rock prevalent in this part of the world, and which the Romans had to cut through to find a foundation for the wall, and indeed, for stone to build it. It's something he's gone on about endlessly ever since. So when we got to a piece of it today, and he couldn't remember the name, mum and I refused to tell him. Yes, mean, but self preservation.

You will recall that on that trip, for reasons which I will not bore you with, they took 2 cars. Day 1, 2 miles in, he asked mum what she had done with her car keys. She gleefully explained that she had left them safe and sound in his glove compartment, checked in mid sentence and ran back to get the keys, and bring his car forward. Nothing lost, and it meant we didn't have to return as far in the evening but, you can imagine, we heard a lot about it. So maybe Whin Sill revisited is payback time.

When we got to Housesteads, we had a cup of tea and a look round the exhibits, one of which gave the valuable information - Rome 1129 miles, next line Wallsend 32 miles - doesn't have the same ring somehow!

Over the wall and off to Bellingham tomorrow, and our first experience in a camping pod - a sort of wooden tent - should be interesting. Every days a school day. They had their first experience of a wet room tonight - that was entertaining!

Keep spreading the word.

M
xx