Friday, August 26, 2016

Thursday - Stonehenge and Salisbury

Back into the car, down some more narrow roads to Stonehenge, about 1 1/4 hrs from here. The Councils have a big job keeping the road edges trimmed. With many hedges forming fences, they must have mechanical trimmers (like a mower, but sideways). Trucks do a little bit of the work naturally. It really is a little hair raising driving along some of those roads.

You are all familiar with Stonehenge, I'm sure. Neolithic people dragged these huge rocks into a circular formation and put a few on top others.  They were pretty smart people, in their engineering ability to manoeuvre the rocks, as well as get them straight, level, and facing the right direction in relation to the sun etc.  About 4,300 years ago.  Helen and Russell, they are slightly different to the rock your saw today (Wave Rock in WA for other readers)



Despite their age, thousands of people a day are pouring through the gates to see them.   They are very nicely fenced off to stop fare evaders. There were plenty of camper vans parked on nearby roads and people tramping through the paddocks, hoping for a free glimpse. However, their attempts were hampered by fences and security. All they could manage was a distant view.
I wouldn't mind a dollar for every photo that was taken of Stonehenge today. I would be able to have another holiday.

It was then onto Salisbury for lunch and a wander around. Park and ride was the recommended option again. The cities have such narrow streets and minimal parking. Bus drivers also know where they are going. Today was a very overcast day, although mild.  By the time we arrived at Salisbury, it was lightly raining.  We found a place for lunch, waited a while to be served, got drinks pretty quickly, then waited and waited and waited.  The waiter kept reassuring us, lunch won't be long.  He eventually went to check and they had lost our order!  Free drinks were given, and 15% off the bill as well.  It was well after 2 when we got out of there.  Won't be rating that one on trip advisor.

Salisbury, like every town/city in England has a Cathederal. Salisbury Cathederal is the tallest of them all. It also has an original Magna Carta. Only 4 exist (22 originally). One at Lincoln Cathederal and the other 2 held at the British Library.
A spectacular Cathederal built in the 1200's. The spire was added in the mid 1300's.


Salisbury is a bit like Bristol, an eclectic style of buildings and houses.



Our time in this area is almost done.  Tomorrow it's back to London for the night before we farewell Nicola.
Bye for now.





1 comment:

  1. The cathedral looks stunning. I'm sure the photos don't do it justice.

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