Hello Sunshine

This past week at work was pretty tough, so this particular weekend was one I was especially looking forward to. Caught a brilliant movie on Friday (The Station Agent), and attended a wedding reception for Alison's sister in a hotel on the banks of Loch Lomond (we took both the High Road and the Low Road in order to get there). Today was a great opportunity to just chill out and enjoy the weather. We've had some gorgeous sunshine the last few days, and you really get the sense that Glaswegians come to life when the weather is good. After all, we don't get the good stuff all the time! The streets and pubs were absolutely heaving full, and everybody seemed to be in an especially good mood.

While the beer gardens were a tempation, I thought the best decision would be to go for a nice long walk through my all-time favourite park: Pollok Park. Home of Pollok House, the Burrell Collection, and a wonderful mix of landscape. And of course, an award winning herd of Heilan Coos!


Through the forests of Pollok


The old mill by the Whitecart


A coo taking it easy

Hadrian's Wall

The 73-mile long Wall was built by the Roman Army back in 122 A.D., nearly 2000 years ago. It was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian to help control movement of people in the British frontier, as well as prevent raids by those ever pesky Scots.

First stop for us was Vindolanda, a Roman fort that has been excavated over the last few decades. You are able to walk amongst the foundations of the buildings and alongside the fort wall. The museum houses many of the fascinating relics found here, including leather shoes, armour and swords, as well as writing tablets containing letters written by soldiers and their families which really brings to life what it was like living in Roman controlled Britian.


Next was a walk alongside the Wall itself. Many stretches of the Wall have disappeared or are seriously damaged after years of erosion and from people who in centuries past would take the stone for their farmhouses and castles (such as Thirlwall). However, in this particular strech, the wall was fully intact and in all its glory. Honestly, it was incredibly thrilling to be able to touch something that was built by the Romans so many years ago. To think how they were able to quarry this much stone, transport it to such a remote place, and still build a wall with such craftsmanship that has been able to stand the test of time. Powerful stuff, and highly recommended.

Thirlwall Castle

I've always been fascinated by medieval history, and one of the joys of living in the UK is that remnants of this era are everywhere. We drove down to Northumberland in Northern England last weekend primarily to see Hadrian's Wall and the Roman settlements. However, during our explorations we saw a sign that directed us towards the town of Greenhead where nearby was to be found a castle built in 1330. Though now a ruin, Thirlwall Castle is a reminder of the unstable period in British history between 1300-1600 (before the Union of the Scottish and English Crowns). The Thirlwall family built their home (from stone found in Hadrian's Wall no less!) to ensure they could fortify themselves against Scottish attacks and to safeguard their possessions against thieves.

This particular day was quite gloomy and sombre, and if nothing else added to the atmosphere of the place. As we approached, a flock of crows burst from the trees and flew directly over the ruin. So very Castlevania!


Approaching Thirlwall Castle


Outside the walls


Inside