September 12 finally

September 12, 07

Stonehenge

Busy day. Day tour out to Stonehenge, Avebury, Lacock and Castle Comb (I'm not sure about the spelling).

Stonehenge is absolutely amazing. I felt awestruck and completely at peace there. The audio guide really helps enhance the experience in my opinion because it explains what you're looking at. I didn't realize there were 2 types of stone, and when u touch them there is quite a difference in there temperature (they have 2 stones near the entrance that you are allowed to touch).

I watched someone herding sheep with a dog and a motorcycle - very cool. There are fields of sheep right up to Stonehenge.

Avebury was next. These stones are spread out in a huge circle, I think about a mile around. A small village actually sits in the middle. Unlike Stonehenge though, you can walk among the stones, and touch them if you like. Essentially the stones are in 4 quadrants (read fields), one with sheep grazing, and not horribly impressed if you got too close. I liked it at least as much as Stonehenge, maybe more.

Next to the town of Lacock for lunch. While most of the others on the tour went for a pub lunch, I enjoyed a picnic surrounded by stunning buildings. It is really cool to sit quietly and imagine the town 500-600 years ago - not all that hard really - just take away the few parked cars and the asphalt. A fellow named Brian Banks approached a few of us and proudly explained that his family history goes back a long way in Lacock - his great grandfather I think it was built the poorhouse - a bit eccentric but very interesting.

Castle Comb (still not sure about spelling) was next. Again beautiful, frozen in time.

The roads here are amazing - I think my driveway is wider. I certainly wouldn't want to try to navigate them. And they are twisty curvy - except for the roman roads which are straighter like ours. And the English certainly do love their hedges. I think there might actually be some historical significance to them that I didn't realize before.