Stone of destiny, and the crown. Liesl got to have her picture taken with Mary Tudor (an actress of course). There were many different suits of armor and swords to see. We also got to see how the crests have changed from 2 unicorns to a unicorn and a lion symbolizing England and Scotland. The inner parts of the castle had many stained glass windows and carvings on the castle walls. When we were through we visited the McDonald's' which was insanely crowded. But it made the kids happy. Dad got lost getting the car, one wrong turn and whammo there goes an hour. The kids were just going nuts. But now we are on our way to Bardon Mill on the borders. It will be a long drive this evening.
We did manage to take a short break at a border abbey, Jedborough abbey to take pictures and took a shot of the border between England and Scotland. The abbey was so pretty with all of its arches open to the air and the beautiful river running next to it. Liesl had a good time smelling the flowers and exploring. We made it through all of the sheep filled highlands and to the youth hostel pretty late. It was kind if fun staying there. The kids relaxed on the top bunks watching a little bit of a movie. Liesl got to stay up there to sleep. Jeannie spent the night on the bottom bunk but it was so much of an adventure. We did manage to get out for dinner. There was a pub next door. The only thing for miles. I got to have some meat pie and bread pudding. Yum. Comfort food.
When we woke up in the morning the hostel had some very awesome breakfast prepared for us and the kids ate up and good thing, it was a super busy day. First we visited Hadrian's wall which is a Roman wall to keep out the Scots and Picts as well as a garrison. It wasn't entirely intact but oh boy do I love the archeology. Jeannie was very excited to see the sheep. There were sheep roaming everywhere and we got to walk amongst them and their poop. That was the one part that the kids were not too find of. They all enjoyed the climbing on the wall. Like the castles that I have seen the wall just seems to be growing right out of the mountains. We managed to buy some fantastic wine and mead in the gift shop there too. I can't wait to have more of it.
After that we saw a castle on the way and took a picture from the road as it was closed to the public. I wish it wasn't. It looked pretty cool. Then the Lanercost priory where we had some lunch. The fish and chips wasn't as good as we were accustomed to here and the hamburger was a little weird for Liesl but we were hungry enough. Then we visited the ruins there. They were very pretty and they had a very quiet feel to them. Again, loved the arches and the way the light came through them. From there we travelled a bit and came to Carlisle castle. The castle had been through 10 sieges! Amazing, and started Mary Tudor's imprisonment in England. It was a little more sterile there but still kept a few medieval structures despite it being occupied by several different groups (Scots, English and Romans). We even got to see the living quarters there that the royalty occupied. We were not sure where Mary queen of Scots was kept though. What I really liked were the battlements and there were some carvings in the wall that they said were from bored guards. Jeannie and oma bowed out due to a nap and were ready for us when we got back.
There was another stretch for us to drive and the most scenic mcdonalds I have ever seen along with potato wedges and sweet curry sauce Hello! We found ourselves around 9 at Parr Hall where we are staying for the next 8 days. We have been doing laundry today and hanging it all on the line all day. It is nice to relax and the kids are getting their naps in. We will be having pizza tonight from a local place. Robbie is really looking forward to it.
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