Dave visits Stonehenge
Aug. 13th, 2016 09:50 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
dave_future_predatorA few notes from the comm trip to Wiltshire, organised magnificently by Louise. Under the guise of being worthy intellectuals, or something, a trip was arranged to visit Stonehenge out-of-hours and get close to the stones, rather than having to stick to the path during opening hours with the 'normal' visitors :D
The journey down was pretty horrendous. I thought it would be easier to drive, but having done the Southampton flight I have different views on that, lol, but anyway, I arranged to drive and collect D1 in Cheltenham. Which I did, but roadworks and accidents chewed up my couple of hours early cushion and then some. The whole journey took 9 hours instead of 5.5 :(
It was, as always, worth it to meet up with that gang! There were 9 of us staying in Amesbury, and we enjoyed a meal at a Thai restaurant close by, with some of our party looking for Pokemon on the way :D
One consequence of getting to see Stonehenge up close is that you either have to go early or late, and in our case, the plan for Saturday morning was to meet in the hotel lobby at about 5am. I have wiped the exact time from my mind, clearly. But it was early. It was overcast, but good day to look at this incredible monument. Thankfully the little bus was already running up to the site, and the driver reminded us before we got off that we were not to touch, climb on, hug, or even lick the stones. Fair enough, mate :)
With several security guards scattered around, we got to leave the path and wander right into the stones. Amazing.
We had an hour to wander about on site. Good for us, but not for them, half our bus-load was subjected to a lecture by their tour guide that kept them on the path for about half an hour. It was such a waste, and I even saw the buffoon stand on one of the stones later on. Anyway, it meant we had good opportunity to take pics that looked like there was no one else there!
We even found a cock and balls carved on one stone. We like to notice these things. Also fun to get up close to the Heel Stone.
It was a shame to be herded back on the bus when the hour was up, So cool to see the enormous stones close up.
We then went off for breakfast, then came back to the visitor centre at Stonehenge and enjoyed the exhibition, shop, etc. Then we were off for more culture at Avebury. The sun was out now and very strong! Avebury stone circle is also extremely impressive!
We overheard someone talking about a goddess seat, and so we found the stone with a seat in it, it also had a little Dave-shaped seat beside it! I have now looked this up and it is in fact the Devil's chair!!! But the Goddess party in the druid ceremony go there. Oh well :D
We also squeezed in a trip to West Kennet Long barrow. I do love a stone tomb.
The longbarrow was on top of a hill. And what a view of Silbury Hill from up there. Dave, what are you doing??
Our evening meal was at the Indian at Amesbury, where we were given a red rose each at the end of the meal. I ended up looking after them all and they lasted ages at home. Guys, love you lots!!
On the Sunday, we visited Old Sarum, which was very cool. Massive ditches and banks around the site, with walls made of flint. Nice view to the foundations of the cathedral beyond.M got herself a working crossbow at the shop. Hurrah for English Heritage!
After a lovely lunch at a nearby pub, it was time for home, sunburned but happy :D The journey back was way quicker than on the way down, though I was extremely lucky to get past an accident on the M6 just before the emergency services arrived and the whole motorway was closed to let the helicopter land. I was quite glad to get home, but what an incredible weekend!! Amazing trip and fab company xxx
~
The journey down was pretty horrendous. I thought it would be easier to drive, but having done the Southampton flight I have different views on that, lol, but anyway, I arranged to drive and collect D1 in Cheltenham. Which I did, but roadworks and accidents chewed up my couple of hours early cushion and then some. The whole journey took 9 hours instead of 5.5 :(
It was, as always, worth it to meet up with that gang! There were 9 of us staying in Amesbury, and we enjoyed a meal at a Thai restaurant close by, with some of our party looking for Pokemon on the way :D
One consequence of getting to see Stonehenge up close is that you either have to go early or late, and in our case, the plan for Saturday morning was to meet in the hotel lobby at about 5am. I have wiped the exact time from my mind, clearly. But it was early. It was overcast, but good day to look at this incredible monument. Thankfully the little bus was already running up to the site, and the driver reminded us before we got off that we were not to touch, climb on, hug, or even lick the stones. Fair enough, mate :)
With several security guards scattered around, we got to leave the path and wander right into the stones. Amazing.
We had an hour to wander about on site. Good for us, but not for them, half our bus-load was subjected to a lecture by their tour guide that kept them on the path for about half an hour. It was such a waste, and I even saw the buffoon stand on one of the stones later on. Anyway, it meant we had good opportunity to take pics that looked like there was no one else there!
We even found a cock and balls carved on one stone. We like to notice these things. Also fun to get up close to the Heel Stone.
It was a shame to be herded back on the bus when the hour was up, So cool to see the enormous stones close up.
We then went off for breakfast, then came back to the visitor centre at Stonehenge and enjoyed the exhibition, shop, etc. Then we were off for more culture at Avebury. The sun was out now and very strong! Avebury stone circle is also extremely impressive!
We overheard someone talking about a goddess seat, and so we found the stone with a seat in it, it also had a little Dave-shaped seat beside it! I have now looked this up and it is in fact the Devil's chair!!! But the Goddess party in the druid ceremony go there. Oh well :D
We also squeezed in a trip to West Kennet Long barrow. I do love a stone tomb.
The longbarrow was on top of a hill. And what a view of Silbury Hill from up there. Dave, what are you doing??
Our evening meal was at the Indian at Amesbury, where we were given a red rose each at the end of the meal. I ended up looking after them all and they lasted ages at home. Guys, love you lots!!
On the Sunday, we visited Old Sarum, which was very cool. Massive ditches and banks around the site, with walls made of flint. Nice view to the foundations of the cathedral beyond.M got herself a working crossbow at the shop. Hurrah for English Heritage!
After a lovely lunch at a nearby pub, it was time for home, sunburned but happy :D The journey back was way quicker than on the way down, though I was extremely lucky to get past an accident on the M6 just before the emergency services arrived and the whole motorway was closed to let the helicopter land. I was quite glad to get home, but what an incredible weekend!! Amazing trip and fab company xxx
~
