Stonehenge to St Thomas / St Edmond Church to Bude, Cornwall

Today was Stonehenge.  The size and magnificence of the stones is truly impressive. We had a perfectly beautiful day for our trip out to the henge, 28C, barely a cloud in the sky. We were joined by our fellow traveller, Vivian, nice visit as we made our way to the site. Just being there was overwhelming.



Listening to the commentary provided gave insight into how old (3000 BC), how massive (the inner circle ‘blue’ stones  4 tons each, 60 of them brought from over 200 km away; the lintel stones 5 tons each raised 4 m into the air, fitted with tongue and groove joints; the pillars, saresens over 35 tons each; those stones hauled from a quarry close at hand, a mere 40 km away, forming a circle 33 meters in diameter).  One of the things you don’t understand looking at the saresens and standing stones (those almost 50 tons each) is that one third of the rock is below the surface!! We walked around and around, took a loads of pictures, then took lots of pictures for couples there needing an impromptu photographer, finally one more cycle just to gawk at it and attempt to take it all in.  Impossible to do so. A reluctant goodbye to our newest friend, Vivian, made our way back in to Salisbury.

Visited the Church of St Thomas (of St Thomas Becket martyr of Henry II in the 12^th century in Canterbury Cathedral) and St Edmond. Fascinating Doomsday painting.

 

Nice lunch then on the train to Exeter. What a comfortable and civilized (if somewhat warm - did we mention it was 28C today??) way to travel.

Arrived, waited for our friend Sarah, joined us for tea and a visit, and then joined by a slightly delayed Phil.  Phil drove us to their lovely home in Bude.  Through the country side - iconic lanes through trees, miles of hedges, with glimpses of rolling, green and brown (ready for harvest) farm land. Then Bude, spectacular!  Poor Phil barely got a word in edgewise - so excited to be with the Gavins. Met Beth & Ed, relaxed on the deck with Cornish treats, Bulmers and a pint of Doom Bar. Kind, engaging, friendly and  welcoming hosts.  Doesn’t get any better.  However, knowing Sarah & Phil, it probably will.  A remarkable day.

More to follow …