We had our biggest day to date - about 16k through sun, wind and rain.  This is our second day of rain - last one was relentless but today it has cleared and we are sitting in our BB looking out over a green valley with buildings bathed in late sunshine - it is 8.30!  The countryside has been spectacular to say the least - we've walked over crags, along cliffs and up and down seriously steep hills.  We've been accompanied by the wall - what an incredible feat of engineering.  Yesterday we had a rest day and went to Vindolanda once the home of 800 soldiers and cavalry troops as well as a small village outside the walls of the fort. To cater for entertainment, bath house, merchants etc.

Vindolanda is a living archeology centre with the most amazing finds - one day they found 9 horse skulls - there are shoes from tiny babies to adults, jewellery (even back then adornment was important), pottery, and the very famous Vindolanda postcards - snippets from the past.  Send me socks and undies please - we would like more beer sent - invitations to a dinner party - an amazing record of life I the fort.

At the Roman Army Museum we saw a 3D film of the wall and were so excited because it showed the wall and we had walked it and recognised all the views and important parts. - we were on top of thAt hill, we walked down that cliff - we are all on such a high and excited by the challenge of the walk.  It has been hard, especially in the rain bUt we are in good shape - minimal soreness but boy are we tired at the end of the day.  BB have been great, we are eating well and not drinking too much, tonight the food was fabulous.

Tomorrow is our longest day - 18k to Newtown then into Carlisle.  We have walked four days and have four more days but countryside is moving downhill now and less ups and downs.  We,re still having fun.  Best wishes to everyone from TheHappy Hikers.

Lesley.