Hadrian's Wall - Day Two - 9.5 miles

We didn't make the distance I had wanted for Day Two, but this was definately the best section of the wall.  You could see the wall the entire way and were not only at the most northerly section, but the highest in altitude.  The hills were killer, but also made for some amazing views.  The photo above is Soph and Dad looking out from one of the high points.

Hank insisted on holding the map/book and didn't want anyone to look at it.  He even held it when he was riding on my shoulders.  He was also a bit crazy about the stiles and wanted to go up and down them over and over.  Sometimes we would just let him do it because it was too much effort to chase him over the stone walls, and it gave us an excuse to rest!

This is Sycamore Gap.  It is the place where part of the movie "Robin Hood" was filmed.  This was the tree the little boy was in as he was pursued by the bad guys and defended by Kevin Costner.  Regardless of the movie stuff, this is an amazingly beautiful part of the wall and proved an excellent location for a lunch break.

Sophia knew she wasn't supposed to climb on the wall, but when I wasn't looking, Dad put her up there and let her walk a ways along the top.  These stones are simply amazing to have lasted, intact, for nearly 2,000 years.  They are so pretty and square and perfectly fitted together. 

This is how Hank traveled most of the hike.  A few times he nearly fell off when he went to sleep on my head.  He also enjoyed pulling my hat off, and dancing like a crazy person when we sang songs.  Everytime he saw a lamb (there were a ZILLION) he would grab my head and turn it in the direction of the sheep, even if they were behind us.  My poor neck still hurts just thinking about it.  Notice Daisy in the photo looking fit and fabulous.  She and Cash were wonderful on the hike.  By the third day Daisy was actually running and playing around a bit.  This hike may have been good for that crazy old girl. 

We all had a rest at Sycamore Gap.  As we all know....A tired dog is a good dog.  This is true of Cash too!  It was nice to have a tired Cash, but at the same time, we knew that the more pt he did, the more he would want/need!

We had a few more miles to go when we go to the old quarry.  Daisy and Cash wasted NO time jumping into the water and drinking as they swam.  Hank wasted no time in scooping up as many rocks as possible and chucking them into the water.  Sophia wasted no time in demanding snacks and water, and I wasted no time sitting down and resting my feet!

The crazy Beany Family!