Conquering Hadrian's Wall

Well we could have planned the timing of our visit to the Lake District a little better, I suppose.  Beatrix Potter's house is only open by appointment, and Wordsworth's house is not open today! 

Nevertheless we had a lovely time driving (or rather creeping v-e-r-y slowly) through the very narrow, very twisty lanes lined on both sides with sturdy stone walls, marveling at the absolutely stunning scenery all around us.  We eventually ended up in Northumbria, had a delicious lunch in a small hotel/bar, and then made our way on foot up a steep climb to Hadrian's Wall. 

Mr. W was very pleased to be there -- the last time we visited several years ago, it was freezing cold with horizontal sleet and howling winds, and we thought we just might die from hypothermia if the bull in the field didn't get us first!  This time, the sun was shining and there were only sheep to worry about!