We have taken three days off work to go up to London to see Antony [Ian's brother] who is flying to New York on September 11th for a pilgrimage. Wanting to take the scenic route we drove through Dartmoor.
Dartmoor is a wild beautiful place with bleak daunting tors, very relaxed sheep and lovely wild ponies who are very friendly. The ponies are mostly interested in food than anything else, but would put up with a scratch behind the ears for a nibble. The day we visited was a lovely warm sunny autumn day with the pink heather in full bloom, but I can imagine this place wild, mist sodden, bleak, and isolated on an aerie winters day. I would love to spend a few days here one day.
Arthur Conan Doyle's thriller "The hound of the Baskervilles" was set here on Dartmoor. A lot of history makes it's presence known ~ prehistoric remains, sites where bronze age huts can be found, a fascinating place.
We then carried onto Salisbury. Salisbury Cathedral was an awe inspiring site as we drove into the city. It was built in 1220-1258. I love looking at the Constable painting compared with he modern photograph.
Being a Sunday, services were being held. We were treated by the organ playing ~ we wanted to clap and shout an encore as it finished, it was just amazing.
Stonehenge will have to wait another day. You could spend days around this area, but we were expected in London by tonight.
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