Newcastle

We are headed south again this morning. We have had a great whistle stop in Newcastle. We docked at the Royal Quays Marina where the facilities are great and the staff friendly. We entered the marina through a tidal lock so the basin is completely calm.

We spent a day exploring with our first stop at the Royal Quays Outlet Mall where we managed to find more UK cash, a top up for our phone and an information bureau. Most of the walk to the mal was along a beautiful walking / cycle path.

From there, we walked to the Metro, a light rail train that travels around Newcastle.

First stop: Wallsend. We headed to a museum and archaeological site which marked the western end of Hadrian's Wall. This garrison was built completed in 127AD to secure the Roman Empire’s northern border in what is now the United Kingdom. The actual dig showed the layout of the fort and interior buildings but it was disappointing not to have any walls to get a better feeling of the space

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The inside of the museum was well done, with many interactive exhibits for adults and children. The Roman’s were advanced in many ways. This is and example of under floor heating that is all the rage today.

You could try on clothing to look like a roman soldier and look at the barracks of the men.

The view from the observation tour was a good orientation to the site. You can walk the length of the wall. approximately 80 miles across England. The vieiw is the River Tyne towards Newcastle.

In later years the site became a large ship yard, completing such ships as the Mauritania. One of the ships built here really got our attention. It was an artic explorer built 25 years ago. This is the ship we crossed paths with east of Bermuda and spent a few minutes chatting with.

Back on the Metro to complete our journey in to Newcastle. This is a wonderful, pedestrian friendly city.

The first task was to find somewhere for lunch / supper at 3pm. Well we decided to splurge.

We had an excellent meal at the Newcastle location of Jamie’s.

In spite of the fact that it was 3pm we had a 20 minute wait. Once seated the service was friendly and efficient and the food was excellent. We could watch the hustle and bustle in the kitchen. My lamb chops were melt in your mouth tender and the only way to eat then was with your fingers.

We were back at the marina as the sun set. Can you find Voila this time?

Yesterday Alan met a couple on their folding bikes and had an opportunity to try them out.He was really impressed. We are wondering if we would use them now that we are in Europe.  Something to think about but boy are the pricey. Built here in Britain by Brompton. Alan claims they ride just like a full sized bike.

Time to get ready and head out the lock, fuel up at go back out to sea.