Sam's Walk
Wall, Chollerford, Walwick, Vercovicium (Housesteads) and Steel Rig.
Hi Sam. This is such a great walk and we have really enjoyed today. We marvel at the resourcefulness of mankind through the ages and were amazed at what we saw people capable of two thousand years ago. We hope our scientists of today can come up with the secrets needed to solve MS and give you the life we want you to have. We think about you as we start again today.We are ready to go after a big fry up. All my wet gear is packed in my back pack as I step outside and see it is raining that very fine rain. Not forecast but means a quick change of clothes. We are off and plan on doing around 16-18 miles today with some hills along the way. Early on we pass Brunton Turret and Viv and Rob want to go and see it because it is one of the best preserved.
I say we can see it from the road lets get going as we got miles to do. They persuaded me and it was a good call. We started to cast ourselves back two thousand years ago and really got in to the grooves used to hold the vertical slabs in place at the entrance to the turret. Rob and I have no idea what we are talking about but look convincing to anyone looking on.Round the corner to Chollerford where there is an old Roman Bridge. Then we find a little garage and I tell Rob we can find what he has been missing since the start of the walk.
He says 'no way' and as we enter the shop he tells me to ask for him. Gemma greets us with a lovely welcoming smile and I ask very loudly 'do you sell Vasoline' to which Rob says 'its for our friend behind us!!!'. I tell Gemma it is for Rob and he is too shy to ask and she says 'oh how sweet'. Rob blushes. Anyway they do sell Vasoline and this distance from Newcastle it is a big seller for those who have come without.
We go in to Chesters Fort to get our next stamp. We meet Time Travellors Susie, Lilly, Anna and David who are doing their thing at Chesters Fort. They take 6-11 year olds back in time and carry out activities to take them in to that time. Sounds like a great idea and they look like a fun group to work with. Again Viv suggests we should go and see the fort and I am worrying about our miles and time to do it and once again I am convinced. Brilliant idea Viv and well done persuading us. 
This place was amazing. The layout of barracks, officers quarters, main square and baths give you a real feel for what it must have been like. Functionally organised and geometric in its layout we were very impressed at what they did 2000 years ago. The baths have not really been improved in concept since then. They had hot and cold rooms, steam, plunge pools and sitting areas to change. Must have been amazing. Rob tries out the changing room and imagines himself moving on to the baths.
We now see turret after turret and they are all impressive affairs. Just beyond Black Cart Turret we stop at the 'very fresh coffee cart'. Run by Antonio (Ant) the Protector of Procolitia he has been there every day serving drinks for the last three years. He tells us only on one day has there been no walker to serve. Each year he serves between 8-10000 drinks in all weather and in the thick fine drizzle of this morning we really appreciate ours. Thanks for your generous donation Antonius we really appreciate it and it will make a difference. Procolitia was first garrisoned with a French legion and then later on a German legion. We reflect on soldiers coming from down south round the med and having to serve in the harsh conditions of Northumberland in times gone by. 
A bit further along we meet Richard and Alan who look after the path all year round. They mow the paths, make repairs to the path and look after all the stiles. They do a fantastic job and seem really happy in their work. Thanks for your very generous donations Richard and Alan we really appreciate it.
We stop at Vercovicium (Housesteads) Fort which is yet another really impressive place. Lots of the same features of Chesters but here we notice the under floor heating for the commanding officer (warm air blasted under a raised floor) and the amazing lattrines. 
We are once again struck by the sophistication of Hadrian's Romans back then. 800 troops in the barracks and it seems that most of them have in total the same amount of space as the commandors house. Things haven't changed.
As we leave we meet Liam Charlotte, Shaun, Sam, Kevin and Marie and Paul (Granddad) from Stevenage near where I live. They are sitting on the wall and enjoying a little stretch along this part. 
We head off to Sycamore Pass and some scary ledges for me and eight vertically up and down 400 feet rises and falls. Fortunately I was ahead of Rob so that he couldn't point out the sheer drops around me and I used my yoga breathing to keep my mind on my feet alone. Then I learn that Viv and Rob took a detour to a road missing out the eight challenging climbs. After I have done them I get a call to tell me they have dropped down to the road.
We are picked up at Steel Rig by Val who takes us to her amazing farm. A most perfect spot and a wonderful finish to a most amazing and interesting day.
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