Off Topic The Goodhand Arms

I replaced all the tree chocolates eaten by the 'burglar'. Two didn't have strings so they needed eating. Them's the rules.

 

Well, it's only being tidy, so they don't count. I can understand that.

 

No tent section in the Nambia special.

 

Talking of winter solstices, here was Stonehenge at sunrise this morning. Yes, I know the stones are aligned to sunset on the winter solstice, but sunrise was pretty cool:

 

I haven't finished (started) my Xmas shopping. I do it all xmas eve from one shop (Tesco). Not even that stressful tbh. Slippers, socks and toiletries all round.

Edit: or I buy it online tbh

 

I always thought there was a set aligned for the winter and summer sunrise too?

 

Summer sunrise, winter sunset, apparently. The drummers and dancers were still hard at it when we left, while the Druids had a break, but they'll all be there this afternoon. In any case it was a bit academic this morning, as although the sky went a beautiful pink, there was too much cloud about to see the sun come up!

 

I was going to ask you if you'd made the trip this morning.

 

Yes, there were hundreds there, the overflow car park was about 2 mile from the Visitor Centre, so we walked down there and got a shuttle bus to the stones. Lovely peaceful atmosphere, much better than when the stones were all fenced off with barbed wire!

 

Didn't realise the fencing had gone. That's great news. Hope people respect the stones.

 

Oh yes, my impression was that everyone was treating them like you would an aged relative who was great fun but frail!

 

You know what, despite living in Bournemouth/Poole all my life and relatively close to Stonehenge I have never seen the stones. I really must make the effort for a trip.

 

Yes it has been quite an attitude turnaround. Once, there was completely free access. Then there was practically none. I think those responsible for making the decision to return access to the stones have been surprised how respectful people are.

 

Well worth it, and it's so easy now with the shuttle bus from the car park! The stones are quite simply awesome.

 

Yes, fair play to English Heritage, they have done a great job there.

 

Absolutely. I bored the group some time ago about my strange visit there as part of the 'official' English Heritage group in the 80s. I went the year the Police treated people attempting to access the stones like animals and they reciprocated, = mass fighting.

I find people tend to live up to your higher expectations if given a little time and respect. Treat 'em like criminals however . . . . .

 

Indeed. I went for the Summer sunrise a couple of years back and that was truly wonderful.

 

Excellent

 

Yes. I know how that happens. Live local - happily travels to the other side of the world while forgetting the treasures on one's doorstep. In my experience, most people do the same.