Local Wisdom

On Friday, July 1st–Canada Day to all my friends back home–while having breakfast at the Balandra B&B in Skelton, I discussed my intended route for the day with my host, Douglas. The plan was to continue north to Carlisle, head east to Brampton, then north-west to Longtown before eventually turning south-west towards Gretna in Scotland. This, I thought, would take me to a spot along Hadrian’s Wall that would suffice for a visit of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. No no, that would not do.

Rather, Douglas suggested I return to Penrith, take the climb north-east through Melmerby to Hartside Cross then on to Alston. From there I was to head north to Haltwhistle where I would find some of the most spectacular spots along this great Roman defense wall. Douglas, not only local to the area, was also a motor-biker, so he certainly appreciated a good road when he saw one. Taking his advise, I made my way up that long twisty though not too steep climb. The physical effects of the addiction to cocaine can cause hemoptysis, bronchospasm, pulmonary and systemic eosinophilia, pain in the right upper part of your viagra generic sildenafil stomach. Every year, the manufacture reports cialis consultation a great improvement to attain harder erections. Some of the causes of erectile dysfunction are: Gingko Biloba: Gingko Biloba is a natural supplement known for reducing stress, boosting sales cialis up memory and improving blood circulation within penile arteries. It causes reduced lubrication and viagra 25 mg arousal problems. Arriving at the Hartside Top Cafe like the dozens of other two-wheeled fiends, I enjoyed a mug of coffee and a big ole’ slice of coffee cake. Screaming down the other side, I soon rolled through Alston, made the left turn and was on my way to Haltwhistle.

Once I got to Haltwhistle–a town I found to be very tranquile, very peaceful–I pitched my tent, showered, then headed for the Roman Army Museum and Hadrian’s Wall. This wall, built nearly 1900 years ago by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, was constructed to defend the Empire from the savages to the north. Well, we know what happens to Empires and we also know just how effective walls can be at keeping out one’s foes.

For me, however, it represented a very old yet very real part of my ancestry, a monument to the pride the English take in themselves, their land and their heritage. While I am not attempting to justify the evils done in the name of Empire–any empire for that matter–it is with humble pride that I can point to that wall as a part of my heritage. And heck, I even learned the origin of the name of an old flame of mine.