Old Stones and New Sights

*Edit* I wrote this yesterday evening (Saturday), but wasn't able to post it until today (Sunday):)

Today we took a trip back in time when the Martins took us to a castle that is over 1000 years old.  They picked us up at our flat and we drove down to the ferry that carries people and cars across the water to the other side.  We then drove several miles until we got near the castle.  As we walked up to the castle we passed though some lovely foliage with a stream running through it.  It was cool and a slight bit breezy...near perfect weather.  As we climbed higher and higher we could see the massive castle towering above us.  The castle is in ruins, but even now its grandeur is still amazing.  As we rounded a bend in the trail a lovely little village came into view.  It was so Old English and quaint!

Here are the pictures of our day:

This was taken on top of the ferry on the way over.

Lizzy and Me in the little village outside the castle.

The Italians came along as well.  Anna was shopping with friends, so that's why you won't see her in these pictures.

 

We still hadn't gotten to the castle yet.  Had to get in the spirit first, you know.

Finally, we're at the castle!

The castle (which, by the way is called Corfe Castle) is so high up and the views are breathtaking!

It's so sad that it was destroyed. 

   

How did they build such massive structures so long ago?

  

As I was looking through the pictures earlier, this immediately struck me as the faces of two people looking at each other!  Do you see it?

This is a good view of the village at the base of Corfe Castle.  Could you imagine standing here hundreds of years ago as a king or queen watching your subjects or maybe even looking at an army approaching and thinking of your battle plan?

By this time it was just beginning to rain a bit, but it never got too heavy and quickly went away...oh, the joys of English weather!

After the castle we went to a tea room and had a spot of tea.  How do you like Mr. John's shirt? :) (It says Dallas Cowboys.) 

Mom took most of these pictures including this one...unfortunately we don't have many of her! :(

This was taken on our way back from the village.

Then, the Martins treated us to a ride on the steam engine!!!  It was so awesome!

This was our ticket guy.  He was entertaining (can you tell?) and obviously loves his volunteer job.

 

This was taken from the train.

And so was this.  It gives you an idea of how high up the castle is.  I love the clouds in this picture.

 

Here's the train station in Swanage where the train ride ended.  We had a most unusual experience while on the train.  At one of the stops a bride, groom and the bridal party got on!

It was such a lovely day and fun to be with our friends! 

 

This morning Mom, Dad and I were reading my post from yesterday and we came across several typos...evidence of my writing abilities at 1:30 in the morning.  Sorry!  Just in case you're wondering, the time it says I'm posting is Texas time...add six hours to it and you have my time.  Speaking of my time...I better get to bed.  Night night!