Stonehenge
Tuesday, February 2, 2010 at 11:15AM When you drive down the M3 on your way to Stonehenge, there is a point where you round a bend, and suddenly, there it is.
"Oh My God, Oh My God, Oh My God, Is That It? There it is!"
Nestled in between the motorway and the road to Salisbury sits one of the most iconic visions in the world. It's a bit surreal really. Commuters zip past it on their way to work everyday.
We got to Stonehenge early on a frosty Monday morning. Owen had lobbied hard for the special tickets that allowed us in an hour before opening, and also allowed up-close access inside the circle. We LOVED the small splurge! Our family had Stonehenge at sunrise completely to ourselves for the first half hour!
It's very different inside the stone circle. From a distance you feel the monumental importance, the centuries of reverence, the AWE of the place. From inside it feels somehow more human, more personal. We imagined the sweat and commitment that it took to drag these massive stones for miles, to hoist them into place. We pointed out to each other the joinery that held them together. We watched as the crows flew in and out of the nests they had made in the huge vertical slabs.
In preparation for the visit we'd read up and watched videos on the history of Stonehenge. This was one of those BEST OF home-schooling moments for us. To be there. To wander. It was pretty awesome. We're lucky people.
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Bob & Brenna Redpath | 16 Comments | Email Article | Stumble, Digg, etc. | in travel | tagged Stonehenge, homeschool, stonehenge kids
Reader Comments (16)
Rounding that curve and tipping that hill and looking down on Stonehenge was one of the most wonderful experiencesin my life.I still get cold chills just remembering the first time I saw it. My fasination with Stonehinge has lasted for at least 50+ years. I read about it as a child through adulthood. ...anything about it ,from fiction to fact. I am so glad you got to see it at sunrise......what a wonderful opportunity for all of you especially Owen and Ella. Did you know that there was once a thoroughfare at least 5 miles long, lined with standing stones, leading to Stonehinge? Can you imagine how magnificient that would look!!
When I was there they would not let anyone inside the fence, so they must have changed some rules.
Visiting the Cathedral at Sailsbery I learned that there are hinges much older than Stonehinge scattered around the area. Most are a lot amaller. I did get to visit several.....one just walks up a hill in a cow pasture and there several are. I cannot imagine living with all that history. If you havetime go to the Salisbery Cathedrial.it is beautiful.
The pictures are great guys!! Are you standing in snow?
Much love............
The Lama is speechless ...
and filled with happiness for you.
Namaste,
....The Lama...
Great photos!
"Stonehenge! 'Tis a magic place
Where the moon doth rise with a dragon's face
Stonehenge! Where the virgins lie
And the prayers of devils fill the midnight sky
And you my love, won't you take my hand?
We'll go back in time to that mystic land
Where the dew drops cry and the cats meow
I will take you there, I will show you how"
I'm ashamed that I just couldn't help myself.
WOW, it is stunningly beautiful. Bless you, Owen, for having the great good sense to insist on the extra special tickets.
Peace!
Very beautiful and very cool!
I am jealous. What an amazing experience. Great Pics.
WoW!! It looks a lot bigger than it did at the Spinal Tap concert. LOL Jenna is quite envious, I must say.
The picture of Brenna and the kids looking awestruck in the frosty morning is the best picture ever!!!!! Continue enjoying yourselves!
very cool. it's inspired so much to so many. I recall when i first learned about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zdyo4vJuCU&feature=related
i was awestruck too.
Those are some fantastic photos! One of the biggest ancient sites in the UK and I still haven't made it there. I'm kicking myself right now.
We're heading there in May, so I'm taking copious notes of your travels. Perhaps our paths will cross - wouldn't that be great?! These frosty photos are magical. xo
Wow! What a fabulous experience for you guys! And the photos are amazing. I'm enjoying my vicarious vacation with you all. :)
"To wander. It was pretty awesome. We're lucky people."
Always a great feeling to have this moment.
To realize how lucky we are.
Sometimes hard to keep it in perspective stuck in traffic on the 101 frwy...
Maybe it would be better if Stonehenge was located at the Tampa offramp?
Hi Bob,
What amazing pics that you were able to get being the only ones around for the early morning hours of sunrise ... I know that your a great editor of sound, but maybe you dabbled in picture editing as well (Are you sure you didn't photo enhance a History Book PHOTO ???) !!! LOL !!!! What a great family moment!
-Brian
Isn't it surreal? In the US you would be seeing billboards for miles. There . . . it's just there. Now, the truth-- how did you get so close? That is an awesome shot!
WIthout QUESTION - Home Schooling at it's BEST! NO Class can touch that!
As you guys have made your way through the journey - I am constantly struck by (and jealous of) of that very fact. Owen and Ella's Lives are Changed FOREVER! They will never know the doors this trip has opened to them, and the people they will be as a result. They will always know a world with no restraints. Their horizons are vast. During the most formative years of their lives, their wold is far from routine. They live in an "ever-changing" reality. Their life has taken the form of the earth's most wonderous and powerful things - the things that never stand still - never look the same twice and are in a constant state of flux .... the moon, the ocean, fire, and wind. These control the world and environment more than anything else on the planet, and Owen & Ella will to. They are achieving a greatness and strength few parents have the courage, wisdom, and means to provide.
Here's to you and Bob for providing your kids with a life few even venture to dream about. You are creating something great in them! I love you guys!
Cynthia