For our first destination we took a large step back in time with a visit to Stonehenge,which we both have heard of since our high school history days. Stonehenge is the remains of an ancient temple which was aligned on the movements of the sun built with massive stones that were brought here from Wales which is 250 miles away, over 4500 years ago and erected in precise positions.
Once a complete circle many of the stones are now missing.
It is absolutely amazing when one stops to consider how ancient man transported these massive stones over land and water and formed their shapes. The manpower involved must have been immense.
The top stones are perfectly balanced and have remained for thousands of years.
One of the stones on a recreation of the method of which they would have used to move he stones over land. This would have taken several dozen men to pull each stone.
Burial mounds such as this small mound and the ones in the distance surround Stonehenge and date back thousands of years. Important people were buried with their possessions. These sites haves are all protected and have been explored by archeologiststs.
The landscape on the way to Stonehenge was picturesque with large farming areas covered with newly harvested hay bails.
Exploring Bath was a delight. We first did the open air double decker bus which went around the city as well around the surrounding hills giving us wonderful panoramic views before setting off on foot. Bath was founded in the first century AD by the Romans as they built their Temlpe of Suis here as well as thier famous Roman bathes. This is the only place in England with a hot spring and it pours out over a million liters of hot water daily.
Although one is not allowed to go into the bubbling hot water it is rather humbling to walk on the same stones that were laid and walked on by the Romans 2000 years ago. The fact that this magnificent structure still stands today is a testament to their craftsmanship.
Mosaic floor dates back to 200 AD found within the temple 
This pool one could see the water bubbling away. Before leaving we tasted he hot spring water which is said to have great healing properties. One could certainly taste the minerals in it. These Roman baths and temple remains are considered to be the most important Roman remains north of the Alps.
The Abbey,which started construction in 1499 is situated next to the baths in the center of town and was worth a visit. It was the last Gothic church built in England and its high vaulted ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows are stunning.
The abbey tower rises above the skyline.
Some of the windows were painstakingly rebuilt following damage during WW2
The Pulteney Bridge crosses the Avon River and has narrow little shops along its sides making it quite unique.
The windows on the bridge are each little shops.
The buildings and homes in Bath are mostly all built from Bath stone giving them all a very uniform appearance which mostly varies only from how recently they have been cleaned.
Though the center of town is flat any direction you go is up as Bath is surrounded by hills. Most of the main shopping area is pedestrian only which is a very pleasant change from constantly having to deal with traffic. With lots of seating along the way people are out enjoying their lunch while listening to street musicians or simply people watching.
Typical Bath terrace houses. Walkways were all varied from slate to cobblestone but all were a little on the uneven side. While in Bath we had the pleasure of spending a few hours with some friends that we met several years ago in Jamaica. Ann and Bob used to live in Bath and it was great to catch up with them.
Canal strolls made for a pleasant afternoon 
The last leg of the British Bike Tour is to finish here on Sepember the 7th and the city was decorated appropriately.
I write this sitting on a train heading to Penrith to start the adventuresome part of this holiday. Stay tuned.
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