Walking the Wall

No rain this morning, but no sunshine either. Exchanged addresses with the nice couple from CA at breakfast. Maybe we will see them again some day. 

Today turned out to be our 5 pound tour. Everything we went into only cost us 5 pounds. First up was the National Railway Museum to beat the rush. On the way, we passed the postal service delivery station. They do mail delivery on bicycles. In fact York is the bicycle capital of England. Maybe not as obvious as Amsterdam, but there are bike lanes everywhere as well as bike parking stands. It is a pity the weather was cooperative. We would have loved to biked around here. Certainly not as hilly as Edinburgh. 

Gave our 5 pound donation and entered the Railway Museum. This was really something to see. One section looked like Warehouse 13 (for those familiar with the show). Killed about two hours looking around and enjoying a cup of coffee. Around noon it started getting very busy, so we headed out.

Time to walk the Wall. It is 2 1/2 miles around the inner city. There is an entrance to the Wall pretty close to the where we were, so that's we started. Of course, this is not the terribly scenic part - most folks start from the other side and rarely make it down here. Needless to say, we were alone for a good part of the walk. OK for us. We did get to see parts of the city that we hadn't seen yet which was kinda nice. The first stop on the Wall was Micklegate Bar (remember a bar is a gate). Here there is a museum dedicated to Henry VII. This is also the official entrance to the city where all the royals pass through after asking permission to enter. They continue to use this procedure to this day. We did our 5 pound tour and pressed on.

Next up was Monk's Bar home to Richard III Museum. Another 5 pounds

and we learned all about the Tudors and the Lancasters, the war at Wakefield, the War of the Roses, and the stories of Richard III whether they be true or otherwise. On the wall just past Monk's Bar was a great view of Grays Court where we had tea yesterday. We were now on the prettiest section of the Wall. By the time we got to Bootham Bar, our last stop, it was time to head back to the room for a rest. We also wanted to see if the new SIM card had come.

No card. Totally bummed. Called them from the phone in our computer and cancelled the card. We headed back into town and stopped at the first phone store we saw. In about 10 minutes we were back in business again for just - you guessed it - 5 pounds! New SIM and also a new number.

Walked up to the Minster for the 5:15 choir but we were early and really didn't want to hang around. Found a pub and ordered some fish and chips instead. Back in the room and just finished packing for our London adventure which starts tomorrow.

All in all, we made the best of the weather situation and although it seemed a bit dreary at first, we really did have a good time. We are looking forward to London and hopefully some sunshine. We are planning on traveling to Kent during our stay and visiting with friends.  There is also a possibility of hooking up with some neighbors who are also in London - our dates over lap slightly so we might get a chance to see them. Would also like to get in a city bike tour as well. 

Early rise tomorrow. Back at the York Train station Platform 3 at 9am.

Next time... Going to London