Stonehenge

Stonehenge, located in southern England on the Salisbury Plain about 90 miles southwest of London, is one of the most famous prehistoric sites in the world. The giant ring of standing stones was erected over 4,000 years ago, but a circular earthbank and ditch surrounding the stones is even older...over 5,000 years old!

There are actually two mysteries surrounding Stonehenge. One is how 30 enormous sarsen stones were moved from their original location, arranged upright in a circle, with a ring of 30 additional lintel stones placed on top. Each of these stones is about 13 feet high and weighs about 25 tons! Within this circle are additional stones forming a horseshoe shape.

Mystery number two...exactly what did the ancients use Stonehenge for? Several theories have been proposed including an astronomical observatory for the summer solstice, the longest day of the year (which is 21 June 2009...the day before our visit). This event brings thousands to the site for the annual celebration to watch the sunrise. (Hopefully, they will be partied out by the time we arrive!)

Another theory is that Stonehenge was used as a religious site...hence the horde of "Druids" that descend on the area during summer solstice.

Most recently it is believed to have been a burial site and/or healing site as cremated remains dating back to 3,000 B.C. were unearthed there in May 2008.

In answer to the most asked question: No, we will not be able to walk among the stones, but we will be able to walk around it. But if you'd like a virtual tour inside the stones, go here for a 360 degree view from the inside by moving your cursor around inside the picture. For more information, see the official Stonehenge web site.

Travel Tips from Passports #1

Note: The following is a reprint of a few tips from the Travel Tips section from Passports. It can viewed in its entirety at Passports and typing in your username and password or the group preview code farmer09 (that's a zero and nine). I will periodically post some of their tips on our travel blog for your convenience.

*Travel light, especially if you are visiting several cities! Take one SMALL carry-on bag and one medium-sized piece of baggage (wheels are essential) to be checked. We recommend that you bring only the necessities. Once you have packed your bags, pick them up and carry them for a few yards then ask yourself if you are prepared to spend the next week or so doing the same. If not, then you have over-packed! Do not lock your suitcase before a flight. Security agents may need to look inside, and may break your lock in order to do so.

*Be prepared for any kind of weather. Always pack a sweater, sweatshirt or other light, long-sleeved outerwear in case of cool evenings or cloudy days when you are traveling in the summer.

*Layers are the tops! Take a couple of close-fitting tank tops to wear under your shirts/tops, if you get a bit chilly. They will take up hardly any room in your suitcase but that extra layer will keep you cozy. Even on warm days, nights can be cold, and it's always cooler on oceans or rivers.

*Always wear a pair of broken-in, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers during the tour and on the airplane. Never take new shoes on tour.