DAY 8: Newcastle to Nottingham

Heartbreak! As we pull into the harbor at Newcastle we realize we forgot to bring our coals! A kind lady board informs us that all the mines are closed now, so they could probably use some, too. Rats!

There is a LONG delay getting off the boat because there are so many passengers. It’s hard to believe that they will discontinue this ferry after this season, as it sure seems popular! We had hoped to see some friends in Newcastle on the way, but with the delay disembarking, and the confusion of the ferry terminal, it was just as well that they weren’t there when we landed. Sorry, Diane and kids!

We were thinking that I would stay behind and Todd would run out to the car rental place and come back for us, but we decide in the end to just pile into a taxi and all head out together to save time. Good Idea. This way we get to meet Trevor Jones the super taxi driver/tour guide. He has just recently returned to Newcastle after a stint in the US and he loves his hometown and is glad to show it off. He turns off the meter and takes us on a quick driving tour of the city on the way to Avis. The Avis lady is worried that we have taken so long to get there, but we have enjoyed our time with Trevor.

As it turns out, Todd has enjoyed his time so much, that he has forgotten to orient himself to driving on the left. It’s a little hairy starting out and I get the giggles remembering the Kevin Kline character in A Fish Called Wanda who insisted on driving his huge American car on the right and shouting profanities at those who get in his way.

But, we have our maps and our Google directions, which are occasionally helpful and away we go to Hadrian’s Wall and an old Roman Fort. The kids LOVE that they can actually climb on the ruins. They are so interested in learning about the Romans, in fact, that it makes us feel a little better about spending their college money to get here.

Then back in the car and we drive like the wind to Nottingham, skipping Sherwood Forest and so much else, but we have 2 days to drive the long way across England, which is almost criminal, but alas can’t be helped. We have another ship waiting for us in a couple of days.