Greetings all –

Sorry bout the number of questions in here. I'll follow the rules from now on.

I’m getting rather excited about my July trip this year. I’ll be digging at Vindolanda the first two weeks in July – anyone else out there digging then? Not sure which team I’m on – Is there an easy way to tell?

I’m a little bit behind on my plans for this year – I haven’t looked too hard for accommodations yet. Am I in trouble yet? I’d be open to sharing a cottage or room with someone – I keep most of my disgusting habits to myself.

I’ve been volunteering at several sites over the last couple of years, but this will be my first time to Vindolanda. Last year’s South Shields trip was interesting, but who could pass up a chance to wade through mud for 2 weeks? My co-workers think I’m off my rocker. My usual clothing choice is to have a pair or two of “digging clothes” (stay upwind towards the end of the trip). I assume this strategy isn’t going to work too well in the mud. Is there a handy laundry service nearby or is that a must-have for my accommodations?

Everything I’ve read says I need a car - are you guys sure? With the number of people who dislike Americans these days, I don’t think I should worsen our international relationship any by scaring the hell out of the locals. If I do get a car, and you see me driving on the wrong side of the road, or stopped, in deep thought, at a roundabout, give me some sort of hint, will ya?

Thanks all, good luck to those about to brave the spring weather, and I’ll see some of you in July.

Mark

Hi Mark,

Your booked in from the 1st of July to the 12th, so you are on the Sunday to Thursday team with myself. As for the car, it is a good idea and you should be fine, as we are in a rural area, so not a huge amount of roundabouts to contend with. If you are deeply nervous though, plumb for the bus instead. As for not liking Americans? you will have no problems that I am aware of. People don't tend to have too much respect for Mr Bush (and few do for Mr Blair either come to think of it) but this is mostly down to good old Iraq rather than anying deeper, and lets face it, we are in that mess together!

Mud is gloriuos stuff, and there is no doubt about it, you will definately need access to a wahsing machine, or you will be deeply unpopular. The pre-hadrianic levels stink like sewers, everything slowly rotting, so add this into your thinking.

All the best


Andrew

I’m getting rather excited about my July trip this year. I’ll be digging at Vindolanda the first two weeks in July – anyone else out there digging then? Not sure which team I’m on – Is there an easy way to tell?

Hello Fellow Yank:

I'll be digging at that time (1st week in July) with Justin's team. We'll have to get together with Harry and any other Americans for a July 4 celebration. Actually, ANY excuse for drinks is good.

I’m a little bit behind on my plans for this year – I haven’t looked too hard for accommodations yet. Am I in trouble yet? I’d be open to sharing a cottage or room with someone – I keep most of my disgusting habits to myself.

You may have some difficulty finding accommodation nearby; I've booked myself in within walking distance of the site, merely because it's pleasant to walk around the area. Last year I took the Hadrian's Wall bus from Hexham to Chesters, then walked back to Vindolanda along the line of the Wall. Lovely countryside.

If you have a rental car, you can probably find something in Hexham or Haltwhistle, I'd think. Probably Andy or Justin can give you some better sense of where all the B&Bs are.

I’ve been volunteering at several sites over the last couple of years, but this will be my first time to Vindolanda. Last year’s South Shields trip was interesting, but who could pass up a chance to wade through mud for 2 weeks? My co-workers think I’m off my rocker. My usual clothing choice is to have a pair or two of “digging clothes” (stay upwind towards the end of the trip). I assume this strategy isn’t going to work too well in the mud. Is there a handy laundry service nearby or is that a must-have for my accommodations?

I was 'the Manky Yankee' last year, utterly covered in mud at the end of each day, so perhaps we could have a competition for the title? I was fortunate enough to have a B&B owner who did some laundry for me, however. If you don't have access to a washing machine, might I suggest bringing seven pairs of jeans along, plus shirts to match?

Everything I’ve read says I need a car - are you guys sure? With the number of people who dislike Americans these days, I don’t think I should worsen our international relationship any by scaring the hell out of the locals. If I do get a car, and you see me driving on the wrong side of the road, or stopped, in deep thought, at a roundabout, give me some sort of hint, will ya?

I live in the UK, and have never but once had any comments directed my way--and the fellow who did was out of his tree on drugs and staggering about the street in any case. I can honestly say that 'foreign affairs' isn't even an issue; nobody blames me, or will confront you, about the perceived pecadilloes of US foreign policy. Britons are extraordinarily friendly, and indeed I've found that most people are curious to learn about my experiences in the UK, why I live here (my wife's Scottish), etc.

If you drive on the wrong side of the road, I'm sure the friendly police force will set you straight. Unless you're staying within a few miles of Vindolanda, you'll probably want a car--the bus service doesn't seem to do its first run until sometime in mid-morning. Plus, it's nice to have a car so you can visit different eateries at night....

Hi
This will be our 3rd year at Vindolanda and we've always stayed at aome cottages about 10 mins drive away called Common House Farm. We found the link on the Vindolanda website, which was really useful. There is a whole host of different accomodation types listed under the tourist info bit.
This will be our first April trip, having previously been in July or August - last year we wnet from one extreme to the other in terms of heatwave to deluge, so be prepared for anything!
Hope you have a great time.
Sue

Thanks for the responses – they really helped.

I only used the “dislike Americans” line as a comedic transition into the image of me running old ladies, cyclists, and livestock from the roads. I spent a couple of weeks in South Shields last summer, where everyone was very pleasent. At least I think they were – it’s damn hard to understand some of them. But I’m practicing. I used “Doggy” and “Buggered” in sentences last week and I’ve spent the last two weeks watching nothing but Notting Hill and the Fox Soccer Channel.

As far as a 4th of July celebration goes – I agree wholeheartedly. In fact, I think we ought to celebrate the 3rd of July, the 5th of July, the 6th of July, and several other days during the week.

I’m beginning my search for a self-catered cottage today. I thought I would throw out the request for a roommate one more time. I fear all that free space in my own cottage might permanently spoil me. I don’t think I would be able to share a room on other digs once I’ve lived the life of luxury.

Thanks again everyone.

Mark.

now that is truly truly scary

have a great time in July...sorry I wont be there to say hi.



chris

Hi everyone
Looking forward to starting the dig on Sunday!
Hope I've got enough layers of clothing and waterproofs to cope. :blink:
See you soon.
Sue

Mark,

If you wash once a week you will probably get the occassional free lift - unfortunately I'm not digging in July so will not have to worry about buying more air freshener for the car.

Keep working on the language - add "bollocks" and "taking the mickey" to your set of words and you will start sounding like a Brit. For the real local sound however try -"I divint nar!"

Bob.

Also:

'Reet, time for coops a' tea!'

One guess as to who I'm quoting....