Avebury and Palestine

On Saturday, I visited Palestine and Avebury.

Palestine
The sign for Palestine was surrounded with cow parsley and as we passed through the village in Wiltshire slowly, I realised how different it appeared from images I have seen of the other, more well-known Palestine.

Ancient Tree
My mum noticed the ancient tree and stopped the car quickly, near to it. I jumped out, eager to get a closer look and as I did, my ankles were stung by nettles. The tree was gloriously gnarled and slightly hollowed and I touched it gently.

West Kennet Long Barrow
At the top of the hill, past the field of dandelions, rocks surround the entrance of the tomb. I wandered down the steps, but stepped out quickly at the sight of rising smoke. I walked across the mound, staring at the extensive bulge of Silbury Hill opposite, surrounded by vivid yellow fields of rape. Finding the courage to descend back into the tomb, I saw another person just leaving. Despite the light pouring in from a constructed sky-light, corners of the tomb were rather dark and alone down there, I very much wanted to crawl into them.

The Sanctuary
The Sanctuary is similar to Woodhenge in that the original circles have been demolished and replaced by concrete blocks. The nearby busy main road makes The Sanctuary less peaceful than Woodhenge, but it is still possible to get some sense of atmosphere.