Boarders

Boarders are real or artificial lines that separate geographic areas. Borders, particularly national borders, impact travel. People can usually move freely within their own country’s borders, but typically may require approval to cross the boarder into another country. The process of obtaining such an approval for entry into Russia is why the Bazflyers were stranded, temporarily stateless, in the UK. The good news is this formality was helpfully expedited by the Russian Consulate in New Zealand and passports containing vital visas are on their way back to the Bazflyers. 

Meanwhile, in deference to the weather and ever echoing voices disclaiming responsibly for an un-typical English summer, the Bazflyers decided they would leave Comanche ZK-BAZ in it’s Breighton hanger and embark on a vehicular cross-boarder mission. This was a west to east expedition along the Scottish-English boarder....no passport or visa required.

Postcard picture boarder road

It’s probably an understatement to suggest the border separating Scotland and England is a contentious partition. It also bisects an enduring relationship spanning almost 2000 years of history.

Berwick-upon-Tweed is the most northern town in England. It has a turbulent history being passed between English and Scottish hands at least 13 times. In spite of this it’s quaintness is extremely easy on the eye with cobbled, steep streets boasting evocative names such as Foul Ford and Easter Wynd. 

Opened by Queen Victoria in 1850, the hugely impressive Royal Boarder Railway Bridge over the Tweed River was designed by Robert Stephenson, the only son of R L Stephenson the father of the steam locomotive.

Twizel Bridge on the River Till is one of the country’s finest medieval bridges. Completed in 1511 it stood for more than 200 years as the largest single-span arch in Britain.

Berwick Town Hall and Goal. It was from here many men sentenced for the most minor of offences were held prior to their deportation as convicts to Australia.

Meanwhile, ZK-BAZ rests among fine friends, a Stearman and Yak, at Breighton Aerodrome. Freshly serviced with only the GPS and nav databases to be updated before more international boarder crossings on RTW 2019....estimated departure 3rd September.