Another midsummer day in paradise which means 50 degrees, overcast skies, windy gusts and rain. We got up at 6:00 AM, stored our stuff in a locker at the train station, and hopped the ferry for a 45 minute ride to Craignure. Our companions were mostly working men and the rare tourist. Next came a 1:20 bus ride Fionnphort. We passed by amazing views of expansive green fields, steep rises, sloping down to the lochs. We waved to a herd of completely black sheep, a rarity among a million variations of white and black cousins, and a small herd of Highland cattle with woolly coats that reminded me of orangutans.
The wild and garden flowers are amazing and as exotic as the animals: bright red fuchsia, deep blue delphinium, daisies, purple heather and thyme, and hydrangeas of every color.
Another ferry trip to the Isle of Iona and we were on our way back in time to the Abbey by 10:15. So much to say...the current residents are so proud of their cultural heritage...layers of religious ruins amazingly well preserved from the 7th century, with restorations in the 12th and 15th centuries...and to think that there is a lively community worshipping there today! The pictures can describe what it looks like but no words can describe the deep sense of prayer that we felt sitting in the choir, walking the cloister, and touching the high crosses...sending you love and prayers.
We were fortunate to be able to take a tour with a docent, do a self guided tour with headset full of great detail and attend an ecumenical prayer service. Hoping for a chance to explore the island tomorrow. We have map showing sandy beaches and a cave blowhole. I think the two hour nap we took this afternoon will make a hike like that a pleasure.
Love to all.
Nice post, Meg. We're watching the Tour de France and the announcers refer to all of the gorgeous overhead shots of old churches, abbeys, estates, etc. as "castle porn." Looks like you are getting a good dose of that yourselves today! It must be pretty breathtaking to be in a place that old and still operational. Spot updated. Love you.
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