We climbed Iona's highest peak today... Dun I, which at 815 feet offers commanding views as far as the eye can see. In the distance to the North are the Black Cuillen mountains of Skye, and to the South East, the Paps of Jura.
Legend has it that there is a well of eternal youth there and we spotted it hidden amongst the rocks in brilliant midday sunshine.
NIcholas
Today we met with an artist friend, Mhairi Killin, who lives and works on Iona, her silver jewellery is exquisite, some her own design, some the designs of her grandfather who also created his art here.
While talking we spoke of this place, this little island which calls people to itself. Mhairi continues to be amazed at the response of people from around the world to her Facebook site Aosdana, they feel connected to her work, part because it is incredible expressive and beautiful, but also because Iona is a contemporary place of pilgrimage.
There is no easy way to arrive here, it is a journey and one must commit to it. Vast stretches of water must be crossed to arrive here, I needed a ferry and a ferryman, it is the stuff of ancient story, and thus it calls what is destined in me, it awakens what is dormant. Because of this, I think it has a rarified essence and simply being here I feel it.
In being separate from the rest of the large land masses, the noise and pace and pollution and confusion that accompanies them fades and the gentle rhythm of its stones and its birdsong become the melody my spirit responds to.
Arriving here, whether in body or in spirit, one joins the company of those who seek....and in Iona, in her stillness, questions you never knew you were asking are softly answered.
Judy
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