Not quite gone

A bit of shopping. Then a cuppa for a walk in the very brisk wind. Storm expected, time to move on.

Lunch first. Soup and cheese toasties.

Leaving Holy Island

This morning following the services of Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist, a blessing was given to those leaving Lindisfarne.

After breakfast it was back to the post office for cappuccinos and post card writing.

We have definitely established certain rhythms of worship and sipping whilst here.

This afternoon we leave for Edinburgh , Scotland where we fly out tomorrow morning.

Day 2 - Lindisfarne

English breakfast to begin the day, followed by cappuccinos at the post office.

Then off to walk the rest of the nature reserve. Brief detour to the dunes, deciding there were too many dunes to the North Sea.

Continued along the reserve trail, stopping for awhile at a bird hide. Inside the hide were windows that looked out on a small lake. Ducks, Coots, and a Peregrine Falcon.

Lunch of toasties followed by scone with clotted cream and, of course, a cuppa.

Wandered the beach, then Evening Prayer complete with outdoor procession with prayers to commemorate St. Cuthbert. We were graced with another glorious sunset.

Evensong

Just home as the day draws to an end. Service of Evening Prayer, followed by a procession led by the Vicar to the statue of St. Aidan to commemorate his coming from Iona in 635 to establish the church here on Holy Island. The church cat joined in the procession.

Leaving the church, we walked down a short path to take in an awesome, awe-filled sunset.

O Light of Light,
Keep me this night,
And shed round me
Thy presence bright.

Afternoon tea, Ginny-style.

Day 1 Lindisfarne

Up early this morning for Morning Prayer service. Turns out the Anglican way is to follow Morning Prayer with Holy Communion. Two for one as it were.

Lovely breakfast at the High Rigg House where we are staying. Then off to find a cappuccino. Turns out the local post office is all set up to brew.

From there we walked partway along the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve. Beautiful walk. We'll return tomorrow to finish.

Boats which were at one time used for fishing, are now turned upside down and used to store the fishermen's gear. They are called fishermen stores.

St. Aidan prayed;
Leave me alone with God as much as may be.
As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore,
Make me an island, set apart,
Alone with You, O God, holy to You.

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

We traveled across Scotland today, and tonight I am in England. Who knew?

The journey today began with the ferry taking us off Iona, to the Isle of Mull. Then an hour to drive across Mull, arriving just in time to get the ferry over to Oban. From there it was a 5 hour drive across Scotland into England. We drove along the North Sea and arrived in Berwick Upon Tweed and from there across the causeway where Holy Island becomes an island when the tide comes in. In our case that was 45 minutes after we drove over. It's quite a gathering place for swans.

It's critical to know the tide tables. People misjudge often enough that structures have been erected in the causeway for the stranded to swim to safety. Their cars have to be abandoned to the sea.

A highlight of the drive was the time spent driving through Loch Lomand National Park.

We are back to walking everywhere, beginning with pub dining tonight and Morning Prayer service early tomorrow.

And I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year:
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied:
'Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. '
ML. Hoskins