Day 4 continued

And the winds continue. 40 mph with  higher gusts. Constant. Quite a walk home this afternoon after venturing out to walk and get more steps. 

Tonight at dinner we were joined by Gretchen, who is rector of a parish in the Boston area. She's on sabbatical for three months. Conversation was lively and very interesting!

After dinner we headed off to Evening service, this night a service of silence. 

Following the short quiet service, we stayed for the Taize service.  Filled with candlelight and Taize music, it was a beautiful way to end this Sabbath day. 

Then we blew home. Literally. 

"Peace attend thee, all through the night."

Day 4 on Iona

Awoke this day to the return of the clouds and blustery winds. 

The hotel offers a full breakfast on Sundays, and since church is not until 10:30 today, it was a delicious and leisurely start to the day. 

Church was off-the-chart worship. Led by the Iona Community, worship is always done so well. The prayers are beautiful whether heard or spoken. 

Joanna+ was preacher and celebrant. Bread and wine were passed person to person with words of invitation offered in different traditions and accents. 

The offer for all to share the table was so profound and made with such intent, even the birds were soaring past the windows behind the altar. 

I was Gobsmacked. 

Opening the door to leave the Abbey, we were met with strong winds. Even the sheep were huddled together. 

Time to duck into the St. Columba's Hotel for a cappuccino and a couple of espressos. The bonus was real cream!

This afternoon was a high-wind, rain-blasting walking  adventure. Most shops closed, but after getting over 20,000 steps yesterday, 3500 seemed kind of puny. Time to walk, rain or shine. 

Day 3 on Iona

Awoke this day to brightness. The sun!!

Today turned out to be mostly sunny - a very good day to tackle the trek to Columba's Bay. 

After breakfast it was time for Morning service at the Abbey. Worship is done so well, and the music is wonderful. Such joy to worship here, twice daily. 

Cuppas for the road, and we were off. 

The trek there and back was 5 1/2 hours. Over 20,000 steps. A new Fitbit record!

To get to Columba's Bay:

Walk a long road past sheep to the golf course. 

Traverse the course. 

Slog up a steep hill. 

Then down a steeper hill. 

Across a bog to the bay. At last!!

Breathtaking. 

A lovely picnic of Mull cheddar, bread and chocolate, seated on a found crate. 

A labyrinth to walk. 

And then the long trek back past lounging cows. Wish I could have joined them. 

A most excellent day.  

"They pulled the boats up on the beach, left everything and followed Jesus. " 

Luke 5:11

Day 2 continued

After cuppas, it was raining - gently. So no reason to slow down. Off to local shops and craft centers. 

I'm all set for winter now. Locally knitted teal beauty. 

Next up was a walk south of town to Traigh Mor beach, where all kinds of beautiful shells can be found. 

The quest was to find cowrie shells, described as being pink and the size of a child's fingernail. 

Found them!  And other treasures as well. 

For a dining change of pace, we dined at St. Columba's hotel. Delicious. 

9pm Evening service. After the service we were invited to take a stone and part of a printed prayer from a table set in the middle aisle. These items acknowledged our time here on the Isle with other pilgrims and with the Iona Community members who lead our worship. 

We then lit candles and offered thanks and prayers for our days here together. 

The dark walk back to the hotel was rain covered. In for the night. 

 

Day 2 on Iona

As with most weather events I fret about, last night's 50 mph wind gusts never materialized. Or I slept through them. All the torrential downpours as well. 

Dinner at the hotel last evening featured pan-fried cod and nasturtium blooms. And a lot of sauces and veggies, but just new potatoes for me. I may be a picky eater. 

It was all delicious. 

Worship followed. An exquisite Communion service, led by a woman priest from the Church of Scotland.  

The bread and wine were passed from person to person, using the words each of uses in our own houses of worship, and in our own language. A medley and melody of words. 

Quite a stormy and windy walk back to the hotel. Clad in slickers and winter gear,  it was a great adventure. Howling winds our escort. 

This new day now brings rain, strong breezes, sunshine, clouds, and cappuccinos of course. 

Morning Prayer was a "leaving" service, as many who have been with the Iona Community for a time are now returning to their lives away from this place. 

From the "Iona Abbey Worship Book" these words this morning:

“Leader:

As Columba laid down his books

and the security of the monastery,

ALL:

SO WE LAY DOWN WHAT IS PAST

AND LOOK TO THE FUTURE.

Leader:

As Brigid, with a cross of rushes,

comforted a stranger,

ALL:

SO WE TAKE INTO DAILY LIFE

SIGNS OF HOPE AND HEALING.

Leader:

As Patrick travelled ever on,

as Margaret built community,

ALL:

SO WE REACH BEYOND OURSELVES,

TO SHARE THE LIVES OF OTHERS

AND TOUCH A WIDER WORLD.

As I go out into the small world of this place, and later to my larger world, I shall carry these words with me. 

Day 1 continued

After second cuppa it was time to do a bit of exploring. Word has it we are to be quite stormy tonight. 50 mph wind gusts possible. Yikes!

The ferry had great challenges in crossing back and forth to and from Iona, eventually canceling service mid afternoon. 

Lovely lunch followed by a couple of hours half walking, half being blown across the mid section of the island. 

Even the sheep' coats were blown straight up. 

Gorgeous surf across the way. 

Hedges of fushias accompany many of the walking paths. 

More anon. 

Day 1 on Iona

Awoke this morning to sunrise over Martyrs Bay. 

After breakfast it was time for Morning Prayer at the Abbey. 

There is a rhythm of worship here. Morning. Evening. Obvious preparation. Creative music and inclusive language.  Led by volunteers from the Iona Community, who begin corporate prayers with "and so we say..." 

Now celebrating return to Martyrs Bay restaurant for cappuccinos! Greeted warmly, the first was on the house.