A day of amazement

There are any number of things vying for attention in this entry - the sense of relief that the ferry and minibus to Cape Wrath both ran as expected, the busyness of the Youth Hostel over breakfast as several of us prepared to set out together, the informative commentary of our driver as we travelled carefully across the bumpy road from the Kyle of Durness to the lighthouse, the stunning scenery of the peninsula, the list continues....

But I want to leave you with two things:

- whilst I was walking back from the Cape, enjoying the variety of the landscape, not only the natural created order, but also appreciating or at least observing the impacts of humanity (the military buildings, former peat banks), I felt a sense of being drawn into the landscape and some of the 'putting aside' of my day-to-day responsibilities seemed to deepen.  Some how the process of self-emptying took a step forwards, but not in the sense of being left empty and devoided afterwards, rather being prepared and ready for something else to fill the void.  Let's see what happens as the days and weeks progress.

- secondly, in his commentary as we drove toward Cape Wrath, our driver mentioned the subtle coconut aroma that gorse blossom provides.  As I walked the last couple of miles back to the ferry, I came across this particular aroma being carried on the wind.  At more or less the same moment, a view opened up in the distance, highlighting myriad turquoise hues the sea, against the variety of yellow-white sand in the sunshine.  Technology won't allow you to experience exactly the same, but I will remember that for a while yet.

I will be leaving Durness behind tomorrow, and intending to camp for a few days.  Although the 4G is very good in the general area, it's unlikely that I will be able to charge my phone very easily.  So expect the next update in a few days.

If you are in N Scotland and want welcoming accommodation on a budget then I can recommend Durness Smoo Youth Hostel.  It's in a great spot.