Giants Causeway, Ireland
August 30th 2008 08:06
This day will be one that sticks out in my mind forever. Having spent a week with my grandmother travelling around Southern Ireland, on what would be our first and last holiday together, we decided to stop at the Giants Causeway, on our way back to Belfast, as a last sight-seeing destination. (See previous post for its history). Arriving when the sun hung low in the sky, we had to make the decision of taking the high road, a crumbly, cliff-side walk looking far out to sea and down below, to where waves crashed against the rugged coastline, or take the tarred road which weaved lazily down to the waters edge, where we could wander amongst the columns themselves.
As she was feeling drained after our long drive, my grandmother opted for the cliff walk, which was secretly what I had been hoping she would choose, but before long was out of breath and motioning for me to carry on, whilst she sat on one of the benches and admired the view.
The path curved with the jagged outline of the rugged cliffs, sometimes so close to the edge you could be forgiven for thinking you were walking on air. Sunlight danced along the crests of waves which roared far below, as they lashed against the rocks, shattering into a sparkling spray and decorating the air with a million tiny chandeliers of light.
Everyone else was off the track and I stood completely alone on one point of land which jutted out of the cliffs, looking far along the coastline, hugged in the sunset kissed shawl of mist which snuggled against the deserted beaches. It was as if the world was empty and for one moment in time it belonged only to me. A fresh breeze whipped up the cliff faces, warnings posted everywhere not to stray to close to the edge for fear of being forced off. Sea birds spread their grey and white plummage which fluttered in the thermals, and allowed them to suspend themselves in the air around me. They didn`t seem to notice my being there and I felt humbled in their acceptance to share their world.
Romanced by the scenery and becoming quickly addicted to the silence and solitude, I walked on and on, following the tiny track. Thick bushes of puffy yellow flowers bloomed at random intervals, grasses danced with the wind and the world seemed in total harmony. No houses were in sight, no cars, no clouds of smoke or ugly sounds - everything was perfect and here I was, a mere mortal, spoiling paradise!
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
What a beautiful piece, I loved your descriptions.It sounds so peaceful.
Tracy
Ps And I love your new banner too!
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
Thanks, it was sooooo lovely here. I wish we had more time to explore it. Total isolation and nobody else around to spoil the silence!
Ash