After the madness of Mother's Day and the disruption to home school it was time to balance the books. I took George and Max out on a field trip to spot signs of spring between Whiting Bay and Lochranza. This is about 25 miles and the journey ends almost at the top of the island. A bit of a grey day greeted us which is perfect for deer spotting so armed with journals and picnic off we went. We didn't get far before we saw our first sign by the side of the road.
Lamlash was full of gentle beginnings. We were delighted to see the blossom trees at the High School budding up really well. It is always a joy when they burst open and I absolutely promise a picture when they do.
The last of the snowdrops remain and if you like these little beauties the best time to divide them is just after they have flowered and are 'in the green'.
Moving into Brodick we could smell the sign before we could see it. The hedgerows are full of wild garlic. Hazelbank does a good wild garlic effort as well. Harry uses it in his cooking and I always think he is wise as garlic is very good for your circulation. The biggest surprise was to see the Rhododendrons starting to burst into flower in the grounds of Brodick Castle; that is early! A 'must do' is a castle visit soon then. I know these plants can be a pest as they tend to take over but they are spectacular and the castle gardners manage them very well.
Just beyond the castle my driving is a little suspect as we watch for seals. Not a sign of spring I know but the boys noted the wildlife we saw on a different page in their journals. No seal sightings but two very cute Oyster Catchers getting rather friendly with each other - there, a sign of spring.
Onwards to Corrie which is one of my favourite places on the island. I am quite sure the sun always shines in Corrie and the natural light is breathtaking. I love the little cottages that line the twisty road and I have my eye on one in particular..... We saw purple crocus in Corrie and in the next village we saw Tete a Tetes which I adore. We stopped for lunch by a burn just as we started the climb towards the top of the road before it drops down into Lochranza.
Even on a grey day the drama of the island is not lost on me. There is something about living in close proximity to mountains and the sea that is deeply humbling. It is right that we should feel small in these contexts.
This particular place on the island brings many elements together. Home school has allowed us to keep the children close to the natural environment. We must have done an OK job because Molly is now at university learning how to save natural habitats.
The relationship with the natural environment has had so many wonderful moments but none more wonderful than what happened next. Back in the car the boys were deer watching on the hills and I was negotiating the drop down into Lochranza when I saw it. A Red Deer right by the side of the road looking right at us. I gently slowed and stopped and the boys instantly knew to keep voices low. She looked at us for a few seconds to be sure we were not going to move any further and then she simply crossed the road, less than a metre in front of the car. But it was the moment before the crossing that will stay with the boys and I forever. There was the simplest of communication between us that told her she was safe. Remarkable. Once across the road we noticed another deer waiting for her and off they ran together. Then she stopped and turned to look at us once more. I did wonder what she was thinking at that moment. I can tell you what I was thinking. I felt completely blessed to have shared those precious moments with her. She looked right into the car and we looked right back at her and it was as close to magic as I think exists.
All three of us were jumping with the excitement of it all and a text to Molly was necessary to share our news. We drove to the turning for Lochranza castle and left the car for a gentle walk along the shore. I could tell that we were all wrapped up in that moment with the deer because none of us spoke.
After our gentle wander we headed off to the Distillery for a hot drink. Lochranza doesn't get any direct sunlight at this time of year because of the mountains that surround it so it was a bit chilly.
If you want to see a successful business that is thriving through these very difficult times you need to visit the distillery. Using the Arran water that comes down from the mountains they make international award winning whisky. Their visitor centre is a delight with lots of interesting displays, a well stocked shop and a wonderful cafe. They are also hosting an amazing art exhibition from Art in Mind run by Arran Visual Arts. We have included a great deal of art appreciation in home school and the boys are very clued up. We had a lovely few minutes appreciating the excellent work before turning the car for home.
It was such a wonderful day despite the greyness. We got glimpses of sunshine but we didn't need it. On the way back we saw some Common Seals to complete the day. However, that magical encounter with the Red Deer is safely wrapped up and placed in my pocket. I will carry it around forever.
Until tomorrow. xx
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