Annie and I have had what is probably a perfect day and we feel truly blessed. We headed off to the other side of the island to Machrie Bay for a look round the Old Byre shop and lunch at their restaurant. As we turned shore side again on the western coast of Arran there was nothing to do but stop and get out for a wander along the beach. The light on the west side of the island draws you in and the air is as clean as it gets. You have a real chance to get up close and personal with Mother Nature and we didn't miss that opportunity. A short wander along the beach was halted by manic calling only to discover a pair of Oystercatchers objecting to us. We were obviously too close to their young so we turned to stroll the other way. Within a few short minutes an identical manic calling erupted as another pair of Oystercatchers made their objections felt. I loved that. This was Oystercatcher land and we were only welcome if we sat on the green bench provided and watched from a distance.
We did as we were told and sat down to breathe in that glorious air and look out to sea. I sat among the wildflowers and within minutes was joined by a honey bee feeding off white clover. For that short time the world stopped and we were silent while the natural world sang its tunes. Behind us were the hardy Machrie sheep and in front the adorable Oystercatchers. In the cliffs above we spotted two seagull nests with one mum sitting. If I am honest I am not sure it gets any better than that.
Back in the car we turned into the Old Byre which has been through the most amazing transformation in the past couple of years. Their brand new shop was a delight and after polishing Annie's credit card we then retreated into their restaurant for lunch. Influenced by the Turkish co-owner the restaurant serves the most wonderful menu including their own bread made in their wood fired oven. The view out to the bay and the captivating light in the sea rooted us to our seats. There was simply no reason to move.
Reluctantly we left the Old Byre and headed back along the string road to the east of the island where most of the islanders live. Dropping down into Brodick bay is always breath taking but today we pulled off the round to follow a lovely pebble path leading to a circular seat from where the view hangs in the air for your serious consideration. Annie and I both sat side onto the view facing the side of the hills and gazed long enough to spot the deer grazing. The gentle breeze stroked the cotton grass into the most delicate of dances and, once again we felt blessed.
Annie has a deep and growing connection with the island and we began considering her plans for the future. There is a lot of synergy between our two worlds and a real possibly for joint projects in the future. Energised by the scale of the view and the joy of the deer we headed down the hill. Almost at the bottom of the hill is an old graveyard. It is one of my favourite places on the island and last year I wrote one of my favourite ever pieces while sitting in that space. I felt that I was introducing Annie to some old friends. You can read my piece on my personal blog. As we approached the graveyard Annie had her own personal encounter with a gorgeous red squirrel who just lingered long enough to make her presence a strong memory.
The Isle of Arran is the most beautiful of places and the encounters with the natural world the most special of blessings. Just a perfect day.
Until tomorrow. xx
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