Sunday, November 20, 2016

Wisdom reflected by the "Old Man" (of Storr).


It's been far too long since posting here on "oceanpax". It's honestly not lack of interest, it's just time...there's never enough. Since arriving on the Isle of Skye, for the purpose of a locum, it's been busy. And to be completely honest, it's also partly because I have been experimenting with Facebook, a social media venue that I've resisted for years. I confess to mixed feelings about it. As a way of making a "jump start" here again, here's a wee narrative and some pics that were posted on FB yesterday. A friend said the blog posts were missed. I'm going to try to do better. :)

At 50m high, the Old Man of Storr stands on the Isle of Skye’s Trotternish (Tròndairnis) ridge. It's one of the most photographed landscapes on the planet.


The reason is clear. The ridge is a complex labyrinth of pinnacles and spires, remnants of an earth-changing geological landslip. 



It is atmospheric and otherworldly. Yesterday, the November sun shone brightly on the ridge. Back in May, however, a cold, ever-thickening and unnerving mist enveloped us as we hiked up to this extraordinary landmark.



As one writer has said, standing beside the Old Man “perfectly calibrates your place in the world”. 




The discordant and hubris-filled bluster, bombast, and bravado that makes the headlines these days, pales in comparison to the image of strength, endurance, and longevity of this ancient, natural monument.



I take comfort in the “long game” in life. It is won by fair-mindedness, mutual respect, compassion…and an enduring belief in the power of love. Thanks for the reminder, Old Man, you hang in there too. ;)

4 comments:

  1. I love the "frosting" on Storr...such a beautiful place under clear blue skies.

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    1. It was fun to be back there, Linda, and remember our hike together, up and into the mist. It's a very different place with the "frosting". :) Warm wishes to you.

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  2. Good to see you back Duncan, as someone who doesn't "do" FB, I've missed your images and thoughts. The Storr is not a bad place to have one of your local walks!

    Warm wishes to you both

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    1. Thank you for that, Ian. I plan to be back. Had another local walk today, amidst the Black Cuillin, near Glenbrittle. I remember you pointing them out to us when we were all paddling off Arisaig. Simply wonderful, so impressive! Warm wishes and talk soon.

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