Day 9: Locaiton: Iona Island & Staffa Island
Sites Visited: Iona Nunnery & Iona Abby (Iona), Fingals Cave (Staffa)
Time Period: Abby 563ad, Nunnery 1200ad
This trip is becoming more amazing by the day. I went upstairs to have breakfast. The usual being bacon, omelets, sausage, toast, and roasted potatoes. Each day they mix something different in the omelets, I thought this morning it was shredded carrots. Well it wasn’t, it was salmon, and to make matters worse, I put a considerable amount on my plate. Needless to say, I pushed the salmon to the side. I can't stomach eating fish in my eggs for breakfast, to add, I've never been fond of salmon. While eating, Ms. Judy stopped by and said she’d join me. She’s a kind soft spoken woman from New York. She’s really a psychiatrist-Dr. Judy I call her often, though she much prefer I call her Judy, without the Ms. part. We talked a bit and she shared tales of her other expeditions with National Geographic and of her experiences of living in New York. She’s lived in the same building since 1965, yes I was surprised. I like sitting with Ms. Judy, she’s an interesting lady with a fascinating history. One day I want to retire and travel like her around the world. Well really, I hope I can do it before retirement.
Taylor came over the loud speaker to announce that departures would begin soon, so I wrapped up the meeting, and rushed downstairs to get ready. Well not really rushed, but arrived in my cabin in enough time to get ready for the day’s expedition. I must have stayed in the room too long because when I arrived in the mud room I realized I was the only one present. Well that was until Taylor made the final boarding call which allowed a few more guests to join me on the Zodiac to shore . Whew!!! The ride over was the smoothest it had been since this journey began. In fact, the bottom of the Zodiac was dry, which was a stark surprise considering every journey prior it had been laden with seawater.
Naturalist and geologist Jim Kelly drove us to the shore. Once we started the dismemberment process he pointed out that the rocks by the shoreline were millions of years old. I can’t recall how old, but I think he may have said 65 billion or million. So naturally I had to take some pictures to show students. I walked up the path and around the Iona nunnery. It was beautiful, to say the least. Were were in the area known as Agryll. Flowers grew around the ruins, everything seemed so perfect, so picturesque. The warmth from the sun made the whole experience so much more worthwhile. You could feel God's presence- I was overcome with a sense of peace. From a historical perspective, it was interesting to see how these women lived. As you can see, my first stop was the Iona nunnery constructed circa 1200ad. I am sure their diet consisted of fish and potatoes. As for sea birds, there were some, but not many. I sat along the wall in the nunnery and confessed my sins on the same seats these women had done for years. I noticed a lot of other travelers doing the same. I wondered, what exactly these nuns would they confess, it is not as if they lived out in the world. The monastery was right down the road. I wondered if they worshipped together, I never asked.
Nonetheless I couldn’t help but imagine life hundreds of years ago on the island. I wonder if any of the woman imagined leaving and if the men too shared the same thoughts. The Iona Abby, is literraly just a path's walk away. The Abby was established by St. Columba in 563ad. I guess it makes sense that they brought women to the island, but why did they wait so long? And what would be the purpose if they lived a life of celibacy. It’s one of those topics that's just not discussed women/men in the faith, especially those who have given their life to God. I am sure there are countless stories out there of people who became nuns or priests who felt perhaps pressured into this role and/or are somehow convinced they made they wrong decision during their childhood, which can be understood. I would have probably, but then again, I would also have been the renegade girl running in the middle of the night seeking freedom. You only live life once, and being in a nunnery during the middle ages (during your teen/young adult years) is not a life that I consider exciting in the least bit. Imagine being 11, of course you are not interested in boys/girls-so naturally an abby or nunnery sounds like a plan-you are away from your parents. But then 16 hits and everything changes. I mean everything. Yeah, your frame of reference changes. You are quick to change your mind, but would it be too late? And if you traveled far from home, do you have the funds or resources to return? I mean they are in the middle of nowhere. Random thoughts…
The afternoon was just as amazing as the morning. At first they mentioned that we would not be able to visit Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa. I will be honest, I was pained to hear that news. I'd done my research and this place looked amazing. Yes, Paolo and I were heartbroken. But somehow the weather turned and we were able to make our trip there later that evening. Now Fingal's cave is a true geologic wonder. It’s a sea cave, “formed entirely from hexagonally jointed basalt columns within a Paleoscene lava flow.” Yep, I borrowed this from Wikepedia. The way it was explained in simple terms (outside of them being basalt columns), was that the shape resembled that of a honeycomb-and it is all formed naturally, no human intervention. It's amazing to see first hand. Definitely a trip highlight.
The weather was actually perfect, the swells were low, the temperature was just right. I didn’t even need a wind breaker-it was that warm outside. Now, trust me, this does not happen often in the isles it seems. First Paola and I decided to walk into the cliff. This was one of the few times where I wanted to be one of the first onto shore. I usually waited for the others to board the zodiacs, but this one time I was ready to start the adventure first. I knew time was limited as it was growing dark.
I walked into the cave. I will admit, I am somewhat fearful of heights. I always complete the task at hand, but I am always afraid to go at first sight. Made me think of all those times I completed the high ropes course for my students. This time was no different. There was just one rail hugging the right side of the cliff’s entrance. You had to walk a great distance before you even entered the cave entrance. I decided to video tape my entire experience so my students could see what I was up against, a cliff on one side and my fear on the other.
Not a great combination, but I did it. I made it all the way to the entrance, cliffs, thin rail and all. Once I entered, I could not help but to stare in amazement. Actually this occurred when I arrived at the shore, but entering the cave in no way took away from the awe of the experience, in fact, it just added to the beauty and wonder.
We took pictures and Jim (photographer) and Vinny ( the archeologist) explained the logistics of the site. Another rock billions of years old, all the cool facts. So I took a few pictures and decided to see what it was like on land. Now honestly, I think being on top of the cave was even more amazing. It was by far one of the highlights of this trip, well so far. Words can’t even describe what it was like being up there, it was just so majestic. Incredible. Wow.
I think I took video footage, but it in no way can capture the true magnificence of being there and overlooking the horizon. That is truly a moment I will never forget. The videographer wanted to capture a few shots at the top, the sun was just right, the weather was perfect. So we decided to tape a few scenes for my video expedition report. Trust me, I know I won’t be disappointed. He could capture me scratching my back and I’d still love the scene.
Definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
I climbed back down and boarded the zodiac with some other guests. Vinne gave his naturalist/geology overview and then took us into the cave. We were short on time. Really, I had spent most of my time video taping the scene for National Geographic that I lost some of the time to explore the cave with the Zodiac. Some would think that would be disappointing, but it really wasn’t. I tell you I felt like I was standing on top of the world up there.
Sites Visited: Iona Nunnery & Iona Abby (Iona), Fingals Cave (Staffa)
Time Period: Abby 563ad, Nunnery 1200ad
This trip is becoming more amazing by the day. I went upstairs to have breakfast. The usual being bacon, omelets, sausage, toast, and roasted potatoes. Each day they mix something different in the omelets, I thought this morning it was shredded carrots. Well it wasn’t, it was salmon, and to make matters worse, I put a considerable amount on my plate. Needless to say, I pushed the salmon to the side. I can't stomach eating fish in my eggs for breakfast, to add, I've never been fond of salmon. While eating, Ms. Judy stopped by and said she’d join me. She’s a kind soft spoken woman from New York. She’s really a psychiatrist-Dr. Judy I call her often, though she much prefer I call her Judy, without the Ms. part. We talked a bit and she shared tales of her other expeditions with National Geographic and of her experiences of living in New York. She’s lived in the same building since 1965, yes I was surprised. I like sitting with Ms. Judy, she’s an interesting lady with a fascinating history. One day I want to retire and travel like her around the world. Well really, I hope I can do it before retirement.
Taylor came over the loud speaker to announce that departures would begin soon, so I wrapped up the meeting, and rushed downstairs to get ready. Well not really rushed, but arrived in my cabin in enough time to get ready for the day’s expedition. I must have stayed in the room too long because when I arrived in the mud room I realized I was the only one present. Well that was until Taylor made the final boarding call which allowed a few more guests to join me on the Zodiac to shore . Whew!!! The ride over was the smoothest it had been since this journey began. In fact, the bottom of the Zodiac was dry, which was a stark surprise considering every journey prior it had been laden with seawater.
Naturalist and geologist Jim Kelly drove us to the shore. Once we started the dismemberment process he pointed out that the rocks by the shoreline were millions of years old. I can’t recall how old, but I think he may have said 65 billion or million. So naturally I had to take some pictures to show students. I walked up the path and around the Iona nunnery. It was beautiful, to say the least. Were were in the area known as Agryll. Flowers grew around the ruins, everything seemed so perfect, so picturesque. The warmth from the sun made the whole experience so much more worthwhile. You could feel God's presence- I was overcome with a sense of peace. From a historical perspective, it was interesting to see how these women lived. As you can see, my first stop was the Iona nunnery constructed circa 1200ad. I am sure their diet consisted of fish and potatoes. As for sea birds, there were some, but not many. I sat along the wall in the nunnery and confessed my sins on the same seats these women had done for years. I noticed a lot of other travelers doing the same. I wondered, what exactly these nuns would they confess, it is not as if they lived out in the world. The monastery was right down the road. I wondered if they worshipped together, I never asked.
Nonetheless I couldn’t help but imagine life hundreds of years ago on the island. I wonder if any of the woman imagined leaving and if the men too shared the same thoughts. The Iona Abby, is literraly just a path's walk away. The Abby was established by St. Columba in 563ad. I guess it makes sense that they brought women to the island, but why did they wait so long? And what would be the purpose if they lived a life of celibacy. It’s one of those topics that's just not discussed women/men in the faith, especially those who have given their life to God. I am sure there are countless stories out there of people who became nuns or priests who felt perhaps pressured into this role and/or are somehow convinced they made they wrong decision during their childhood, which can be understood. I would have probably, but then again, I would also have been the renegade girl running in the middle of the night seeking freedom. You only live life once, and being in a nunnery during the middle ages (during your teen/young adult years) is not a life that I consider exciting in the least bit. Imagine being 11, of course you are not interested in boys/girls-so naturally an abby or nunnery sounds like a plan-you are away from your parents. But then 16 hits and everything changes. I mean everything. Yeah, your frame of reference changes. You are quick to change your mind, but would it be too late? And if you traveled far from home, do you have the funds or resources to return? I mean they are in the middle of nowhere. Random thoughts…
The afternoon was just as amazing as the morning. At first they mentioned that we would not be able to visit Fingal’s Cave on the Isle of Staffa. I will be honest, I was pained to hear that news. I'd done my research and this place looked amazing. Yes, Paolo and I were heartbroken. But somehow the weather turned and we were able to make our trip there later that evening. Now Fingal's cave is a true geologic wonder. It’s a sea cave, “formed entirely from hexagonally jointed basalt columns within a Paleoscene lava flow.” Yep, I borrowed this from Wikepedia. The way it was explained in simple terms (outside of them being basalt columns), was that the shape resembled that of a honeycomb-and it is all formed naturally, no human intervention. It's amazing to see first hand. Definitely a trip highlight.
The weather was actually perfect, the swells were low, the temperature was just right. I didn’t even need a wind breaker-it was that warm outside. Now, trust me, this does not happen often in the isles it seems. First Paola and I decided to walk into the cliff. This was one of the few times where I wanted to be one of the first onto shore. I usually waited for the others to board the zodiacs, but this one time I was ready to start the adventure first. I knew time was limited as it was growing dark.
I walked into the cave. I will admit, I am somewhat fearful of heights. I always complete the task at hand, but I am always afraid to go at first sight. Made me think of all those times I completed the high ropes course for my students. This time was no different. There was just one rail hugging the right side of the cliff’s entrance. You had to walk a great distance before you even entered the cave entrance. I decided to video tape my entire experience so my students could see what I was up against, a cliff on one side and my fear on the other.
Not a great combination, but I did it. I made it all the way to the entrance, cliffs, thin rail and all. Once I entered, I could not help but to stare in amazement. Actually this occurred when I arrived at the shore, but entering the cave in no way took away from the awe of the experience, in fact, it just added to the beauty and wonder.
We took pictures and Jim (photographer) and Vinny ( the archeologist) explained the logistics of the site. Another rock billions of years old, all the cool facts. So I took a few pictures and decided to see what it was like on land. Now honestly, I think being on top of the cave was even more amazing. It was by far one of the highlights of this trip, well so far. Words can’t even describe what it was like being up there, it was just so majestic. Incredible. Wow.
I think I took video footage, but it in no way can capture the true magnificence of being there and overlooking the horizon. That is truly a moment I will never forget. The videographer wanted to capture a few shots at the top, the sun was just right, the weather was perfect. So we decided to tape a few scenes for my video expedition report. Trust me, I know I won’t be disappointed. He could capture me scratching my back and I’d still love the scene.
Definitely a once in a lifetime experience.
I climbed back down and boarded the zodiac with some other guests. Vinne gave his naturalist/geology overview and then took us into the cave. We were short on time. Really, I had spent most of my time video taping the scene for National Geographic that I lost some of the time to explore the cave with the Zodiac. Some would think that would be disappointing, but it really wasn’t. I tell you I felt like I was standing on top of the world up there.
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