Words hardly do justice to the palpable presence of Spirit on the Isle of Iona. I found myself resorting to photography, art and walking in silence in order both to absorb and express the depth of the holy on such a small spit of land (as Gwen calls Iona). It is hard to believe that the island itself is only three miles long and one mile across. From north to south and east to west, every inch of coastline offers a distinct character. As we explored the various beaches and cliffs we felt as if we had arrived in another country more beautiful than the one of the previous day's adventure.
Here is a little photo tour of the island. We'll start with the Abbey toward the northern section of the island.
We worshipped there on Sundays along with hundreds of other people. Gwen told us to be there at least 45 minutes ahead of time to get good seats! On the first Sunday we sat right across the aisle from my best friend in seminary, the Rev. Hazel Glover, who was there with eight teens on a pilgrimage. :)
-The inside of the Abbey-
There is no formal Choir so we were able to sit in the original Choir seats while able to watch musicians (piano, flute, vocal) play in an alcove on the other side. All of the music was taught before the service and then led by a music team via sound system.
This is the outside of the Abbey, looking at its northern-facing side. The scaffolding is set up for pointing that is being done to the stonework on the tower.
-After a Sunday morning worship service-
Walking north beyond the Abbey, there are sheep everywhere. There is also a magnificent climb to the left up to Dun I which is the highest hill on the island. Here are some of my favorite shots: of a ewe, a gathering of sheep in a front yard and then a look down from Dun I over an expanse of the island.
A view from Dun I
Along the path toward the northern shore, there is an ancient cross to the right. It was dedicated by the Duke of Argyll to his wife.
At the end of the path to the north, there are white beaches and sea grass. Beautiful!
Compare this with the southern tip of Iona called Columba's Bay. It is rocky and swimming is not allowed because of the rip tide. From the northern shore to Columba's Bay, it takes approximately 1 1/2-2 hours to hike. The portion of the climb to and from Columba's Bay is particularly difficult.
Here I am combing the beach at Columba's Bay for green stone.
On the hike coming back up from Columba's Bay. Whew!
To the east of Columba's Bay is the former Iona marble quarry. This is a photo taken from a sailboat ride we took around the island. The quarry work ended when it became too difficult for boats to get close enough to load the marble aboard due to rough seas.
The western coast of Iona has one of the most beautiful beaches called Port Ban. It is where most people go swimming when it is warm enough (is that ever possible???). However, Bob did brave it one day and was able to swim about ten strokes before becoming numb and getting out of the Atlantic.
The western coast also boasts difficult hikes/climbs on the hills.
David and I hiked up the second highest peak, my favorite view of Iona.
David, our son, came to spend the final week in Iona with us. It was a good break from his role as a State Trooper in Rhode Island but the constant sunlight and bleating of sheep challenged a good night's sleep!
Finally, to the eastern shore of Iona you will find the jetty for the ferry and moored boats. To the south, on the eastern coast, though, is another spectacular beach with many unusual seaweeds, kelp and shells.
Hope that helps give you an orientation of Iona through some visual images. God, through creation, is everywhere.
Blessings to you all--
Hannah
