Farewell to Maria, Alain, and Wales

On our last morning in Wales, Maria took us for a "pootle" around Chirk before delivering us to the train station. Sheep meadows, a mist of rain, cow parsley in bloom, and those steep, vivid green hills. Old farm houses, ancient tracks and hedgerows, and the last few bluebells. Heaven on earth. No wonder the Welsh experience hiraeth, that deep soul longing for home, when they are away from it.

Parting after such sweet time of connection and friendship is wrenching. We miss Ceridwen, Maria, Alain, and the places they live and cannot believe we were actually in each other's company so few hours. It seems, as Maria said, "in the best possible way, that we have been friends much longer and have spent years in each other's company." Certainly now when we see our friends' photographs and writing, we will have a much richer appreciation than was ever possible without the face to face meetings.

Onward by train to York, and then on Wednesday to Staithes. I am writing this now on Wednesday morning, shortly after another huge experience. Sue suggested we rise early and go to Matins at 7:30 at York Minster. We were the first non-clerical people to enter the cathedral and had it all to ourselves for nearly an hour. I think the word awe must have been created to describe such a hush of amazement and stunned silence. I am still trembling. Now on to another train and then a bus to Staithes.