Silence, solitude and simplicity take on a one-of-a-kind flavor on Iona. Although at certain times and places there are clusters of people, it seems that everyone who comes to the island is quiet and respectful. Solitude is never interrupted; it’s just that kind of ‘thin place’.
Then there are the resident island livestock, and yesterday it was the sheep. Here I was, sitting on a bench along the path toward the northern beaches, when four black sheep came munching their way along. Their task was simple; eat. Then to my amazement, they came right up to me and snooped around to see if I had anything to share. One licked my pants and tried for my shoelace. I just sat there as they hung around with me for a while--no fear at all, and eventually all four moved on their way. My solitude was not interrupted; even the sheep understand about the ‘thin place’.
Then there are the resident island livestock, and yesterday it was the sheep. Here I was, sitting on a bench along the path toward the northern beaches, when four black sheep came munching their way along. Their task was simple; eat. Then to my amazement, they came right up to me and snooped around to see if I had anything to share. One licked my pants and tried for my shoelace. I just sat there as they hung around with me for a while--no fear at all, and eventually all four moved on their way. My solitude was not interrupted; even the sheep understand about the ‘thin place’.