The Isle of Iona-Scotland

It was a two hour drive from our camp on Mull to the ferry for Iona. We barely made it on time as we had stopped to spot sea otters lounging on a rock. The Isle of Iona is known for being the birthplace of Christianity in Europe with the arrival of St. Columba, the burial spot of 60 Scottish kings including Macbeth and has been referred to as a “thin place” where what divides the physical and spiritual worlds is at its thinnest. I had high expectations of Iona but maybe due to the crowds of tourists and the brilliant sunny day I didn’t feel that connection I usually have at sacred spots.  I did stop at a bench overlooking the abbey and bay and said a prayer for family and loved ones. For a moment I felt at peace as I sat alone gazing at the suns reflection on the water but was moved onwards after a large group of conversing people stood behind me.  I spent the rest of the day touring the abbey and various religious ruins and hiking up Dun I, the highest peak on the island at 100 meters in height for a rather nice view.  Journal: “Called home from Iona. So pleased that I was able to talk to Beck . The spiritual connection we have seems just that much stronger as our voices connect from this revered place.”