Iona

Our old friend John MacLean from the hostel (where our pilgrims stayed before)

Invited us to stop by this morning for a visit and a tour.

The hostel is no more, because of  COVID self-distancing requirements,

So John converted it into apartments, rather than move into retirement.

It’s now called “The Green Shed,” and looks the same from the outside,

But it’s divided into 3 units with new interior walls that John supplied.

We then walked down to the beach where our group was filled with glee

Some played among the rocks while others jumped into the sea.

In memory of all who’d gone before and here had done the same.

We remembered Hannah Metzger and Andrew Baker both by name.

After lunch there was more free time for the pilgrims to explore

Later on they stopped for drinks and scones (after yesterday they wanted more…)

We invited John and his wife Rachel for an Italian dinner meal

They toasted us with non-alcoholic Prosecco, with sincerity real.

Asking each and every pilgrim about their life’s hopes and dreams,

It was clear why John and Rachel, we hold in high esteem.