Iona – Staffa

A morning walk to the Abbey where we’d all been before,

But with headsets and players, now we all took the tour.

Learning fascinating things about the monks who since 563 lived here

And the pilgrims who travelled far through centuries of years.

We paused in the holiest place – in Columba’s shrine, and said quiet prayers

Remembering our dearest people and intentions as we huddled there. 

Then a return to the house for some fajitas and tacos for our lunch

Before heading back to the dock: a special trip to Staffa for this bunch!

The water was the calmest ever, the boat captain saw no waves

So he guided the vessel right inside of ancient Fingal’s Cave,

A fascinating spot, made famous by Mendelssohn’s musical fanfare

Where the intense rolling melodies reflect the waves and rocks that are there.

(If this interests you at all, and you want to hear the music today

Just go to this website and click where it says play: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zcogD-hHEYs).

There were puffins everywhere — more than previous groups have ever seen

Grassy hills and ancient rock formations – a most unique surrounding scene.

Then the ride back home got interesting, as the rain came pouring down.

Lots of laughter as our soaked group sailed back into the town.

An Indian dinner after drying out, all pitched in to clean and cook,

Then a walk back to the Abbey, in the Healing Service we partook.

With prayers for our loved ones, for whatever healing needs we were feeling,

Each one had a turn to hold a candle, as the rest of the church sang for healing.

A perfect end of our day – starting and ending at the Abbey,

All are wet and very sleepy, (but not a one of them is crabby!)

Wednesday is a free day, after this full day packed with surprises,

We won’t gather till noon tomorrow, hopefully by then everyone arises!