The flying of time.

Time flew!

We shared a full day together! We saw a castle, we went to markets, we strolled pine forests and stopped to see hairy cows and little lambs…

There was saw such beauty in our surroundings. For me it didn’t compare to her. Sharing the moment, the memory, having her hand in mine and mine in hers. That was precious.

So much had happened. I had softened considerably - we both had. Talking about whatever arose, emotions constantly threatened to erupt… the tightness in my gut, the knot would taunt to take over and when it did she’d just hold me and join in.

I was walking the unmarked way. We all were.

Sarah and Sam left. They had to continue on their journey. Sam’s family had already moved on and it was time to decide what my next steps would be. I had no idea! It was a bit disconcerting to put it lightly... my bed for the next evening was still not booked!

I knew there were so many sights and wonders to be found, to see, so many mysteries that lay in wait, but I didn't know where to start… It was the same for my soul. In this state of unknown, it was raw, so rough, so unknown… but I knew there was beauty there too.

My gauge of things had changed - dramatically.

Hearing the birds, watching the buzzing bees, seeing the most beautiful flowers blossom in the most unlikely of places constantly reminded me that wild beauty exists. Creation doesn’t have an agenda, it lets the agenda happen and then adapts.

It was time for Bek to adapt too.

Deciding to not let the day go to waste, I decided to explore the battlefield. Culloden.

Catching a bus, walking a few miles I'd arrived.

Drenched and tired, the scene unfolded.

I heard screams, I felt cries of pain… I saw bloodshed as I walked.

It was horrific to attempt to comprehend all that was lost… The cowardice, the courage, the killings, it was all extraordinary to absorb.

Birds chirped, my being was soaked, my face chilled to the bone… What they must have felt, what they must have known… Uncomprehensible.

Staying not too long, I continued to explore the stones. There was standing stones nearby, Clava Cairns. These sites I loved.

History honestly laced this land. Creation hummed with stories to be learn and retold…

Standing in the midst of the ruins was then something else. I imagined what would have taken place, I imagined the cost of such a sight, and all I could do was drink in the scene with my thoughts alike.

The walk to reach the sights, the friends I met along the way reminded me of balance - innocence was everywhere, now and then. How quickly could that change, did that change?

Arriving back at the hostel, still unsure of my next steps, plans had changed numerous times. As soon as I'd figure out a path, a roadblock would stunt the idea and I'd have to start again... VERY frustrating!

Then I met Sammie.

In the hostel living room we connected nearly instantly. She offered me a ride, she offered some company, and deciding to jump I said, "Why not!"

The choice was made, a new path outstretched before us...

Northern Scotland here we come!