Glen Maye 23rd November 2018

Looking at nature today was like looking through a dirty window; the air was full of dull grey particles castinga shadow over everything, and the light was very strange. I had been to Douglas and having finished my errands called in at Peel, and Glen Maye. It was not worth taking photos at Peel because of this leaded air, coating the landscape in murk. Glen Maye is one of my favourite walks no matter what season and no matter what the weather, but I wasn’t prepared the surprise I got. After all the murk of Peel, it was as if nature had been spring-cleaning and had dusted off all the leaves from trees, and blown away all the dust and dirt, opening up the normally overloaded canopy so that I could see right up to the sky. In the summer months when the leaves adorn the trees in plenty, it is a much more closed and very green experience but today it was light and airy. It was a little slippery underfoot but still the magic of the glen pulled me in. You could almost imagine the fairies springing out from the undergrowth at any time.

As I walked along the river bank, it crossed my mind that when my time comes, I should like my cremated ashes to be sprinkled on this water, which would then wind their way down the river, through narrow gulleys, some sneaking into little holes in the banks, some going at speed others going slowly, all gradually making their way to the beach and expanse of sea. It would be like I have completed my journey, but not just yet. I have a life to live first and lots of walks to report on :-).

This is only a short walk, but as usual I found interesting rocks to clamber over to get a new view or to see rock formations I have never seen before. It was just perfect for a short afternoon stroll. We haven’t had much rain lately, but even so I could hear the waterfall thundering below well before I reached it. Here are some photos from this walk: