Turning of the circle

Winter Solstice - it is not a single moment, we don't see a change in the light for several days however, the lightness can be felt in the head and the heart - spring is on her way.

Today Himself and I managed to steal a few hours away from the world and take ourselves off for a walk to mark Winter Solstice and it was wonderful. We set off in Zeb, our van -  a big burly bloke of a vehicle to find a small waterfall up in the Dales.

The weather was wild, with winds and rain making driving and walking 'interesting'. Views slipped in and out of focus as curtains of rapidly moving mist and rain flew by. Himself and I followed a stony path alongside Cotter Beck in Wensleydale towards the falls. All the rain had filled the beck to almost bursting and the water boiled and roared in a coffee coloured torrent. 

Long before we reached the falls, we could hear it. A chest thumping roar of water crashing down the limestone - we were not disappointed when we saw it.

We were the only ones there and the wildness, the wind, the crash of the water and the spray in the air felt so primal - we caught ourselves grinning at the rawness and beauty of it all.

We walked up along the falls to the top and felt the power of the water as it crashed through the rock gulley - the spray drenched our legs and wet our faces. And it felt good.

We returned the same way as we arrived, only this time we noticed different beauty. The fence posts were host for tiny microcosms of lichen, moss and fungi. The gate was a patchwork of rust and lichens and just shone out in the gloom.

What a wonderful way to celebrate Winter Solstice - May the turning of the wheel bring you light and love, kindness and clarity - Blessing be xx