It was Mabon over the weekend. Mabon is the autumn equinox, a pagan festival were light and dark are in balance; before it starts to get darker. This has caused me to think about Summer.
Summer 2013 has had the most fantastic weather we’ve seen in the last few years. It’s been bright, hot and sunny. I even got a bit of a tan. The previous few summers pale in comparison; with the word that springs to mind when I think about them being ‘wet.’ I’ve done loads this summer, mostly around re-connecting with nature.
So here’s a slideshow of photos from my Summer 2013 made using iPhoto. Think of it as a homage to the beautiful summer. Enjoy:
At the beginning of the year I wrote a list of New Experiences for 2013. It’s nearly half way through the year, a scary thought I know. So I thought I’d re-look at the list:
January – Do something that makes you feel uncomfortable. Done, see Something Uncomfortable.
March – Be honest. Don’t lie, not even those little white lies. I found this one difficult to measure, as I’m generally quite honest anyway.
April – Socialise in new places and meet new people. I had a look for local writing groups, but couldn’t find any and gave up. I’m going to Pagan Con 2013 in July which will definitely be a new place to socialise and I’ll get to meet some new people as well.
May – See the sun rise & set (not necessarily on the same day). I’ve have had a think and need to see the sun rise & set somewhere beautiful. I hope to see a sun rise & set in July.
June – Do something for someone else that is completely selfless. I’ve not planned anything yet, but I’m sure an opportunity will come along.
July – Visit a site of historical significance. Done. I’ve visited The Druid Circle and Millom Castle with Simon. See Cumbria Adventure for photos.
August – Try a food that you would usually turn you’re nose up at saying you don’t like it before you’ve even tried it. I’ve not even thought about this one yet.
October – See Wicked (the Musical). I’ve booked tickets to see with Steve. We’ve also booked tickets to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Up4aMeet.
November – Have a “pamper” night in. I’ve not even thought about this one yet.
December – Rest & Relax. Despite the busy pace this time of year, take plenty of time for R&R. I’ve not even thought about this one yet.
The phrase: could do better, comes to mind. Still at least I’ve got most planned.
While traipsing through a field looking for The Druid Stone Circle, we found this wonderful altar:
The Druid Circle – Altar
Me sat on the altar
Then we saw the circle. The stones are smaller than the stones at Castlerigg but nonetheless beautiful: The Druid Circle Cumbria (Note to Seekers of the Circle: After the cattle grid the circle is on the right.)
We thought the entrance might be through the Holly Trinity Church. The church was a little gem of ancient architecture in it’s own right:
Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Gates
Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church
Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church
We quickly discovered that Millom Castle is in private ownership with no access to the public. This was a huge shame as from the photos you can see that it was an exquisite ruin:
Millom Castle Cumbria
Millom Castle Cumbria
Millom Castle Cumbria
Millom Castle Cumbria Holy Trinity Church Information Board
The information board appeared uncared for but the Castle was not. The private owners had scaffolding up and were living in the castle. This indicates that the owners want to restore the Castle to it’s former glory. Let’s hope they do and then open the doors to the public.
We had a great day out, dubbed our Cumbria Adventure.
