Sunday June 16th

Being without any means of outside communication is a mixed blessing. I find myself reaching for my phone frequently, then remembering. I worry that others will be worried even though I warned them I may not have service. I wanted to remember, on this trip, what it felt like to be alone, and I’ve really been given an opportunity to experience that.

Went for a long walk this morning – walked the beach end to end – and resisted pocketing any rocks. Which was difficult – they are fabulous. Back for a late breakfast, and then tried out my wetsuit. The water is stunningly cold, but I would have been able to swim had my hands and wrists been covered. They were quite painful so I didn’t push it – there have been no lasting ill effects, so perhaps next time I’ll try longer. Or maybe I can find a long glove which protects the wrist.

Spent the day reading, napping, swimming, walking, more napping. Felt a bit guilty, like I should be accomplishing something. This too is part of my challenge. To allow myself to just ‘be’.

I’m enjoying podcasts. With no radio reception, they are a human voice which is comforting. I’m going to have an early dinner tonight and then walk in the evening at sunset – which should be lovely.

And indeed, it was. It brought back a rush of memories – raising two babies on the shores of Lake Huron. Going down the cliff to the beach after supper on a hot summer’s day. A final cooling swim, then I’d read to them as they played quietly on the beach and had their pre-bedtime snack. Tolkien, Ursula K. LeGuin, the Moomins. I’d read until I couldn’t see the page and then take two sleepy boys up the cliff to bed. The sunsets were spectacular – as they were here.