Just after Christmas most of the time my fingers start itching. Last year though  it started already even before. Spring was in the air. The dense light there was before, was changing quickly into one consisting of an more open and lighter quality. Besides, the first signs of  sprouting  plants were appearing too…  It was difficult to bridle my eager to start with my garden again.

First primrose

Of course it was still far too early for any actual preparation  of the soil at all. I found my pleasure though in walking along another favourite place of mine, Caladh Mór. This is the stony shore on the northern side of Inis Meáin, near the new pier. A lovely spot to be. On my walks on this part of the Island I was able to anticipate on the months ahead already.

Caladh Mór

Almost all my senses were alerted. The pregnant and strong smell of the seaweed taken by the waves and thrown down on  the shore for example. It still provokes my nose.

one of the varieties of seaweed

Or the view of some Islander men, wearing oilskin gear, far out on the shore line, picking periwinkles. While strolling along one time I heard the sound of the waves rounding the pebbles.

rounded stones

It reminded me of Demosthenes, a Greek orator who lived some hundreds of years B.C. Formerly he was teased by a deficiency in speech. By means of taking (little) stones in his mouth however while speaking, he was able to overcome this handicap.

Best of what I sensed though was the sight of the seaweed, lying in rows or on heaps on the shore, radiated by the sun it had turned into a deep golden but transparent colour. Brought by the sea with all the right minerals and nutrition it is waiting for the right moment to be picked up and spread over the gardens.

roots of seaweed

variety of seaweed

Slán go fóill,

Elisabeth from Inis Meáin.

Anamchara retreat. Click the image for more.