This time is not about love
This one was a close one. As soon as I reached Helmsdale I had to make a choice whether I am taking the coastal route or going through vicious remote parts of peatlands. I had no clue where I will be staying, but it had to be a beach with a running fresh water body next to it. However, at that point I didn’t care, I just wanted to be on the beach. I guess, Universe had all the itinerary planned for me already, I just had to trust her. I glanced at the map, zoomed in, and Melvich beach popped up. Well, Melvich it is. I knew that the last stretch of the trip HAS TO BE fast and furious. The fact that I had only one hour until the sunset to end, was making me very anxious. Part of the trip was to fall asleep in the dunes watching the sunset. Bee was whizzing through those windy never before driven single track roads reaching whole 46 miles per hour. Whilst getting complete euphoria from the views and the fact I was so close (which I wasn’t) I kept reminding myself that maybe, just maybe I will get there on time. ‘I guess, Bee, we will never make it for the sunset, this road keeps to never end.’ But just like the Universe, Bee did not let me down.
The sunset. It was so beautiful, just on time, just for a few minutes. I ran to the dunes, looked at the sky then looked down to rolling never ending waves. Please, please don’t stop this view. The sun just kept on giving never ending sunset. And then the stars. The sky was so wide open.
I don’t know how to describe what happened next. I opened my eyes just as the last red shade of the sky was just about to turn black. Birds were flying above me, as if they were waking me up. Absolutely no wind, just the whooshing sound of water. Star fishing on the sand.
And then of course, I got lost in the dunes. The light from the moon was not enough to light my surroundings, so I ended up wandering through the dunes, asking myself why on earth I did not take some snacks with me. Took a good wile to find my way back.
Just as the sunset, the sunrise was something worth not getting to sleep all night. Not sure was it the excitement, or the fact I was afraid to miss it. Have you ever looked at the sky and noticed how the stars slowly disappear?
I suddenly was hit by this amazing feeling of cosiness. Look at me, a little ball of energy sitting in the dunes in the far north, wrapped up in antarctica expedition jacket, with a hat, scarf and gloves on. In this endless universe, existence, or what ever this is all about. Here she is, for once patiently WAITING. And then… And then… Her eyes lit up and her face turns into a puppy face as if she has never ever seen sea or sunrise before. I had my hand on my heart and the other was grasping sand. Eyes were filling up with tears. AND to my right, about five meters away, I heard… a flow of the river. Dear universe, you really got me this time 😊
I guess this time it is all about finding myself. It is not that I lost myself. But rather I haven't found myself. Those tiny little fragments of myself that are hidden.
Hidden in places I am supposed to visit.
Hidden in the people I am supposed to meet.
Hidden in an array of emotions I am supposed to experience.
Hidden in the music I am supposed to hear.
Hidden in isles full of snacks I am supposed to taste.
Hidden in giving myself a chance to try new things.
Hidden in contradicting the old versions of myself.
Hidden in going for it, because missed opportunities hurt much more than rejections.
Hidden in finding love for myself.
I love each and every one of you, thank you for making this come true.
Justa
P.S.
Strathy Beach, you were spectacular.
Thurso, oh Thurso! What a beautiful town it is! Thank you the owners of The Haven. What a pleasant surprise to know what my customers back in Inverness are up to. Thank you to the stranger, the marine biologist, who shared a moment to sit down with me and have a cup of coffee. By the way, I saw you cycling on my way back home! Thank you to Kerry from, New Health Horizons, for a spontaneous health appointment and all the goodies you prescribed me. Thank you to Spellbound Caithness, my friend is ever so grateful for the gifts.
John O’Groats. Whoah!!! Duncansby Head Lighthouse and Stacks was another highlight. 3 mile walk bare feet was a new one to me! 8 Doors Distillery, it is a shame never managed to get a tour or try some of your whiskies, but my friends will definitely will enjoy some samples.
Thank you all for short encounters and small gestures of kindness.
Music: Comin’ Through - The War on Drugs
Duration of the trip: 27hours