Soul Catching

Catching up with one’s soul might not be as difficult ask you’d think. All it requires is some good literature, beautiful English air, and enough time to get lost in the countryside. While two ten mile hikes and a night of dancing in a short 48 hour period might not be recommended by most, it definitely is by me. I must confess, that while I feel perpetually busy by all that there is to do in this country in addition to classes, I also feel an immense sense of peace here. Contentedness is not something I’m known for, and so to rid my self of restlessness in exchange for it is quite a glorious feeling.

Now to the relaying of events. Its impossible even to know where to begin.

Keswick is one of the most beautiful places I have ever experienced. I think lakes, mountains and forests tend to capture most people’s hearts, but even more so when there are dotted by sheep, English folk, and fog. I’m not sure I ever want to leave this place.

Yesterday, our professor lead a 6am hike to Castlerigg – the location of a Neolithic stone circle. To trapse through forest and field at dawn, and to see the sunrise as you hit the peak is perhaps one of the most beautiful sights a person can experience. As we made our way to the stone circle in the early morning air, mist and fog clung to the mountain tops, farmers were in the fields feeding their sheep, and we, somehow, were able to be a part of this most wonderful moment. It is almost inconceivable to think that life such as this exists on a daily basis. Ten miles later we landed in the town of Keswick, and as shops began to open, we enjoyed a full and traditional English breakfast. Don’t worry, the vegetarian version is, in fact, delicious.

Sunrise over the Derwentwater Peaks

Castlerigg ~ Neolithic Stone Circle

That evening a group of us went to the “disco tech” for a ridiculous night of dancing with the Keswick locals. I shouldn’t say we danced with the Keswick locals, because really, we danced and they just laughed at us. Regardless, it was wonderful to make some English friends, discuss life at Uni (University), and exchange notes on various cultural norms.

This morning a few of us went on another hiking excursion, this time to a place called Catbells – one of the larger peaks on the lake. Taking a ferry across the lake to the trailhead, our boat cut through the water like glass. Sun shining and air completely still, I’m not sure how we got blessed with such weather. Snaking our way up to the top, the Catbells summit boasted epic views of Lake Derwentwater and the surrounding towns and villages. The peacefulness up there was incomparable. We enjoyed drinking spring water right from the streams that flowed down the hillside, a dip in the FREEZING lake, and a most civilized tea time with scones, clotted cream and all.

Derwentwater ~ A lake of glass

Reaching the summit of Catbells

View atop Catbells

With aching body, reeling mind, and restored soul, I am ready for a Sunday of rest and Anglican services. A bit of reading may have to follow, and by a bit of reading I mean I have a lot of catching up to do.