Elemental

A conjunction of the Winter Solstice, the End of the World as foreseen by the Mayans, and pouring rain - it was obviously perfect timing for a visit to Avebury.

I am drawn to Avebury - a favourite place - when the weather is least kind to humans.  There is something about the feeling of the place that does not 'speak' to me if it is covered with trippers.  I like to soak in the atmosphere - and yesterday soak was the perfectly appropriate word!  I apologise that not only are my photographs of their snappish low quality, but also light and rain conditions did not contribute to great artistry.  On the other hand, there is a wondrous friendly looming quality to the stones which perhaps shows how I feel about them - rather like the mountains in Scotland when they are wreathed in mist.

The ground is sodden after a year of rain, and although I had to be careful where I put my walking stick, I did feel sorry for those like moles who live under and in that squelch.

It is not only the stones, their placement, but also the whole setting.  They are at the edge of a village alongside which they live in harmony (although there are the wounds of shooting for fun on some stones).  Also the henge itself, the distant barrows, the trees, and the quiet when lucky enough to have it all make this place magical and uplifting for me.

Sodden, knee-creaking, but content, a bowl of soup followed by tea and a marmalade and coconut slice - what more could one ask for the end of the world and almost the beginning of light?