Sunday, 25 October 2015

Saturday 4th/Sunday 5th October 2014, visit 82

I don't know why I still count my visits, but as I have been doing so I might as well carry on! They have settled into 2-3 visits a year now.

I had a wonderful autumn stay at the Chalice Well. I had Willow Room this time, the single room on the first floor overlooking the Vesica pond, and it was mild enough to have the window open a bit and to be able to hear the water flowing. Maybe the Chalice Well trust should make a soothing CD with the sounds of the water in the background, I do have one by a band called Govanen which features the sound of the water.

My friend Ann came down with me just for the day, and to our delight when we arrived we found the Wytches market was on in the town hall. There was also a rare breed sheep and wool craft exhibition on by the market cross. We had a lovely lunch in the Abbey tea room and had a walk round the Abbey Ruins, kicking through autumn leaves. I do love Autumn, my favourite season. Then Ann came up to the well with me and I checked in and left my stuff, and I seem to remember I went and found Ann in the gardens with cups of peppermint tea. We had a lovely wander round. Then when Ann went back into town to catch her bus home I went with her and went back to the Wytches market where I think some purchases might have been made!

Then I went back to Little St, Michaels and didn't leave the gardens again until checking out time the following day. I wandered round at dusk and watched the sun set from the meadow, looking over the levels. Then I had a very long night walk too, I love being able to be in the gardens when they are closed and only Little St Michaels residents will be there. I have various favourite spots where I like to sit and meditate, including the two swing seats, Arthur's Court, by the well and by the apple tree in the meadow. I love to zone out 21st century sounds and listen just to any birdsong and the sound of the waters flowing. The Chalice Well gardens, the Tor and the two sacred springs are the focus of my Avalonian spirituality.

In the morning I got up about 8 and had a lovely long wander round the gardens, then went back out there with my breakfast. Then it was back to the 21st century on a very crowded train home!

And of course I took photos...














 The moon from the gardens












 My lovely little room

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Morning mist over the levels from my window








All photos as usual taken by me, please ask permission to use any :)

Friday, 9 October 2015

Wednesday/Thursday 18/19 June 2014, visit 81

I went down for an overnight stay at the Chalice Well. These days, although I do still go for the aday sometimes, I prefer to have an overnight stay so I can totally immerse myself in the Avalonian landscape. I feel rushed if I try to cram everything into a day. I had a coffee on arrival and did some shopping. I got to the well about 3pm and checked in. I had Rowan room which was the only room I had never stayed in at Little St. Michaels.

The first thing I did was to have a really long wander round the gardens. My spiritual focus is definitely on the gardens and the Tor. I love having the time to just wander and sit in the gardens, just be, just listen to the birdsong and watch the birds, and the flora swaying in the breeze.

Then I went up the Tor and spent about two hours up there. I came down before sunset this time but I spent ages sitting in different places and there were rabbits everywhere. I wandered off the path to find somewhere to just sit and watch them. Everytime I am up there I feel "this is where I want to be".

When I got back I spent another hour wandering round the gardens meditating, watching the sun go down.

In the morning I woke about 8 and went straight out into the gardens where there was magical early morning light, and I had a lovely long wander. Then I made a drink and sat on one of the swing seats to drink it and have breakfast, before the gardens opened to the public.

Let the photos do the talking