My visit to Landeda in Brittany was memorable for many reasons: the breathtaking view of sea and sky, the glorious weather and the solitude. But what I absolutely loved about the place were the tracks that had been made for those who wanted to walk along the shore. One could just step outdoors, select a path and follow it up hill and down dale, along the rocks, sand dunes and small beaches until one decided to stop and turn back.
I’d watch from indoors and the paths around would beckon invitingly. All I wanted was to throw on a jacket, head out into the breeze, set my feet on a path and just…keep walking.
I could choose to be alone with my thoughts or not. I could let the breeze whoosh through the corners of my mind and blow away all the dark thoughts that lurked there. Or I could gulp in lungfuls of fresh air and freshen up my thoughts a little! I could even let them play in my mind to the rhythm of my steps or the sound of the waves. Or just fill my mind with the beauty around me and leave no room for anything else.
Each curve or dip in the path invited me to go ahead, walk further; just that little bit more. And then some more. There was always the promise of something interesting around the next bend. One could keep walking till the sun went down- by which time it would be past 9 o’clock.
At one spot there was this stile placed strategically, for those who wanted to stop and gaze at the view or perch on it and take a breather before continuing along the path. I did both!
I remember a walk I took along the coast at low tide. The sea bed was covered with rocks and weed for as far as I could see. The waves in the distance showed no inclination to come sweeping into the shore. Further ahead, sand dunes stretched in a wavering line. It was such a change from the soothing emerald and aquamarine colours of the previous day that I felt awed.
The changing landscape has something for every mood and taste. All you have to do is step out and step up.
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