Entrance to the Monastery Complex at Skellig Michael
Christ’s Saddle at Skellig Michael was another jarring welcome to the island. I thought that the winds were still powerful when we were climbing the island, this despite the large island blocking the wind. When we reached the top of the stairs, which was Christ’s Saddle all the wind that was blocked by island was free to move. Here could be blown away by the powerful winds. I couldn’t linger in that open area because of the fear of getting blown away. I don’t know if it is physically possible for that to happen but I wouldn’t take that chance. The winds actually get worse the higher you climb up. Unfortunately, there was another flight of steps which we needed to negotiate.
Little Skellig in the Distance
The next flight of steps weren’t that high but the powerful crosswinds slowed us down. Then there was calm. There was another flat area here and it seems that we have arrived at our destination. This was the monastery complex which Skellig Michael is famous for. The monastery itself looks not unlike a fortress. It is not surprising considering the location of the monastery. They don’t have enemies here but the opponent here is Mother Nature. The monks built walls which keep out most of the wind. The rocks here at Skellig Michael make for perfect raw material for walls.
[xmlgm {http://www.worldwanderings.net/kml/SkelligMichael.kmz} zoom=19]