ISLANDS
and
LIFELINES
EXPLORING THE DRAMATIC FRINGES OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND
EXPLORING THE DRAMATIC FRINGES OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND
Islands
and Lifelines traces a series of richly enjoyable ventures to some
of the most dramatic and fascinating coastal locations in Britain
and Ireland. It explores the special landscapes, communities and
wildlife of Orkney, Shetland, the Hebrides, Pembrokeshire,
Northumberland, County Clare, Derry and Wexford. 
History
features strongly – especially the emerging understanding of our
Neolithic ancestors, the telling landscapes, the hardships visited upon
Ireland and Scotland, and unsung heroism of crises and in wartime.
The
book also touches on more recent, contentious issues, including the new
peace in Ireland and the challenges of climate change. Accompanied on each of these journeys by important friends from across four decades, together they reflected on some common themes; their childhoods, schooling, and the unique good fortune of the post war generation - and how it has played its hand. Some compelling individual life stories emerge.
Like
most journeys the book moves between light and shade, funny and
deadly serious, mundane and inspirational. Much was pre-planned
but the delights often came through chance encounters and
happenings. A peaceful strand runs through it in the joys of
observing wildlife and in browsing very slowly along isolated
beaches. The elemental beauty of the islands, the awesome power
of the weather, and wild jagged seascapes colour the whole
story. Written to celebrate a series of happy, fulfilling
journeys but it also offering food for thought, it is a call to
relish our own home islands, to travel thoughtfully and simply,
to search out some dreams and make them happen.