A DREAM COME TRUE
VIA: THE ESSEX ROCK & MINERAL SOCIETY
By Doreen White
For many years I have been longing to go to Scotland, mainly for two
reasons. 1. The scenery.
2.
The geology.
I had heard that both are fantastic. One of the drawbacks is the fact
that I don't drive and I have to rely on others or public transport.
So
........ how do I get to travel around the mountains of Scotland and the
places of geological interest without any friends that happen to be travelling
that way?
A Club trip? I had missed out on that as a group of our members had been
on a trip before I had joined, there were no future plans for another.
(Note 1)
SCOTLAND in my mind began to pull like a magnet.
|
A
view of one of the Islands on Doreen's Itinerary!
|
A year or two by. I read about it. I looked at books and maps. What could I do? I knew no coach trips could combine my two interests, as coach or train would only cover the scenery appetite.
I
expressed my agitation to a couple of our committee members who thought
it would be a good idea to arrange another trip one year. Which year?
Dismay went through my mind. Roger, our Internet whizz suggested, "Why
don't you go up and join a geological group? " Hmm, a good idea,
but I don't know about accommodation , or any other contacts.
|
Honey
Combing Rock at Elgol on Skye. Caused by wave action. (Doreen's
comment.)
|
Another four months or so passed by. One club lecture evening, I picked up the latest edition of Down to Earth, a geological newspaper that is delivered on a regular basis to our club.
I
took the paper and browsed through it as I was travelling on the tube
to work. I saw an advert that nearly made me shriek with excitement, but
I managed to contain myself! I continued my journey to work. I felt as
if I was walking on air. I was extremely excited. The day flew by with
happy anticipating thoughts.
Back at home I think I must have read the print off the advert. It described various geological holidays, some being in SCOTLAND with TRANSPORT PROVIDED or shared. Well what could be more perfect. I replied to the advert. I was spoiled for choice. There were three holidays to choose from. The one I chose was for seven days on a little island just off the Scottish coast which included two days visiting the Isle of Skye on the mainland.
| A closer look at the rock face, weathering features aside. This appears like a sedimentary rock sequence covering several distinct phases, plus the bonus of what could be a "fault" to the left of the picture. One could have real fun interpreting this facies! RC |
I went to the Scottish tourist board in London who were very helpful. They advised and arranged all my travel requirements with no charge whatsoever for their services.
| Doreen describes this as a natural Dyke! |
| My questions would be: what rock is the vertical dyke, is the apparent light colour just weathering? Why does there appear two dark vertical bands either side? What is the horizontal feature cutting across the middle of the picture? What is the apparent light coloured rock at the top? They are probably the aftermath of igneous events and tell a story. Personally, I would have taken at least six rock samples and probably run round the country side for a few miles chasing all these features (in outcrop). (RC) |
My journey was made with excited anticipation and awe at the scenery. I had no idea Loch Lomond was so long. I had seen pictures of its beauty, but I had no idea of its length. I'm sure it was well over an hour of the coach journey.
| Metamorphosed red Torridonian sandstone with bedding bands. (DW) |
| Ummh, I would like a close look at a piece, must ask Doreen if she brought any home! (RC) |
| Doreen makes no mention of these little flecks in the picture to the right of the hammer. Oh dear, the have .... straight edges ......could they be ........ Porphyroblasts. Bring back a sample did we? If not, we will send you back to get some! RC |
I arrived at the arranged destination and as I stepped off the coach I was greeted by the group leader. We travelled to the little island be ferryboat. The sun was shinning brightly as we crossed . It began to rain gently , all of a sudden rainbows started appearing. They stretched from the mountains of the mainland into the sea. I made a wish on every one. Such wonderful scenes I had never imagined existed.
Needless
to say, my holiday exceeded all expectations in every aspect. The company
of the group of nine, and how well everything was organized. The hotel
and the trips. The talks explaining the geology, with everything geared
to the group's requirements. Nothing could be better.
|
A
view taken from the island, of the Cuillin mountain Range on the
Isle of Skye. (DW)
|
The end of a perfect dream?
NO - JUST THE BEGINNING!
Doreen White
The society has had official trips to Scotland, and unofficially there is an open invitation to join Graham Ward, participating in recreational gold panning at Kildonan, almost every year. Transport is indeed a problem and anyone would be well advised to consider those that do the driving with the greatest respect. It is no good thinking that you can rely on others when even the strongest friendships can become very strained. There is no Old Pals Act here, if you can't look after yourself do not expect others to look after you. Yes, we muck in for an emergency but not the every day things! We, as individuals, all have different interests, what you might be gagging to see 50 miles down the road is probably of no relevance to others. So, don't anyone get the idea they have a personal chauffeur, because they cadged a lift for the last 700 miles. It's not on Buddies!
Having said the above you will find that years later you continue to laugh about all the experiences. Les Lanham and I still find mileage in a few yarns! Some of us are planning to return, perhaps next year. Now which tent do I take? RC. 9 August 2002 (Back to text)
Porphyroblast: Large crystals grown during the process of metomorphism and easily confused with the term Phenocryst which refers to large crystals in the ground mass of igneous rocks. (RC) (Back to text)
Please note all pictures and text are © Doreen White of the Essex Rock & Mineral Society, except text that is initialled RC. These pictures have been reduced in size, should any member wish to see larger images it would be possible via e-mail provided Doreen agrees. (RC)
This article has been optimized to print on A4 paper, with top and bottom margins set to 10mm,