The Binn

Today I hiked to a place called the Binn. It is a 613 foot hill in the town of Burntisland that is mostly made up a basalt rock. Although it's only 613 feet tall, the vantage point from the top is one of the most incredible things I have ever seen. It is absolutely indescribable. But seeing as how it's a blog, I will do my best...

I moved even slower this morning than I did yesterday, so by the time I actually planned a hike and got myself together, it was almost noon. Just as I was setting out to begin my hike, Magda popped her head out of her door as I passed and invited me to have lunch with her and a few others. 

So I wandered around until one and then headed up to Magda's little cottage. Her husband, Martin (also grandson of Diana) was playing with their son, Ossian. He is almost two, and is so very adorable. Jamie, another guy who lives on the farm, also joined us. He is a beer brewer, and we had one of his beers with lunch. It was a Scottish pine ale. It's a recipe that originated with the vikings and has such a wonderful flavor. I don't really like drinking beer that much, but I'm allowed to here, so why not? And it turned out to be really good. Check out this link if you want to read some more about it.
http://www.williamsbrosbrew.com/beerboard/bottles/alba 

Lunch was a great spread. There was quinoa, sweet potatoes, Italian ratatouille (I forgot the name), and homemade focaccia. All courtesy of Jamie. It was really good. 

After we finished up with lunch we had coffee and cake and talked for a while. All of them are so interesting, it was a lot of fun hanging out and enjoying their company. Little Ossian toddled about, playing with toys and pissing of Shiraz, who was lounging in the sun. I think it's such a cool thing to step into this world, and witness how these people live their lives. It is such a reminder for me that there is more going out outside my own world. Before I left, I was sitting there worrying about signing up for orientation, while over here this little community was doing it's thing. I don't know if that makes much sense, but being apart of this is like a breath of fresh. Perspective y'all. Perspective. 

ANYWAY. After that long and very fun lunch, I set out to hike the Binn. As soon as I began, the clouds opened up and the sun began to shine. It turned out to be another wonderfully sunny afternoon. 

Look who figured out the panorama feature on their camera :)

The beginning of the hike. Walking up the lane. 

 The dirt road merged onto the main road, which I crossed and followed the signs to the trail head. The path was a gravel and started up with a gradual incline. On the way I passed a lady named Jill riding her horse. Jill keeps here horse in a barn on Criagencalt, and is just about the sweetest person you will ever meet. The other day I helped her out with something (this wire got caught up on something, so  I just reached up and unhooked it) and when she passed me today, she thanked me again for helping. 

After about twenty minutes of walking, I came upon my first viewing point. It offered a great view of the Kinghorn golf course and ocean beyond. 

 

Then I came upon the ruins of what once was a small village. I am not entirely sure of the history of it, but it was still amazing. I had a fun time trying to imagine what it might have been or how life might have been when it was active. 

Immediately after this ruined village, the path began to head steeply uphill. I was getting close...

The last uphill jaunt.

ugh...hills. :P

Only half way up and the view was promising.

With Of Monsters and Men spurring me on, I arrived at the top of the Binn. From the top I could see all the way from Kirkcaldy to start of the forth. (Get ready...photo time.)

Looking back towards Kinghorn.

Panoramic view!

Most relaxing water break ever.

Not all who wander are lost.

THE BINN.

 I walked up and down the length of the ridge, then found a nice spot to lie down and enjoy the view. It's one thing to look at the pictures, but to actually be there is another. It is absolutely breath taking. It is spectacular. It is magnificent. It is awe inspiring. It's the kind of view that eradicates all other thought. Time didn't exist. As I sat there, gazing out across the town of Burntisland, over the forth to Edinburgh, it felt as though nothing else existed. Just the sky, the clouds, the ocean, the mountains and the breeze. For me, this is as close to perfection as things can get. Maybe if Jennifer Lawrence had been there it would have been...

I don't know how long I sat there in that euphoric state soaking up the view. It's one of those images I hope to be able to close my eyes and see for a long time to come. I ended up filling up my memory card, so that got me headed back to the farm. Otherwise I would have had no self control and sat there all night. (Note to self, next time I go on a cool trip, bring an extra memory card.)

Anyway, today was a fantastic day of sprawling panormic views and a fun lunch with new friends. I will remember this day for a long time to come. 

 

The ecology center and farm.

Tomorrow we begin another week of farm work, and I get a room mate! See you then. Thanks for reading!