struck our face and the mist that engulfed the valley, we “see” the first full view of the environment and landscape into which we were about to be introduced. The valley itself is sided by two fair size hills and divided by a creek whose banks hold a mix of pines and deciduous trees. Up the more immediate slope, stone fences ring pastures. In some pastures, young calves, some as young as a few days or week old still have remnants of their umbilical
cords showing, as they lay sleeping next to curl horned cows who chew their cud. In other pastures, matronly ewes chewed grass in their woolen coats standing on what some might mistake for legs sheathed in black stockings while they keep their eyes out for their young, who bound about with their peers, some with heads covered in white wool and others with pure black faces showing no wool at all, until suddenly they find themselves without the security of their mother and start bleating in hopes she will return the call, whereupon they bound towards her in hope of a mid-morning snack of warm milk.
Occasionally we also hear the crow of a cock pheasant, whereupon our eyes scan the stone walls or edges of trees in hopes of catching the distinctive white ring neck of the males. Occasionally we will see a mallard duck rise out of the pasture or hear the call of geese flying overhead. But often it would be a mix that converged to produce the spectacle intermixing all forms of life new and old with announcement but without conflict.
We have, in short, settled in, accepting the weather and the pilgrimage before us.
And so, though we had not reached the first house, we continued our trek, being grateful to have access to this spread compliment of
Goldsworthy’s patron, David Ross, a billionaire who made his money after founding Carphone Warehouse in 1989 and who made funding for “Hanging Stones” available through his eponymous foundation. Being told this trek averages five hours, we anticipate it being a long day, possibly longer than usual given the weather. But experiencing what we have already, we inherently understand we will never have enough time and therefore must make the most of it.
Hanging Stone House
The first house we come to is Hanging Stone House. It is a nondescript stone building with stairs alongside that lead to the entrance. We were instructed to enter the upper level first (all houses are locked, requiring a key to access). Upon entering the single room, whose ceilings and floor are made from wood, you immediately see a large rectangular stone set on the floor. The sign alone is significant. But the concept of hanging rock is not yet apparent. That happens on the lower level, which again must be accessed by lock and key.
Opposite:
Fields, Farms, & Stone Fences
Right:
Hanging Stone House
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