Northdale Head
Leaving Red House, we traveled down through a dense forest, crossing again the stream we encountered above, now seeing everywhere in water fall the red tint that marked the place. But soon we were back out into the lightness of the fields, where upon we encountered Northdale Head.
Northdale Head was a monument to stone. The floor was stone, the walls were stone. But one wall stood out. It was the wall on the far side of the room facing the valley. There was a stack of stone, large stones. All varied shapes were positioned one on top of the other without being pinned for stability, through which light penetrated to the inner room. A totally self-sustaining structure, sculpture, strong enough to support itself without assistance, impenetrable but equally open for light to enter if allowed.
Looking out through the stones to the valley, and then walking outside to look in, it felt as we understood the very character of the people who lived within the valley and built these buildings, people who inhabited and still inhabit the place. They were and are a strong people, who stood and stand on their own two feet, using what skills they had to forge life and lifestyles for themselves and/or their families, amidst hardship and change.
We were humbled.
Left:
Inner Sanctum
Red House
Above:
Path down to Northdale Head
Right:
Outer Structure of Northdale Head
Following Page:
Inside Space of Northdale Head
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