I had a very romantic viewpoint about Sark. It was a place I had always wanted to visit. Being a very poor sleeper the idea of going to an island bereft of traffic and street lighting sounded like the perfect escape.
I got off the ferry about 4pm, it was a bright and sunny day and the horse drawn carriage was charming, taking the six new visitors to their chosen accommodation.
I was going to a small B and B and I was the second person to leave the carriage which was a shame as I would have loved an insight into the island. I knew the island was very small only around two square miles and that there was a small population of around five hundred souls.
I was shown my room by a very friendly lady called Carol, where I quickly unpacked and refreshed myself and was invited for tea and sandwiches in the kitchen. I said that I wanted to go for a quick walk to stretch my legs before the evening fell, so armed with my trusty torch and map off I went with her advice to not take too long as the night falls fast here, ringing in my ears.
A sense of direction being sadly lacking in my talents, and obviously the intelligence to take advice,
I had meant to turn back once the light began to change. I knew that the island was known as a dark island, no street lights etc, but the dark came down so fast that it threw me.
I looked at my watch and knew that I had only walked for just over an hour, had been meandering along enjoying the bird song and gardens along the way. I knew I wasn’t too far from my temporary home but I totally panicked. The silence and dark was so disconcerting. The sight of the stars in a sky so black was the most amazing sight I have ever seen, but at the same time I was terrified.
I gave myself a good talking to, laughed at myself turned around and tried to walk back in the same direction, only faster. I got back to my accommodation much quicker. When I saw Carol, and told her what had happened she just laughed and said that happens to everyone on their first night. She said once you have got accustomed to the island in the daytime, that I would be walking around in the night as if it were light.
And do you know what, she was right. I came away from there a more confident, well rested, happier person than I was when I arrived.
It’s magic!!
