My Ode to the Mournes

I feel this incredible connection to the Mourne Mountains. A rare connection I've never before been able to describe

They excite me, inspire me, challenge me, give me a big hug when I need it

I know them like the back of my hand, I know them like I know an old friend

I grew up watching them everyday through the kitchen window, watching them change through the seasons

I've climbed up basking in the sunshine & fighting through storms. Hiked in snow, hail, blizzards. Seen rainbows & cloud inversions

I've been at the top of peaks to watch the sun rise & watch it set

It's my place of solitude where I've spent many hours with my own thoughts, it's where I've spent time with my nearest & dearest

They remind me of safety, of family, of adventure

It's where I've cried with laughter & of sadness

I've Hiked. Swam. Fallen (lots). Grieved. Grown.

I've slept at the top of them, I've slept at the foot of them

I've hiked every single peak (some of them more times than I could count) & fallen in love with each adventure

The Mournes has such a wonderful place in my heart & I still cry coming home to them. Tears of joy, tears of awe

I've never truly felt like I belonged in one place, but coming home here feels like I'm welcomed with open arms, like it's where I'm supposed to be

eg x