Fingal's Cave

Here is the video of Air by Fingal, played in Fingal's cave. It will probably be tiny on this blog page, but if you click on it a few times it should take you to youtube and you can watch it full screen. All the other videos I've done on this trip can be found there as well, under Mikeconnorsharp.

I'm on limited internet time, so I'll share the pics and a little of my experience. A quick google or wikapedia search can tell you more about the volcanic pillar formations, the legends, etc.

I took a boat out to Fingal's Cave, Isle of Staffa. Determined to get a harp into the cave, it turned out to be quite an undertaking. 

The boat landed us, and I hauled the harp, camera, and tripod along the rocky trail combing the cliff all the way across the side of the island. The trail started here.

It was a long haul across the face of the isle, but the weather was perfect. There was a cable to to grip. I felt like a pack mule. I'm really glad I indulged in a pair of good hiking shoes before I left.

I made it. Jo Ellen said she was glad she don't see that part, she would have been freaking out. I know I was. Danger is my middle name. 

The entrance to the cave. My friend Steve visited last year, and suggested playing at the entrance to add to the mystery of what is inside. I tried that, but the waves were crashing so hard and loud on the rocks, that you couldn't hear the harp.

That left me no choice, I simply had to get all up in there.

We were only to be there for an hour, but the boat captain said he could leave me there and I could catch a cruise back a few hours later.

After they left, I was all alone at fingals cave. I maneuvered the harp deep into the cave. The waves and echoes create sounds that sound like voices. I was alone with just a harp the spirits of the past and the voice of the sea echoing in the cave.

The harp sounded cool. I played the Air by Fingal a bunch of times. The video has the sound of the waves echoing thru the deep cavern, which can drown out the harp. If I were to do it again, a long extension cable for the microphone to put it closer to the harp than the camera would probably help that. While I was playing, though, I could hear the harp just fine, and the sound of the water actually helped shape the phrasing. The video itself just won't capture it, but whenever I play that piece, it will never be the same. I'll always hear those voices.

The sun was shining into the cave casting a golden glow. It was magical.

The view looking out from the entrance of the Cave.

Parting shots.

 I can see why this is one of the seven wonders of the world. I would like to come back again, this time just to chill and look at puffins.