Rainy skies did little to dampen the charm of Sark Island. This and the other Channel Islands lie close to the coast of France, but have been a part of England since 1066. Sark remains the last feudal fief in Europe and the smallest independent state in the British Commonwealth.
Imposing granite cliffs guard a pleasant plateau of sheep pasture and garden. Though precipitous, the coast was festooned with flora and fauna. Bright sea thrift added pink punctuation marks to dark facades. Daisies and bladder campion formed floral cascades. Over these flitted rock pipits, particularly at home on cliffsides. Their lilting, tumbling song, uttered in a long downward flight, echoed the form of the coast.
No cars quicken the pace of island life, so we strolled through town and countryside. Some stepped into the fast lane by boarding horse-drawn carts for an island tour. This experience exemplified the harmonious blend of rich past and quaint present on a fascinating island!
