The 6 Year-Old Who Walked on Water

I was beginning to feel a twinge of emotion.

50 years was a long time.

The five-minute sail across to the island was providing me with plenty of time to contemplate. 

What would I remember after so long?

My gaze broke away from the small passenger boat’s swell, and I began to stare at the looming castle perched high on the small island.

One particular childhood event was permanently etched in my memory.

I must have been about 6 years old. At that time, Dad worked on the railway. And one of the perks of the job was a complimentary railway ticket for the whole family – to anywhere in the UK.

So one year he took advantage of that privilege, and we had a break from our annual pilgrimage to North Wales. We took the train to Penzance, Cornwall.

Why Penzance?

Because that was the furthest point south we could reach by train.

My Dad believed in getting good value. I suppose I’m a chip off the old block.

St Micheal’s Mount is a small island just off the mainland, near to Penzance.

Its magnificent castle stands proudly on top of the rock, dominating the skyline and beckoning visitors.

So we headed there. 

I remember the excitement of the boat ride to the island.

However, it was what was to happen a few days later that etched the memory of that boat trip deep inside my brain.

On that first visit to Saint Micheal’s Mount, we all sailed across.

But a few days later, Mum and I returned – and we walked across.

Can you imagine the confusion for a six year old?

One day we had to sail across the sea. But the next time we were able to walk across the sea. Was Mum doing some sort of Biblical miracle?

Later Dad explained about “the causeway”, and eventually I understood about how the path was hidden when the tide rose.

Life’s like that sometimes.

One day the path is easy. Another day, we just can’t see it.

But remember… there’s always a way, even if we can’t figure it out immediately.

I’m still discovering that, more than 50 years later.

Ever had a similar experience? I’d love to hear about it. Pop it into the comments box and let’s keep the conversation going.