Today we walked, under gathering cloud, and buffeted by a rising wind, up the Roman Steps. Not all the way though – you’re allowed to be careful at our age. Another 500m and we’d’ve got to the top of this mountain pass, to be treated to the view that the mediaeval traders would have had*, of the lush plain of Trawsfynydd. ‘Across the mountain’ lies a better land. Maybe. At any rate, the power station which used to operate there kept me and hundreds of others in bread for a few years.
We returned to Cwm Bychan the way we came, lingered in the mossy wood, and watched how eddies of wind moved across Llyn Cwm Bychan, kicking up clouds of spray.
* Not exactly the same view – the remains of the power station are still there, as well as the lake, which continues to feed the hydroelectric power station in Maentwrog. OTOH, looking at the map I see that the power station and lake would be invisible around the corner from the top of the pass.
We praise you Godfor the dark hills,
the gathering storm,
for the power of nature.
We thank you God
because you have created us able
to harness the power of water,
to use the energy of nuclear fission.
We pray for your help, your justice,
your wisdom, your love,
that we may use our power for good
and not for ill.
We are in awe, great God,
because there still is,
there always is,
something in nature
that cannot be tamed.