Why do I love the lone goat of the lighthouse? There is something so solitary about this goat. There once was a herd of goats living around the lighthouse until it was decided they were damaging the native flora and fauna. This one goat escaped his captors and lives alone in one of the most beautiful places on the planet! For many years I have walked to the lighthouse,and on occasion have witnessed the goat grazing on the sharp cliff faces with the deep blue waters below. This year I have walked to the lighthouse regularly and it is a rare and special event when I spot the goat. I have a ritual where I touch the lighthouse for good luck, on the first day of starting this ritual  I spotted the goat grazing just a few meters from where I stood, with the looming lighthouse in full view in the background creating a magnificent picture.

I was amazed as in my eight years of walking to the lighthouse I had not seen the goat up so close. What struck me about this encounter was the surreal experience of the goat staring directly into  my eyes, just a few meters away. I felt a sense of calm and my mind started  thinking how this goat is so raw in the elements but also she was at home. I know that they are considered somewhat of a problem eating local vegetation but this lone goat just feels so much part of the lighthouse experience. What was interesting about the goat on this day was that it gave to me the experience of its natural instinct to roam around the cliff face in almost a cyclic fashion, with no concern of human activity around. It was interesting to watch  joggers run past the goat in a detached way in contrast to my excitement and interest . The goat certainly doesn't create the same wonder of the passing whale - no 'goat tours' here!!

This first encounter with the goat stayed in my mind,  I really wanted to remember it so I drew the image. Above: "Lone Goat at the lighthouse"  95cm x 85cm charcoal, pastel and conte stick