This is Number 62,
Where Lobster lives, and Octopus too.
The Version shows a door of blue
- And there's Octopus.

Apologies for my pathetic poetry. Anyway, in case you're wondering, you're getting a twofer today, because both the main image and the Version were shot in the same location (ie, up another Dunbar close); and there is that connection with the sea, I suppose. The “door of blue” can just be seen in the background, top right, of the main image. Two different artists, I'd say, considering the differences in style, with the octopus having been given a much more detailed treatment (even if his head is missing - that's down to the artist, not me!).

But never mind that. Let's talk about serendipity. You already know this short series is centred on Dunbar in East Lothian, a few miles down the road from me. I've also mentioned that Dunbar is the birthplace of John Muir, famed as the father of American conservation. OK, here's the serendipity bit: I'm in a charity shop yesterday in another part of East Lothian, and what should I come across but the Canongate edition of “John Muir: The Wilderness Journeys”, an omnibus collection which restores to Scottish print The Story of My Boyhood and Youth and My First Summer in The Sierra, and includes A Thousand Mile Walk to The Gulf (of Mexico), Travels in Alaska and Stickeen. The book was published in 1996, is in spanking condition, and cost me the princely sum of 50p. I thank my lucky stars for having found it, and I shall very much enjoy reading it.

Tags: General East lothian Lobster Octopus Dunbar close

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