This is the doorway into the ruins of the great hall of Tintagel Castle. If you’ve read “Jevic and The Sword,” you know the significance of this doorway. Built in the 12th century, this castle has long been connected to the legend of King Arthur, and this place is worthy of his Highness.

The windswept coast of Cornwall is breathtaking. Foxglove and Queen Anne’s Lace are among the abundant flowers growing wild on the rolling green hills. Herringbone slate walls are a stunning example of what human creativity can do with an abundance of local resources.

Unfortunately, the turquoise water in the little harbor where Merlin’s Cave sits under the island never receded enough for us to venture into the cave or walk out to the stone on the beach as I had hoped.

But just to walk along this beautiful coastline, climb these steps, cross the battlefield on the upper ward, and stand on what is left of a spiral stairway on the edge of the great hall was living a dream that even Merlin’s magic could not have improved upon.

A half an hour’s walk away was the youth hostel I had only seen on Google Earth and in one online photo.

This was a truly incredible day in my life. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to visit Tintagel, and forever humbled by its perfection.