32 miles, 38 walkers, 15 churches, 14 parishes, 4 primary schools, 8 dogs and 1 horse later we have completed the Holy Week Pilgrimage.
Pictures and summary of today later.
I will try again
I will attempt to live blog our final day, signal permitting. We start at 9.30am at Blackdown. I suspect it will just be me and David for the first leg although I know we are expecting company in Drimpton. But we have yet to walk a mile without company, so I may well be proved wrong.
A joyful day 3
Apologies for the lack of updates today - I got so fed up with my inability to blog on the move yesterday that I didn't even try today. However, be reassured that we made it over the top of Lewesdon Hill without ill effect and finished ahead of schedule at Blackdown at 5.30pm this afternoon.
The day started with the Holy Week reflection at St Mary's Beaminster and then we set off to Stoke Abbott through the pale spring sunshine, past the road closure and into Stoke Abbott where we were met by Christine and Sue for a welcome coffee and comfort break.
Then we faced our first real challenge of the day, the ascent of Lewesdon Hill. Thanks to our excellent instructions and the twig arrows left by Hugh's grandson we were able to get up without much trouble. A few pauses along the way to catch our breath and have a restorative wine gum, but eventually we achieved our aim, the top.
The day started with the Holy Week reflection at St Mary's Beaminster and then we set off to Stoke Abbott through the pale spring sunshine, past the road closure and into Stoke Abbott where we were met by Christine and Sue for a welcome coffee and comfort break.
Then we faced our first real challenge of the day, the ascent of Lewesdon Hill. Thanks to our excellent instructions and the twig arrows left by Hugh's grandson we were able to get up without much trouble. A few pauses along the way to catch our breath and have a restorative wine gum, but eventually we achieved our aim, the top.
We were moved to pray on the top of the hill as we were filled with euphoria from our climb and aware of the natural beauty of the top of the hill and the views beneath us. It felt right to thank God.
But this wasn't even the highlight of our day, that was to come as we descended through the muddy fields the other side. Much laughter ensued when Hugh succumbed to not one but two falls in the cow pat littered muddy ridges of the fields below. We were not well placed to pull him out as we were bent double with giggles, sorry Hugh. Yet he maintained his decorum as we carried on through the mire. Then just as we entered the final field before Broadwindsor we were met with the triumphant sight of the whole of Broadwindsor school spread out across the ridge as a wonderful welcoming committee. It was the most glorious and moving sight. Thank you to all the staff and parents who facilitated the muddy climb and apologies to my children for failing to send them in with their wellies today, bad mummy!
We were then led by the children back to school where we delivered our third Easter celebration and then we proceeded to Broadwindsor for a wonderful warm welcome with lashings of cake and welcome cups of tea. Thank you to Megan, Aileen and Liz for their excellent hospitality. Suitably fortified and joined by Elf, Liz and John we carried on to Burstock and finally on to Blackdown finishing ahead of schedule at 5.30pm. Thanks to Lionel, John and Philip for their hospitality and the second wee dram of the route.
10 people and two dogs have walked with us today, many more have supported us and cheered us on. Our holy journey continues with the final day tomorrow. Thank you so much to you all and to God for all the many blessings we've received today. Goodnight.
The end of the second day
It has been another wonderful day on the pilgrimage trail around the team. We started late due to me having to go back home for my phone, so when we finally arrived at Melplash we found a cold Brian waiting for us to walk the first leg. Apologies accepted we set off at a cracking pace and were soon accompanied by Joyce and two dogs.
Having negotiated a muddy farm yard we headed up towards Waytown where we were joined by Steve and we posed for photos outside the pub, noting that every pub we pass en route will be shut.
We continued on to Salway Ash - through a marshy bog where the I shrieked and ran across landing up with mud over my boots. But despite the muddy terrain we still ended up early at Salway Ash and were thrilled to be welcomed by tea and cake which was very welcome, despite the early hour.
Next on to Salway Ash school where we did assembly and then on to Netherbury, now joined by Rob, Liz and Liz, having said goodbye to Brian. The wind whipped across the fields on the exposed top but we were more sheltered down in the vineyards. We negotiated a tricky sloping down stile with holly and barbed wire (again, once we had deviated from the route!) and then arrived at Netherbury now 20 minutes ahead of schedule.
Having fed both body and soul we departed towards Beaminster, gaining Judy,Peter and Jacky as travelling companions and watching and waiting for the arrival of a horse. We caught up with Gill and Sue and made it into the square in Beaminster ahead of time.
We walked through to the school where we conducted outdoor worship, with plenty of action songs to keep us warm. And then finally on to Beaminster church where we concluded with more cake and our final worship.
Another wonderful day. Another day of fellowship and getting to know new people. Another day of prayer and a day where we told the Easter story to 200 children. 8.6 miles tomorrow including the ascent and descent of Lewesdon Hill. Can't wait.
We continued on to Salway Ash - through a marshy bog where the I shrieked and ran across landing up with mud over my boots. But despite the muddy terrain we still ended up early at Salway Ash and were thrilled to be welcomed by tea and cake which was very welcome, despite the early hour.Next on to Salway Ash school where we did assembly and then on to Netherbury, now joined by Rob, Liz and Liz, having said goodbye to Brian. The wind whipped across the fields on the exposed top but we were more sheltered down in the vineyards. We negotiated a tricky sloping down stile with holly and barbed wire (again, once we had deviated from the route!) and then arrived at Netherbury now 20 minutes ahead of schedule.
Having fed both body and soul we departed towards Beaminster, gaining Judy,Peter and Jacky as travelling companions and watching and waiting for the arrival of a horse. We caught up with Gill and Sue and made it into the square in Beaminster ahead of time.
Another wonderful day. Another day of fellowship and getting to know new people. Another day of prayer and a day where we told the Easter story to 200 children. 8.6 miles tomorrow including the ascent and descent of Lewesdon Hill. Can't wait.
Sporadic signal
It has been hard to post today as the signal has been bad. We are now walking with 7 people, 3 dogs and a horse. On our way to Beaminster.
End of day 2
We have arrived at the end of day 2. Total mileage so far 14.6 miles. Another wonderful day. Joined by 4 dogs, 1 horse, 11 walkers. More later.
Up on the top.
On our way to Netherbury. Out of the wind a bit. We were going to sing,but we can't decide on a song!
Up on the top.
On our way to Netherbury. Out of the wind a bit. We were going to sing,but we can't decide on a song!
Up on the top.
On our way to Netherbury. Out of the wind a bit. We were going to sing,but we can't decide on a song!
Salway Ash done
Lovely tea and cake at Salway Ash church. Led worship in the school. Great singing from the school, thank you. Still 30 mins ahead of the timetable but that gives us a longer lunch at Netherbury. See you soon.
Salway Ash arrived
We are here at the church a full 30 mins ahead of schedule. Thank you Brian for guiding us through the mire. Now for a nice cup of tea.
On our way in Waytown
A good pace this morning, joined by a couple of hardy companions. See you soon Salway Ash.
We’re off.
Late because I forgot my phone. But being guided by the master. So no getting lost. Bye Melplash. Hello Salway Ash.
End of day 1
What a marvellous start to our pilgrimage. We had eleven people walk with us to Hooke, seven continued on to Mapperton and then just three of us went on to Melplash. We have been warmly welcomed at all four churches we visited today - thank you very much.
We enjoyed fine weather although it was a little boggy underfoot. Hospitality excellent - thank you Andrew for the wee dram and John for coffee, Caroline and John for welcoming us into their kitchen with our boots on and a huge turn out at Melplash for further tea and cake. Thank you for being there and supporting and welcoming us. Thank you for worshipping with us too - it has been a memorable and moving day.
We have given thanks to God for four church communities, we have prayed for four villages, we have made new friends along the way and enjoyed fellowship with one another. We have shared stories with one another, gloried in the beautiful landscape and walked a day closer to the joy of Christ's resurrection.
The boots are muddy, my feet a little sore, the legs a little stiff, but all in all a wonderful start.
Bless to us, O God, the earth beneath our feet.
Bless to us, O God, the path whereon we go.
Bless to us, O God, the people whom we meet. Amen.
See you at Melpalsh at 8am tomorrow. Good night.
We enjoyed fine weather although it was a little boggy underfoot. Hospitality excellent - thank you Andrew for the wee dram and John for coffee, Caroline and John for welcoming us into their kitchen with our boots on and a huge turn out at Melplash for further tea and cake. Thank you for being there and supporting and welcoming us. Thank you for worshipping with us too - it has been a memorable and moving day.
We have given thanks to God for four church communities, we have prayed for four villages, we have made new friends along the way and enjoyed fellowship with one another. We have shared stories with one another, gloried in the beautiful landscape and walked a day closer to the joy of Christ's resurrection.
The boots are muddy, my feet a little sore, the legs a little stiff, but all in all a wonderful start.
Bless to us, O God, the earth beneath our feet.
Bless to us, O God, the path whereon we go.
Bless to us, O God, the people whom we meet. Amen.
See you at Melpalsh at 8am tomorrow. Good night.
A wee dram
Early to Hooke and welcomed by the church warden with a bottle of whisky. Time to worship and enjoy a coffee. And then off towards Mapperton.
It is tomorrow
Finally we begin the long awaited journey.
I haven't prepared as much as I should have. I suspect my boots may rub. I suspect I'm not as fit as I hope. I suspect it will be wet. But I know it will be good and right and fitting to spend Holy Week journeying.
I've spent part of this evening making a cross that is decorated with the footprints of the Lent club from Broadwindsor. Those 17 children will be walking with us symbolically and actually, when they join us on Tuesday. It is exciting.
Let us pray that walking this week will draw us closer to Christ. Amen.
Excitement is Mounting
The excitement is mounting. Only a few days until we start. The route is being sent for laminating. The service bookmarks are being made, the travel arrangements finalised, the weather prayed for.
And I am really looking forward to it, not least because it will make Holy Week special.
Sometimes the busyness of a major Christian festival and all the associated activities dominate the time we set aside to pray and to be still. Although this pilgrimage is, in essence, an active pursuit, it will also give time to be with God, to share fellowship, to walk alongside Christ in his journey to the cross and to make sense of the last year and the place that God has put me to serve. Time out, but time focused. It can only be a good thing?
And I am really looking forward to it, not least because it will make Holy Week special.
Sometimes the busyness of a major Christian festival and all the associated activities dominate the time we set aside to pray and to be still. Although this pilgrimage is, in essence, an active pursuit, it will also give time to be with God, to share fellowship, to walk alongside Christ in his journey to the cross and to make sense of the last year and the place that God has put me to serve. Time out, but time focused. It can only be a good thing?
The Dynamic Duo
Counting down
This time next week we will have completed two days of our walk. Today David and I did some dreadful pictures outside Beaminster Church to promote our pilgrimage. I also realised that amount of information that I had failed to distribute - so posters and flyers coming to a church near you soon.
Do you think it will be snowing when we start next week?
Do you think it will be snowing when we start next week?
What do you hope to gain by tramping around?
This is what someone asked me today. What is the point of this journey during Holy Week?
Partly it is about escaping the everyday stuff of life and choosing to spend 4 days connecting with God.
Partly it is about being visible and visiting every village and worshipping in every church during Holy Week.
Partly it is about unity and concentrating on what unites us rather than separates us. Unity in Christ.
Partly it is about doing something new and something different and it will be a chance to pray and talk with my valued colleague (boss!) David. I'm looking forward to it.
Partly it is about being visible and visiting every village and worshipping in every church during Holy Week.
Partly it is about unity and concentrating on what unites us rather than separates us. Unity in Christ.
Partly it is about doing something new and something different and it will be a chance to pray and talk with my valued colleague (boss!) David. I'm looking forward to it.
New boots
Pilgrimage Launch on Saturday
Come to St Mary's Church, Beaminster at 10.30am on Saturday 9th March to find out all about the Holy Week Pilgrimage and how you can join in.
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