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.

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.