I fully expected us to be walking the early leg from Blackdown on our own, but I was shocked and thrilled to find a great gaggle of eager walkers to greet us at Blackdown church. We said our prayers together and set off on our way in the sunshine towards Drimpton. Prize goes to Keith from Toller who had joined us on the first leg from Toller to Hooke and had decided he wanted to walk again in an area unknown to him, so had joined us at Blackdown. I must have been overwhelmed by it all because I forgot to take any photos from Blackdown. But after a gentle hour or so walking we arrived at Drimpton.
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After another welcome cup of coffee we headed away from Drimpton over the fields to Seaborough, expecting it to be the muddiest part of our walk so far.
We were joined by the youngest member of our pilgrimage party, Edward aged 10, who set the pace carrying the cross and nipping nimbly over gates, stiles, muddy fields and waiting for us slow coaches to catch up.
We reached Seaborough without incident, despite a hairy climb over a rusty gate and the careful negotiation of muddy field entrances. We received another warm welcome, this time with mulled wine, soup, sloe gin and cake. What a wonderful walker's lunch. Thank you Seaborough for your hospitality. We said goodbye to some of the morning pilgrims and were joined by new walkers from Mosterton.
Blessed by continued fine weather we headed through farmyards and around re routed footpaths and finally through an extremely muddy field complete with frisky horses to briefly call in at Mosterton church enroute to the school. By then my legs were certainly aching and the cup of tea made by the Chair of Governors at Parrett and Axe school was blissful. We enjoyed the Happy Easter banner in the playground and our final school worship of the pilgrimage.
Thus revived we bid farewell to one and gained another pilgrim and headed off towards our goal, South Perrott. Assured that the route planned would be accessible we headed off as instructed. Yet the sun had retreated, the wind got up and it was getting colder by the moment. And underfoot things were not much better. Mud, mud and more mud. Amazingly one of our party managed to negotiate the mud by walking through large brambles instead but this for me was the hardest bit. Relentless and boot clogging mud, with much laughter too, but I was glad the end was in sight. Finally, after a brief respite along the river, we emerged triumphant into South Perrott churchyard. Our walk was done. What a marvellous, glorious and thrilling achievement, thanks be to God. And although the church bells weren't ringing we were greeted in style by the most delicious sandwiches and cakes I have ever tasted. Thank you so much for such a glorious spread.
The pilgrimage was a wonderful way to spend the beginning of Holy Week. It gave us time to connect with people as we walked, helped us place our team in geographical context and reminded us that all our churches offer wonderful hospitality and encouragement to their communities. All our churches are very different, but yet they share the common aim of living out the good news of Jesus Christ in their community. Thank you for the chance to worship and walk with you all this Holy Week.
