Day 7: Abingdon to Eynsham

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As with yesterday, we'll start with news of last night. This time with a glimpse of "normal" pilgrim life, in the shape of suppertime. Frances was in the first school kitchen of this pilgrimage (I'm not sure how much this helps - to me it just looks like further to walk!). So here are the team (Frances, Monica and John) serving a delicious lasagne with green salad and coleslaw.

Some found wine to wash it down with - and we had tables laid out, a true communal meal.

But Anne couldn't be bothered with a plate and cutlery - she was just too hungry.

Most of us slept well, but I hear that Frances set off the intruder alarm by trying to sleep in the kitchen (she loves her work). Those of us in the sports hall heard nothing, nor did those entertaining a pilgrim of old, Martyn Thornton, to a few drinks in a local hostelry. Martyn lives locally; his wife Vicky, is very ill, so please remember them in your prayers.

Lesley seemed to be trying to escape in the back of the van first thing this morning. No time even to dress!

Breakfast over and van more or less packed, we proceeded to the Catholic Church of Our Lady and St Edmund of Abingdon for Mass, where we were greeted by the Parish Priest, Declan Lang, Vicar General of Portsmouth Diocese (this was our one stop in MY home diocese). For once we'd had time to select the music beforehand, on the theme of Covenant, and Fr David preached on this theme, how the covenant between ourselves and God should be stronger than the bond between family members, and that this should apply to the church as community. In particular, as we move along, we ARE the church, and we build a particular community and everyone plays their part. Fr Joe concelebrated.

After Mass we admired the resurrection figure

Leaving Abingdon we crossed the A34 - road much beloved of the Accommodation Officer who has regularly driven up and down this trunk road during the past year! From there to St Leonard's Church at Sunninghill; by now it had started raining, as witnessed by this "uncle and nephew" shot (sorry about yesterday's pic, Anthony)

Here we were met by Revd John Stevenett, a retired vicar now living in Abingdon, who had early links with Lichfield, was based in Chichester for many years, and then in the Itchen Valley (part of my home parish). He led us in prayer on the theme of the need to stop, look and listen. He even welcomed Patrick

Monica (Neck) and Monica (Polish) found their own heaven at the back of the church.

Off into the now pouring rain (we'd heard it on the church roof). A wayside pub proved too much of a temptation as a retreat from the rain. Andy and Dennis were with the backmarking team, and looked ready for shelter. They'd donned their waterproofs, but the vests were safely stowed to keep them dry, justifying their nickname of the "Topless Brothers", although they are wearing other clothes, we hope!

There was a drink stop at Jarn Mound, but few pilgrims climbed the steps to the view point - there was no view. But they missed a work of art. At the top was an orientation table, and John and Louise had annotated it with miniature arrows plotting our route as far as Stratford-on-Avon (where we fall off the edge).

From Jarn Mound the rain got heavier, and another pub proved a safe haven for a while. Here we were met by Nick Parsons, pilgrim of old, and his son Euan, on their way back from Fleet to Sheffield, Ironically they'd been in Abingdon with Nick's sister the previous afternoon, but not realised how early we were arriving.

And so on to the official lunch pub, the Eight Bells at Eaton. This was a long stop, just as well as the food took some time to appear. But it was still raining as we left.

Despite the weather, Alured and Tass Darlington looked happy enough wrapped up against the elements (though the rain seems to have got to my lens!)

Later on, the rain having ceased, we rejoined the Thames (or Isis as its upper reaches are called). We crossed by Pinkhill Lock

and then waited to let the front markers get ahead again.

We fought our way alongside the river (lots of lively nettles!). We did begin to think there were better ways of travelling the river!

And so into Eynsham village, and Bartholomew School. Even COLD showers were welcome! Poor Abi (of the toe) was sitting exhausted in the corner having unloaded the van virtually single handedly. Maybe we need to consider weight limits on pilgrims' bags - some are just too heavy and unwieldy.

David and Siobhan are getting less secretive about their friendship - if you want the video evidence, here it is! pics7/snoggershi.exe