Day 2: Lichfield to Uttoxeter

Our first proper day, by the time the official rise time came most people were well awake - if they hadn't already been awake from the various snores and similar noises through the night. A group were out before breakfast for morning prayer.

Breakfast over, van packed, it was time to set off for St Chad's and the morning service. John was showing off his new shirt - the only way Louise would let him wear a Palace shirt.

At St Chad's, our musicians were invited to lead some of the worship.

And our crosses were laid out on a table for blessing before presentation to the pilgrims.

In a beautiful service led by the curate, Janet, Bill Gillett preached on the need to persist in prayer, and to ask why prayer wasn't answered, linking in  the need in pilgrimage and in life to persevere to the end. Little did we know how much this would matter later in the day!

The crosses were distributed, and after the dismissal the pilgrims processed out after the crucifer (himself one of our new pilgrims), round the well.

Then we sneaked back in for a cup of coffee before really leaving.

Well, we did leave, but we were behind schedule.

It had started cool, but soon warmed up, and we welcomed the first drink stop.

The morning included some jungle warfare!

Just before lunch, we paused to pray at Handsacre Methodist Church. Many pilgrims commented on their cross, made of two rough logs.

And so the lunch at the Olde Peculiar, Handsacre, where a pretty garden provided restful surroundings.

Some tried more active pursuits..

And we were joined by Bill and Kate.

Mid-afternoon, we came across a river to be forded or crossed by this plank bridge - choose your style!

Eventually, running nearly and hour and a half late, we reached Abbots Bromley - the Anglican church

where they store the horns for the traditional "Abbots Bromley Horn Dance"

and the Catholic Chapel.

We were treated to tea at the parish rooms. But we still had nearly 7 miles to cover. A new front marking team relieved the tiring leaders, but we were well behind schedule. The front markers arrived at 9:15, 90 minutes behind schedule, and about half the pilgrims were picked up by car and ferried in as the light failed. So, after a very welcome supper, we're off to bed - no pub, but it's still gone midnight!