DAY THREE  Lyminge to Newchurch

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Yesterday had been very hot and dry. Today was . . . well, very hot and ended up dry, although it didn't seem it was going to be that way first thing.

Breakfast was outside, as everyone tried to cool off, but the skies were hazy.

Nevertheless, it's important to protect against the sun and Aidan, our leader for today, set a good example.

It was only a ten minute walk to Lyminge Church - our first prayer stop - where Simon shared with us some things about his life.

Shortly after, the heavens (in true pilgrimage fashion) opened - but still people wanted yet more liquid.

The showers were heavy, but didn't last too long and soon we were walking in sunshine once more.

At Pedlinge Church, Peter and friends told us the story of the prodigal daughter - a tale about Polly, Molly, dollies, brollies, a wally and some folly!

Their performance was much appreciated.

One of our new pilgrims seemed to take the route arrows very literally.

By lunch, the weather seemed as hot and sunny as yesterday had been, but, thankfully, shade was available in the garden at the County Members Inn.

Our first prayer stop of the afternoon was Lympne Church. Our younger pilgrims, who were also back-marking for us today, led a moving reflection on what it is to be angel and how we can all be angels to others during our two week pilgrimage together and on our pilgrimage through everyday life.

Our afternoon walk took us along the edge of a wildlife park, where we glimpsed various interesting specimens, native and otherwise.

For our second stop of the afternoon, at St Rumwold's Church near Bonnington, Pat read us a reflection on the pilgrimage of life and other pilgrims shared with us their experiences on the Santiago de Compostella pilgrim trail.

The pilgrims carried on, reflecting on, and perhaps putting into practice, some of the things we had learnt at the day's prayer stops and by chatting to each other as we walked.

Newchurch was our destination today, and pilgrims took a few minutes quiet in SS Peter & Paul Church . . .

. . . before making their way to the Village Hall.

Once everyone had arrived and had a chance to refresh, Mass was celebrated in the open air.

Dinner followed, after which a group adjourned to the adjoining bar (good planning there, accommodation officer) for a merry sing song.

Some of the pilgrims took the opportunity to be extremely merry.

Seven o'clock rise tomorrow - should be interesting.

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