DAY SIXTEEN Homeward Bound from Chester

The day we return to 'normal' life, and so the van is packed with cooking and other pilgrimage equipment that needs to go south for storage until next time.

Used to being ready to be off early most days, we needed to get used to waiting, but most people found that quite easy. It's staying awake while waiting that's hard.

Many pilgrims attended the first part of a very lively morning service in the church at which we stayed, but as soon as the coach arrived, there was sudden activity as luggage and pilgrims were loaded on.

 

Goodbyes were said to those not travelling on the coach.

Very soon we were underway, the streets of Chester and our pilgrimage already receding into the past.

A final pub, but no sarnies this time: pub-grub all round at the Greyhound near Stone in Staffordshire - and a chance to reminisce on the last two weeks.

Father David Russell, denied the opportunity to preach today, had obviously made an earlier visit in order to impart to us his words of wisdom. Presumably, these apply to the period between rise time and setting out for the day's walking.

As my home is in Staffordshire, this was where my pilgrimage ended, as the coach continued on its journey to Redhill.

A final wave from the van crew as they too continue on their way.

And that's it . . . until the reunion.

 

ITINERARY

Northgate Church, Upper Northgate Street, Chester, Cheshire SJ404667

1000-1100 Northgate Church, Upper Northgate Street, Chester, Morning Service SJ404667

The Greyhound, Yarlet (on A34 north of Stafford) SJ911287

Coach Drop Off - Slough Station SU978801

Coach Drop Off - Redhill TQ281506

Diarist: SS
Created: 29/8/04