Day 12: Mansfield Woodhouse to Southwell
Our day began with just a short walk down the road to St Edmund's Church. Our two Polish pilgrims read the lesson and the responsorial psalm.
The vicar was very welcoming and took part in the service.
He concluded the service with a lively sung blessing with actions.
And then our day's walking began in earnest.
Our route took us past a very picturesque fishing lake . . .
. . . and up through the woods.
We also passed through a farmyard complete with old horse-drawn carts.
This sign was a little disconcerting. A diversion would not have been welcome, especially on this the longest walking day this year; but, ever hopeful, we continued regardless and encountered no obstruction.
Lunch was not at a pub, but in Rufford Country Park. There was an amazing number of sparrows. How many can you count in this picture?
Some pilgrims visited the Buttery for their lunch.
Immediately after lunch, we visited the abbey ruins within the park, where Peter led us in a reflection.
Then we were on our way again with over 11 miles still to go.
At our first drinks stop of the afternoon, Rosemary gave each pilgrim a miniature piece of rock in the shape of a letter J . . .
. . . for:
Prayer stops provide a welcome physical rest, as well as spiritual refreshment.
At St Andrew's, Eakring, Althea shared her experiences with us . . .
. . . and we enjoyed the generous hospitality of the church.
Soon after, a light patter of rain began, but not for long.
It soon became torrential!
Our DIY prayer stop at St Swithun's (how appropriate!) provided a brief shelter from the weather (as well as drinks, biscuits and and a warm smile).
The foul weather (and it really was foul - absolutely torrential rain) continued for the rest of the day, precluding further photography. We arrived at the Methodist Church soaking wet, but thankfully not too cold. The first priority was to get dry and then to get clothes and boots dry ready for the next day's walk.
What happened next, I don't know as I escaped to a friend's house for a shower, but I daresay for many pilgrims it involved a pub. (I bet you guessed that last bit.)