Walking in the Footsteps of the Lord - Wells to Arundel 2007

Reunion Diary

The reunion walk is a microcosm of the pilgrimage. We have 1100 feet of ascent, which for a length of 12.6 miles equates to average "hilliness" by 2007 standards. There are surprisingly few stiles, only one notable bunch of stinging nettles, and the occasional bramble. We take an adventurous route across Holmwood Common for the benefit of those who like natural obstacle courses. Unfortunately we couldn't include any seaside. There is a pond but we don't think the National Trust permits swimming! The terrain is a mixture of woodland and farmland, with fine views of well known Surrey Hills which we chose not to tackle on this occasion. And, Peter, this time we pass within half a mile of the Chief Route Planner's house.

Pilgrims gathered over the evening, greeted by homemade lentil soup, and the various pieces that we had made at the pottery at Emsworth on our summer pilgrimage.

Some chatted over the photo albums...

others adjourned to the local ale house...

Most then retired, though some sat up and chatted over a bottle or two well into the night.

Arising on Saturday morning we found Louise actively organising...

...and Joan very actively checking that the grill was working.

It was a bright morning, and the sun shone though the windows...

...casting interesting shadows...

...and lighting up breakfast.

The front markers set off...

...and Fred returns from his OWN BED - no wonder he looks fresh.

Pilgrims head off into the autumn colours.

Crossing the allotments there were some crops glistening with frosty dew...

...as were the dahlias.

Off through the trees...

...Aruna stops for a snack.

Across the frosty field to our first prayer stop, St John the Evangelist at North Holmwood.

Here Mark led the reflection.

On in the sunshine.

The path through the woods was hard to follow...

and we ended up jumping over a stream. John points out that (a) there was a bridge just around the corner to which the arrow on the left pointed and (b) there was a dangling vine by that arrow, hence the prompt "tarzan" on the arrow. But we enjoyed our leap!

We paused, but did not swim, at the pond.

The cattle enjoyed the sunshine too.

The path crossed the Dorking to Horsham railway...

...and we had a close view of a train...

...not to mention the aircraft flying overhead.

Round another pond...

...talking to a friend...

...pausing to allow the front markers to get ahead.

Puddles to remind us of the summer.

A natural corkscrew.

Soon we reached the Surrey Oaks.

Where John and Julie were waiting for us.

Many of us sat in the garden...

...where we were joined by Betsy, Julian and Grace.

Heading back towards Dorking we saw teazels in the sunshine...

...two buses in a shed...

...and a dead tree.

Back into the outskirts of Dorking...

...to St Paul's Church...

...where Peter led the reflection...

...in front of the colourful altar.

And so back to St Joseph's, where we viewed a slideshow of the summer's pilgrimage before a celebration meal...

...and a birthday cake for Monica.

But Patrick wasn't celebrating as we lost the Rugby World Cup Final.

Jonny and Bridget played with the torch and reminded us why we were here.

We sat and chatted into the evening...

...a very relaxed evening was had by all.

Next morning we were up, fed, and tidied before 9 o'clock Mass, for which we provided music. After Mass and coffee we had a brief planning meeting, then dispersed.