Day 11: Rest Day in Amble

A well-deserved rest day by the sea. Amble also has a launderette which I'm sure will be well patronised.

Our rest day started with Mass in the hall. Alexe read the reading. We also read the roll of deceased pilgrims and prayed for the repose of their souls, and offered our e-mail correspondents and their intentions as our intercessions.

The "stage crew" had their alternative choir behind the altar.

Rest day = washing day...

.. but this is "launderette with a view"

Bridget, Louise and Sarah went horse riding on the beach at North Sunderland - apparently you rarely get to gallop so far in the south as you can on Northumberland's long, sandy beaches.

Sarah hopes to overtake the ship.

Wating for the riders to return, the cooks also have an outing, with the Farne Islands behind.

The Farne Islands unobstructed by cooks.

The riders gallop in front of Bamburgh Castle.

Bridget is happy after her gallop.

Sarah and Louise return to the stables.

Several pilgrims went to Alnwick and its famous castle - and look rather confused.

Howard found a friend...

Arise Sir Knight!

If Howards and Fred ruled the world...

The castle was used as Hogwarts in Harry Potter...

...which increased the entrance prices.

Nice gardens

Other pilgrims took a boat to the Farne Islands...

...and saw seals.

St Cuthbert's Chapel

The lighthouse

Heading home

Patrick sleeps off his lunchtime excesses.

Pilgrims crowd around the "best chippy in town".

Now that Bruce has left, Kev and Lauren thought it was safe to turn up.

These three were puzzled.

Party time, Ania, B and Joan (and half of Jonny) lead Father Abraham.

Patrick masterminds from the main hall floor.

Claire enters into the spirit...

...and the spirit has entered into David.

Thanks to all our e-mail correspondents for your messages of support.

And now, with Fr David, Patrick, Mark and Peter (inter alia) getting their snoring tuned for the night, and lights out behind us, goodnight as we enter the final third of our pilgrimage.