Day 11: Rest Day in Carmarthen

Our rest day base is close to the historic town centre. We stayed in the same hall in 1992.

Linda, a regular pilgrim years ago, had complained that some traditions were not upheld: one tradition was reinstated in her honour - she was carried outside in her sleeping bag!

Our Eucharist was in the adjacent Catholic Church, and as we were using their hymn books John was able to put up the numbers.

Fr David presided - red vestments for St Bartholomew's Day.

Mike and Isaac read.

Bill and Linda led the bidding prayers.

Keith brought up the prayer intentions box.

New pilgrims, including Alexe's daughter Zoe, received their crosses.

Patrick and Louise stand to lead Laudato Si.

Aid and Jonny too.

A bright sunny day so after Mass the wet tents were brought out to air.

Nick emerges from under the soggy fabric.

Billowing means drying.

The youngsters played football - Fran

Andy and Mike.

The mandatory visit to the launderette by Godwin and Doug (and many others).

Chris found Patrick a local cider.

Many walked into the town, passing this hotel with its hanging baskets.

Maurice heading back to the hall.

A statue in the town centre,

The castle gateway.

Another view of the gateway

Ursula met Pat and Keith in town.

Ewa and Marie in the launderette.

Aidan folding dry clothes.

Back at the hall, Euan.

Clare

Chris and Pat

Isaac and his newpaper.

Washing drying on the fence.

Peter on guard duty

Many brought takeaways and ate outside the hall in the evening sun.

Gill soaks up the last rays.

Alison arrives to join us.

The youngsters singing outside as it gets dark.

Ania, who joined us just for the rest day, using her phone for its intended purpose (not as tea stirrer like she did last year).

The singing moved indoors - David (who had just arrived) and Sue sitting in them middle of it all.

And so to bed, ready for our final third.

Thanks for all the e-mails! Keep them coming!