Day 4: New Quay to Llanon
More glorious coast path and shorter and less hilly than the previous day, particularly in the afternoon. For lunch we have a choice of the many establishments in the resort town of Aberaeron. Before that we have our main service of the day at the church in Henfynyw. This church, once the site of a monastery, is identified in the earliest "Life of St David" as the scene of the infancy and early education of St David. The name Henfynyw signifies literally 'Old Menevia' and there is a tradition that the cathedral of St. David's was originally designed to have been erected here. Near the church is a spring, still called Fynnon Ddewi, or 'St. David's Well'.
We woke to a damp morning so, after clearing up and loading the van, our setting off prayers were indoors.
Katherine takes down her first arrow as a backmarker.
Soon we dropped down onto the beach - such a shame about the drizzle.
We had to cross a stream than runs down the beach; you could jump...
...or paddle.
Off into the woods, Geoff and Francis match the arrows.
We soon reached Llanina church.
Jack claims he was only zipping up his coat in the lee of the church wall... you decide.
Bill gave an animated talk weaving various threads into our responsibility for the planet on which we live.
A drink stop followed - Tineke's first this year. The weather was still drizzly.
A stream runs down to the sea - glad there was a bridge to cross it.
Oh dear, choices for damp pilgrims.
Theresa took the "mountain goat" route (as did Howard who is in her shadow).
On along the rolling hills above the sea.
Helen - damp but happy as we descend to another stream crossing.
Dannie and her sou'wester.
Bill and Gil join us, and are welcomed by Danny.
At St David's (Llandewi), Henfynyw, where we celebrated our Eucharist.
Rev Richard Wood, the curate, led our service and told us about the history of the church and it's supposed links with St David, and how St David's message can be applied in the modern world.
We welcomed new pilgrims with their crosses.
Fr David also spoke briefly on today's theme of Trust.
Pilgrims old and new join in with our worship.
Off we go again - age no barrier to progress.
Lunch was free time in Aberaeron; Neville and Bruce went down to the quayside.
Looking out towards the sea in Aberaeron.
We gathered at Holy Trinity church for prayers led by Fr David and Rev Richard...
...after which Sue led us in a song.
Back down from the church, Cheryl and Bill leading the pack.
Patrick is joined by the children of Mark and Merlyn - Mark walked several pilgrimages a while back.
On up the coast... Llanon is in sight beyond Aberarth.
Unfortunately, we'd not managed to make contact with the chapel at Aberarth, so we prayed outside.
The stream running through Aberarth.
On to the drink stop.
Having embarrassed himself earlier, Jack now has his trousers held up with string.
Maurice - still going forward.
John is proud of his Logica Travel Mug.
A cluster of new and newish pilgrims.
Across the fields we go - climbing.
And down again, more steeply.
And up once more, to find Bill sunning himself.
View back south.
And so to our home for the night - Llanon Village Hall.
Our supper was preceded by a Jewish Grace led by Katherine - a moving start to the meal.